Natural swimming hole
Big Hollow Recreation Area beach
Lake · Iowa
About this swimming hole
Big Hollow Recreation Area is Des Moines County's premier outdoor recreation area, built around a 178-acre no-wake lake west of Sperry. Des Moines County Conservation describes its beach as a free, go-to place for sunseekers, open daily until 8:00 PM in summer. Canoe and kayak rentals, a public boat ramp and campgrounds surround the lake.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | June-August |
| Fees | Free |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Parking | county park lots at the recreation area off 152nd Ave |
| Amenities | swimming beach, canoe and kayak rentals, boat ramp, campground, playground |
| County | Des Moines County |
| Nearest town | Sperry |
| Safety notes | no lifeguard information published; floating booms and treatments are used to keep algae out of the swimming area - check Iowa DNR beach monitoring for current advisories |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Big Hollow Recreation Area beach?
Yes — Big Hollow Recreation Area beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Iowa. Heads-up: no lifeguard information published; floating booms and treatments are used to keep algae out of the swimming area - check Iowa DNR beach monitoring for current advisories. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Big Hollow Recreation Area beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Big Hollow Recreation Area beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Big Hollow Recreation Area beach?
Reported fee info: Free. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Big Hollow Recreation Area beach?
The best season is typically June-August.