About This Park
Overview
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is a day-use facility located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.
Recreation
The 18-hole Walnut Ridge Disc Golf Course runs throughout the recreation area. The beautifully manicured course contains both open and wooded fairways with blind pins and tunnel shots.
Visitors come to Saylorville Lake for its great boating, sailing and swimming opportunities. Anglers fish for walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike.
The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.
Facilities
This day-use area offers three group picnic shelters with water and electricity. Amenities include flush toilets, a playground, and hiking trails.
Natural Features
The area is situated on a wooded ridgeland on the west side of Saylorville Lake. Large shade trees cover the area.
Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.
Quick Information
- Type: State Park, Overnight Parking
- Network: Federal – Other
- Price Range: $15-35
- Rating: 4.5 / 5
Amenities
- ✓ Electric Hookup
- ✓ Restrooms
- ✓ Pet Friendly
- ✓ Picnic Tables
- ✓ Grills/Fire Ring
Contact & Location
SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE 5600 NW 78TH AVE
Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: 515-276-4656
Book This Park
Electric hookups are available, though water and sewer are shared — a good balance of convenience and simplicity. At altitude, expect crisp mornings, quieter nights, and scenery that's hard to leave behind. Grills and fire rings on-site set the stage for classic campfire evenings.