Big Creek State Park

Dogs are allowed in the State Park, as long as they are on a lease at all times. As for swimming, no pets are allowed on the sand at the Beach at anytime. There are two grassy areas on either end of the beach where the dogs and owners can have access to the water. That way if you come with family or friends, the people can hang out in the sand and the dog can stay in the grass and still be close to your group and cool off in the water. Also, we only allow swimming from shore at the designated beach when visiting Big Creek State Park. If you have more questions please feel free to call the Park Office at 515-984-6473, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.

The beaches are open but last weekend there was high levels of Ecoli bacteria. You may want to check DNR site before swimming there.

We have a wide variety of fish that can be sought after by all types of anglers. This lake does not have trout. Please visit https://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/Where-to-Fish/Lakes-Ponds-Reservoirs/LakeDetails/lakeCode/BIC77 for a full list of species, lake maps, and other useful information about Big Creek Lake. Please remember to follow the special regulations for the lake. The entire lake has a 5mph maximum speed, you may only keep three walleye over 15 inches with one being over being over 20 inches, per day, and follow all other statewide regulations that have been set. Good luck out there and stay safe.

Yes, the playground is open. The water at Big Creek is safe to swim in and passed the water testing that is done every week throughout the summer. Please visit the beach monitoring website for update information and beach closures. https://www.iowadnr.gov/things-to-do/beach-monitoring

From opening to closing time of the park

Yes, the Marina is open and they are renting out watercraft. To contact them, please call, 515-984-6083 or visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Lake/Big-Creek-Marina-210601638974655/ or http://www.bigcreekmarina.com/index.htm for more information. Please be aware, with the holiday weekend upon us, they are receiving an abundance of phone calls. If you get a busy signal, please keep trying until you get through.

Yes, Big Creek Beach will continue to be open for swimming. Please be aware that the park and beach have been experiencing high usage and visitors this year, so plan ahead, especially with the holiday weekend coming up. Currently, we do not have any plans to hold an event over the weekend of July 4th. Check with the surrounding towns to see if there are any planned firework displays. For more information about State Parks, please visit www.iowadnr.gov to get up to date info. Thank you!

Yes. Contact the Marina at 515-984-6083 or their website: http://www.bigcreekmarina.com

Check DNR website for lake water quality. Last weekend there was a warning about Ecoli bacteria at Big Creek and several other lakes in Iowa.

Still ice covered

Yes. Must be leashed.

Im sorry, but Big Creek State Park does not have camping. The nearest camping is with Saylorville reservoir or Polk County Conservation.

Yes there are picnic tables and grills

Big Creek State Park does not have a campground. There are Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds associated with Saylorville Unit, and Polk County Conservation Board with Jester Park.

Docks are in at Williams Drive, Beach, and East Boat Ramp. There's some construction and repairs to be done at the West Boat ramp which will put things a little behind. I would anticipate after April 12?

If you have a sled, you can sled anywhere!

Yes, the Butch Olofson Shooting Range is nearby, but not in the park: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Places-to-Hunt-Shoot/Butch-Olofson-Shooting-Range

This park closes sharply at 10:30pm, the park ranger really takes his job seriously and will run your pkates , call you during open hours just to check on you so becareful

Yes in the lake

And

No camping