Natural swimming hole
Oak Grove Beach, Saylorville Lake
Lake · Iowa
About this swimming hole
Oak Grove Beach is, per the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the only designated swim beach at Saylorville Lake, on the east side of the lake off Highway 415 near Prairie Flower Campground. It is a distinct beach from the Cherry Glen area already listed for Saylorville. The beach is an alcohol-free zone with a life jacket loaner station, running water and restrooms when open for the season.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | June-August |
| Fees | $5 per vehicle for beach use |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Parking | Corps lots at Oak Grove Recreation Area, 5798 NW 98th Ave |
| Amenities | swimming beach, life jacket loaner station, restrooms, picnic shelters |
| County | Polk County |
| Nearest town | Polk City |
| Safety notes | no lifeguards; all swimming is at your own risk; alcohol-free beach; check Corps/DNR monitoring - E. coli above the state standard was reported here in August 2025 |
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 Oak Grove Beach, Saylorville Lake?
Yes — Oak Grove Beach, Saylorville Lake is listed as a natural swimming spot in Iowa. Heads-up: no lifeguards; all swimming is at your own risk; alcohol-free beach; check Corps/DNR monitoring - E. coli above the state standard was reported here in August 2025. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Oak Grove Beach, Saylorville Lake require reservations?
No reservations are required at Oak Grove Beach, Saylorville Lake based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Oak Grove Beach, Saylorville Lake?
Reported fee info: $5 per vehicle for beach use. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Oak Grove Beach, Saylorville Lake?
The best season is typically June-August.