
Are you looking for a lake to paddle, fish, rent a boat, or spend a day unwinding by the water? Look no further. There are many excellent lakes near Des Moines, Iowa! So, whether you want some waterside relaxation or an adventure, you don’t have to look far.
Below are Des Moines lakes, starting with those closest to the metro! There are many options, and we’re sure you’ll find the perfect place to spend a day at a lake.
Related: Des Moines Iowa Beaches: Spend a fun summer day at a beach near you!
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Visit these lakes near Des Moines!
Gray’s Lake
Gray’s Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315
Gray’s Lake is one of the most popular lakes in the Des Moines metro! There’s much to do and see there, all within walking distance of the city center.
- 100-acre lake
- Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding (+ rentals)
- Fishing (shore)
- Beach
- Loop Trail

Blue Heron Lake
Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
Blue Heron Lake is the centerpiece of Raccoon River Park. The large beach, playground, and shelters are popular summer draws. And the boathouse offers canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
- 232-acre lake
- Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding (+ rentals)
- Fishing (fishing pier, jetty, shore)
- Beach
- Gravel loop trail
Easter Lake
Easter Lake Park, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50320
Easter Lake Park is a 469-acre park with a 172-acre lake on Des Moines’ southeast side. Spend the day at the lake—rent a pontoon boat or kayak, laze on the beach or go fishing!
- 172-acre lake
- Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding (+ rentals)
- Pontoon rentals
- Motorboats at no-wake speed
- Fishing (fishing pier, jetty, shore)
- Beach
- Loop trail

Copper Creek Lake
Copper Creek Lake Park, 4390 E University Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Copper Creek Lake is a beautiful lake on Des Moines’ east side, with plenty to do nearby. Rent a stand-up paddleboard, go fishing, or take in the beautiful surroundings!
- 42-acre lake
- Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding (SUP rentals only)
- Fishing (shore)
- Loop Trail
Terra Lake
Terra Park, 6300 Pioneer Pkwy, Johnston, IA 50131
Terra Lake is in a 200-acre park on the north side of Des Moines. The stocked lake offers good fishing, and kayak rentals are available seasonally. Also, the park often hosts several community events and activities.
- 8-acre lake
- Kayaking (+ rentals)
- Fishing (pier, shore)
- Soft loop trail

Purple Martin Lake
Purple Martin Water Resource Area, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Enjoy the pristine waters and beautiful views at Purple Martin Lake, south of West Des Moines! Go paddling or fishing on the lake, walk the grassy trail, and see the purple martins too!
- 87-acre lake
- Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding (no rentals)
- Fishing (shore)
- Grassy trail (not a loop trail!)
Saylorville Lake
Saylorville Lake is a few miles north of Des Moines and is the most popular lake near Des Moines! The 6000-acre lake draws many visitors for boating, swimming, fishing, camping, and more!
- 6000-acre lake
- Marina with boat rentals (and a restaurant!)
- Fishing (shore, jetty, boat)
- Four boat ramps
- Two beaches

Maffitt Lake
Dale Maffitt Reservoir, 12460 Maffitt Lake Road, Cumming, Iowa, 50061
Maffitt Lake is on the southwest side of West Des Moines. The lake’s clear water is perfect for paddling, fishing, and relaxing on the lakeshore!
- 200-acre lake
- Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding (permit required, no rentals)
- Fishing (small pier, shore)
- Grassy trail (not a loop trail!)
Banner Lakes
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park, 13084 Elk Horn St, Carlisle, IA 50047
Banner Lakes are two of the most unique (and scenic!) lakes in the Des Moines area! The 222-acre park was once a coal mine, which created a series of beautiful lakes.
- Banner Lake North is 16 acres
- Banner Lake South is 24 acres
- Fishing (pier, shore, boat); South Lake stocked with trout in cool months (permit required)
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Motorboats at no-wake speeds
- Two boat ramps
- Nearby dirt and paved trails

Lake Future (DMACC/Ankeny Lake)
DMACC, 2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023
Des Moines Area Community College is home to this well-liked fishing lake in Ankeny, north of Des Moines.
- 15-acre lake
- Fishing (pier, jetty, shore)
- Loop trail
Big Creek Lake
Big Creek State Park, 8794 NW 125th Avenue, Polk City, IA 50226
Big Creek Lake is an 866-acre lake in a state park north of Des Moines. It’s known for its swimming beach, boat rentals, excellent fishing, and more!
- 866-acre lake
- Marina with boat rentals (including kayaks and pontoon boats)
- Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding
- Motorboats at no-wake speed
- Five boat ramps
- Large beach with cabanas
- Fishing (pier, jetty, shore, boat)

Lake Petocka
Lake Petocka, Bondurant, Iowa 50035
Lake Petocka is northeast of Des Moines in Bondurant. It’s known for its excellent shore fishing, and in the cooler months, it even gets stocked with trout!
- 19-acre lake
- Fishing (shore, non-motorized boat); stocked with trout in cooler months (permit required)
- Kayaking and canoeing (no rentals)
- Loop trail
Badger Creek Lake
Badger Creek State Recreation Area, 120th St, Van Meter, IA 50261 (off gravel roads)
This lake is part of an 1100-acre recreation area 20 miles southwest of Des Moines. It’s well known for its hunting, fishing, and sunflower fields.
- 276-acre lake
- Fishing (pier, shore, jetty, boat)
- Kayaking and canoeing (no rentals)
- Motorboats at no-wake speeds
- Two boat ramps

Lake Ahquabi
Lake Ahquabi State Park, 16510 118th Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
Lake Ahquabi is an easy 30-minute drive south of Des Moines. And it has a lot to offer, including paddling rentals, a beach, and camping too!
- 115-acre lake
- Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and more (+ rentals)
- Beach
- Fishing (pier, jetty, shore, boat)
- No-wake speeds
- Two boat ramps
- Loop trail
Quarry Springs
Quarry Springs Park, 200 North Park Road, Colfax, IA 50054
Quarry Springs Park is about 30 minutes east of Des Moines. The 480-acre park has three joined lakes where visitors can kayak, fish, view the Ospreys, and more.
- 240 acres of water
- Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding (+ rentals)
- Fishing (shore, boat)
- No wake speeds (electric motor or non-motorized only)
- Two boat ramps
- Trails (hiking, mountain biking)

There you have it, a list of the lakes near Des Moines. Armed with this information, you can get out and explore them all! Stay safe, and have fun!
Next:
• Top Lakes in Iowa
• A Guide to Des Moines Boat Rentals
• Central Iowa Trout Fishing
• Ice Fishing in Iowa