Iowa may be land-locked, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go to the beach! There are lots of lakes in Iowa around Des Moines that have beaches where you can set up camp and spend some time with your family.
Please keep in mind lakes are often unsupervised, so make sure you and your family have the water safety supplies, like life jackets, you need before you hit the beach. Beaches can also be closed with little warning based on a variety of reasons so check the links provided! Many of these beaches also have camping available. Also, remember the amenities mentioned here may not be available every day.
Safety note: before you go, make sure you check Iowa DNR for e-coli levels
Beaches near Des Moines
Saylorville Lake in Saylorville Township
Saylorville Lake is just north of Des Moines and has two beaches that are open for lake access. Living in the metro, Saylorville is a quick enough drive letting you enjoy the beach for just an hour or two!
Big Creek State Park in Polk City
Follow the signs inside Big Creek State Park to get to this popular and largest beach in the state park system. Big Creek is also a popular fishing spot in the metro. You can also swim and boat.
Easter Lake in Des Moines
Located on the south side of Des Moines, Athene North Shore Recreation Area will be your go-to recreation spot for the summer months. Known as the most accessible park in the country, there are several playgrounds, nature-scape, picnic shelters, water rentals, and great trails throughout the area.
Gray’s Lake in Des Moines
For an ideal inner city outdoor experience, Gray’s Lake has it all. Swim and relax along the shore, walk or bike on the two mile paved trail, or grab your favorite watercraft for some fun on the water. Bring along the whole family and make sure to check out the new playground and spray-ground!
Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines
Known as the “crown jewel” of West Des Moines, Raccoon River Park is your go-to outdoor recreation destination. Featured spots at this park include the Nature Lodge, Athene Pedestrian Bridge, sports complexes, and public art installations.
Lake Ahquabi State Park in Indianola
Lake Ahquabi is a man-made lake with a beach for swimming as well as a pier for fishing. You can also rent water equipment like paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and boats.
Beaches in Other Parts of Iowa
Iowa’s Great Lakes (Okoboji)
It wouldn’t be a post about Iowa lakes without mentioning Iowa’s Great Lake region. This area in Northwestern Iowa is often referred to as simply Okoboji but it is really an area made up of several connected lakes that include West Okoboji, East Okoboji, Upper Gar, Lower Gar, and Minnewashta. If you have never spent time in this area of the state it is worth a trip!
Clear Lake in Clear Lake
Close enough to Des Moines for a day trip (less than 2 hours north) or perfect for a longer stay, this lake is in a quaint small town and a great spot for boating, swimming, and camping.
Rathbun Lake in Moravia
Just a two-hour drive from the Des Moines metro is Honey Creek State Park, home to Rathbun Lake. Access to a public beach is smaller than some of the other beaches mentioned here. Honey Creek Resort is managed by the DNR and has lake access, indoor waterpark, and a marina if you are looking for an overnight getaway.
Lake Red Rock in Marion County
Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake, is a favorite destination for outdoor adventure. With two beautiful beaches and plenty of opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing, it’s the perfect spot for a summer day on the water. Conveniently located near Pella and Knoxville—and just an hour southeast of Des Moines—there’s something to enjoy in every season. Visit in the spring and fall to catch the incredible white pelican migration.
Coralville Lake in Coralville
Coralville Lake has two public beaches to enjoy and around 5,000 acres of water for boating or other recreational activities.
Lake McBride in Solon
Lake McBride is another great beach option in Eastern Iowa. Since it is a state park there are a few more amenities. You can rent boats along with kayaks, canoes, and paddle-boards.
Kent Park near Tiffin
Kent Park has a public beach for boating, swimming, or fishing. Take the trail around the 27 acre lake and cross over several historic bridges.
Lake Manawa in Council Bluffs
Lake Manawa is a great park in Western Iowa that is full of fun things for the family to do including swimming, boating, and paddle boarding. Check out the Dream Playground – Iowa’s largest ADA accessible playground.
Spirit Lake in Spirit Lake
Spirit Lake is a beautiful large lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. Spirit Lake is another area to check out in Northwestern Iowa with ample beach area and lots of amenities!
Beach Essentials
Don’t forget to pack the things you need to have a great, stress-free day. Water, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, waterproof bags, a slouchy sweatshirt for chilly stayover nights, and a good book are musts for me! We recently invested in some inflatable kayaks and paddle boards for fun days on the water. Inflatable ones are easily portable wether your destination is nearby or requires some driving, and set up is pretty quick.
