Saylorville Boat Ramps: Open Or Closed?

Saylorville Lake Marina, located on the Des Moines River in central Iowa, offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. The lake provides convenient access to boat ramps, such as the Lincoln Access ramp and the Jester Park Drive ramp, for those who want to explore its 17-mile length. However, heavy rainfall and flooding can impact the availability of these ramps, with closures implemented to ensure public safety.

The Lincoln Access ramp is north of the Mile-Long Bridge

The Lincoln Access ramp offers convenient access to the northern stretches of the 17-mile-long lake. It is important to note that a "No Motorized Vessel Zone" is in effect north of the Mile-Long Bridge from April 1 to August 31. This restriction impacts the boat ramp located near the main camping area at Jester Park. During periods of flood storage, this restriction may be lifted.

For the latest information and details regarding the boat ramps and any restrictions, it is recommended to contact the US Army Corps of Engineers at Saylorville Lake. Their phone number is 515-276-4656, and you can also visit their website for more information.

It is important for boaters to be aware of any safety concerns and closures at Saylorville Lake. Due to flooding and high water levels, certain areas of the lake and surrounding recreational sites may be closed for public safety. Heavy rains in northwest Iowa have caused record flooding and the evacuation of thousands of residents. The US Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District announced that closures will remain in effect until lake levels recede and the areas can be cleaned and safely reopened.

The Lincoln Access ramp provides boaters with access to the northern stretches of Saylorville Lake. Boaters should always follow the "no wake" rules and any other safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the lake.

The Jester Park Drive ramp is near the main camping area

The Jester Park Drive ramp is conveniently located near the main camping area at Jester Park. This boat ramp offers easy access to the northern stretches of the 17-mile-long Saylorville Lake. It is important to note that this area is subject to periodic closures due to flooding and high water levels. For example, in June 2024, heavy rains in northwest Iowa caused record flooding, resulting in the closure of several areas at Saylorville Lake, including the NW Jester Park Drive.

During periods of high water or flooding, boaters should exercise extreme caution due to the presence of debris in the lake. This debris, which can pose a threat to boats and boaters, may not always be visible and could create hazards beneath the water's surface. To ensure safety, boaters are strongly advised to wear life jackets, reduce speed, avoid boating after dark, and follow all buoy markings for navigation.

The Jester Park Drive ramp is also affected by the "No Motorized Vessel Zone" restrictions in place on the lake. This zone is enforced north of the Mile Long Bridge from April 1 to August 31. However, during periods of flood storage, these restrictions may be lifted. Boaters can contact the US Army Corps of Engineers at Saylorville Lake for up-to-date information on any restrictions or closures.

Saylorville Lake Marina, located on the Des Moines River in central Iowa, just north of Des Moines city, offers a range of outdoor recreational activities beyond boating. These include camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. The lake provides a minimum downstream river flow to ensure water supply and quality during drought periods.

No Motorized Vessel Zone rules apply from April 1 to August 31

Boat ramps on Saylorville Lake at Jester Park offer access to the northern stretches of this 17-mile-long lake. The Lincoln Access ramp is just north of the Mile-Long Bridge, and the Jester Park Drive ramp is next to the main camping area.

From April 1 to August 31, the area north of the Mile Long Bridge becomes a "No Motorized Vessel Zone". This rule affects the boat ramp near the main camping area at Jester Park. The restriction may be lifted during periods of flood storage. For more information, it is recommended to contact the US Army Corps of Engineers at Saylorville Lake by calling 515-276-4656 or visiting their website.

The "No Motorized Vessel Zone" rule is implemented to ensure the safety of boaters and protect the environment. These zones are typically established by state regulatory agencies, such as the USGC, to meet the specific needs of the area. They are designed to restrict access or protect people, property, wildlife, and the environment.

During this period, only non-motorized vessels are permitted in the specified area. This includes canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other human-powered watercraft. It is important for paddlers to be aware of and comply with vessel safety laws and regulations, as they are subject to enforcement actions if they enter restricted areas.

It is essential to follow the rules and regulations while boating to ensure the safety of everyone on the water and protect the surrounding environment.

Closures may be lifted during periods of flood storage

Saylorville Lake Marina, located on the Des Moines River in central Iowa, offers a plethora of outdoor recreational activities, including boating, camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. The lake covers 26,000 acres and provides essential water supply and quality control during droughts.

Boat ramps at Saylorville Lake offer convenient access to its northern stretches. The Lincoln Access ramp is located just north of the Mile-Long Bridge, while the Jester Park Drive ramp is adjacent to the main camping area. However, during certain periods, these boat ramps may be closed due to high water levels caused by heavy rainfall and flooding.

While closures are necessary for public safety, they may be temporarily lifted during periods of flood storage. This is because, during flooding, the primary focus shifts from water supply and quality control to floodwater management and downstream flood mitigation. As a result, the usual restrictions on motorized vessels may be temporarily relaxed to facilitate this effort.

The decision to lift closures during flood storage is made by the US Army Corps of Engineers at Saylorville Lake, who can be contacted at 515-276-4656 or via their website. They closely monitor the lake levels and make decisions based on real-time data and forecasts. When closures are in effect, their website provides valuable updates on area closures and other essential information.

Cherry Glen Lower Boat Ramp was closed in 2024 due to high water levels

In 2024, the Cherry Glen Lower Boat Ramp at Saylorville Lake was closed due to high water levels. This was a result of heavy rains causing the lake levels to rise rapidly. The closure of the boat ramp was necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and facilities.

The Cherry Glen Lower Boat Ramp is located on the northern stretches of Saylorville Lake, a 17-mile-long lake in Polk County, Iowa. The lake is a popular destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts, offering convenient access to its waters through several boat ramps. However, in May 2024, the rising lake levels posed a significant challenge, leading to the closure of multiple boat ramps and recreational areas.

In addition to the Cherry Glen Lower Boat Ramp, several other boat ramps and beaches at Saylorville Lake were also closed due to the high water levels. These included the Lakeview Main and Sandpiper Boat Ramps, Oak Grove Beach, Sandpiper Beach, the Hwy 210 Boat Ramp, and Corydon Drive. The closures were necessary as the high water levels made boating conditions hazardous, with submerged facilities and floating debris creating potential dangers for vessels on the lake.

Despite the challenges posed by the high water levels, the Cherry Glen High Water Boat Ramp remained open during this period, although with limited parking for boats and cars. Boaters were advised to expect potential waits during peak times and to follow updates on area closures. The Saylorville Lake website and Facebook page provided frequent updates on the evolving situation, including lake levels, outflows, and closures.

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