Bob Shetler Recreation Area
9 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers
Bob Shetler Recreation Area is located in the tailwater area below the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.
Outdoors
Swimming holes and lakes near Des Moines
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Des Moines where swimming is allowed on public land.
11places to swim
9 mito the closest
5within 30 miles
June–Septemberbest months
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
Closest picks
Cherry Glen Campground
10 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers
Cherry Glen Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.
Oak Grove Picnic Area
11 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers
Oak Grove Picnic 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.
Map of all 11 places
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Within 30 miles (5)
Bob Shetler Recreation Area
Bob Shetler Recreation Area is located in the tailwater area below the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Swimming
- Water sports
Cherry Glen Campground
Cherry Glen Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ranger programs
- Swimming
Oak Grove Picnic Area
Oak Grove Picnic 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.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
Acorn Valley
Acorn Valley Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ranger programs
- Swimming
Prairie Flower Recreation Area
Prairie Flower Recreation Area is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Swimming
- Water sports
30 to 75 miles (6)
Miner'S Retreat Enclosed Shelter (Ia)
Miner's Retreat Enclosed Shelter is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world.
- Birding
- Camping
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Water Access
- Wildlife viewing
Whitebreast Camp
Whitebreast Camp is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
North Overlook Camp
North Overlook Campground is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)
Bridgeview Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just 13 miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing and picnicking are popular activities at this waterfront recreation area.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Ice Climbing
- Information Site
Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)
Prairie Ridge Park is located 6 miles, SW of the Jct of Iowa Highway 5 and J18 at Moravia. Awesome Sunsets- No Extra Charge! Rathbun's off-the-beaten path park offers unique opportunities for lover's of the outdoors.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Picnicking
Rathbun Lake
Over 700 campsites are available at this 11,000-acre lake in the rolling hills of southern Iowa. Excellent camping, fishing, hunting, boating, state fish hatchery, and Honey Creek Resort, are major attractions.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Des Moines. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Des Moines
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More outdoors near Des Moines
- Hiking near Des Moines
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- Fishing near Des Moines
- Boating and kayaking near Des Moines
- Biking and mountain biking near Des Moines
- Picnic spots near Des Moines
- Wildlife viewing and birding near Des Moines
- Snow play and winter sports near Des Moines
- Parks in Des Moines
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for swimming near Des Moines?
Bob Shetler Recreation Area (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 9 miles north of Des Moines as the crow flies. Next are Cherry Glen Campground (10 mi) and Oak Grove Picnic Area (11 mi).
When is the best time for swimming near Des Moines?
Based on Des Moines’s average highs, June–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.