Lakes Near Des Moines, Iowa

Raccoon River Park Boathouse — Raccoon River Park

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.

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, Unnamed Road, 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 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

Bondurant, Iowa

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! (Note: The lake got drained in 2021, so check to make sure it’s back before you go!)

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.