BIG CREEK STATE PARK
The shooting range is located off Highway 415, three miles northwest of the park entrance and offers sheltered stations for firing handguns and rifles. The range is operated by a private concessionaire and is open to the public year round. The hours are Wednesday - Friday 12 P.M. to sunset and Saturday and Sunday 8 A.M to sunset. A recently developed trap and skeet area also provides challenging recreational opportunities at this complex. The trap and skeet area is available Wednesday - Friday 3 P.M. until dark and Saturday and Sunday 8 A.M. until dark. This area also provides a classroom facility for hunter education, training, and meetings. Please call 515-795-2067 or 515-238-6977 for information, upcoming events or change in hours.
Big Creek State Lake was created as part of the Saylorville project to protect Polk City form floods. A diversion dam which forms the 866-acre Big Creek Lake Saylorville was primarily a flood control project but also offers a wide variety of recreation. Big Creek State Park and the adjoining public hunting areas provide recreation for visitors of all ages and interests. The focal point of the 3,550- acre complex is the lake.
Camping is not permitted at Big Creek State Park. However, there are several large federal camping areas about four miles away on Saylorville Lake.
Big Creek Lake's clear water provides great family swimming fun. Refreshments are available at the beach during the swimming season. A large wooden play structure, accessible to the mobility impaired, is located at the beach.
Any size motor may be operated at "no wake" speeds on the lake. Five modern boat ramps, three on the west side and two on the east, provide excellent access to the lake. A gravel ramp is located on the upper end of the lake. Sailboat rigging zones and vehicle parking areas are at each modern ramp. A 102-berth "dry-dock" area is at the northeast corner of the park. Arrangements for rental of dry-docking space may be made through the park office. A fishing pier is accessible to the mobility impaired.
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