Parking
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Playground
14 reviews
The Sandpiper Recreation Area features restrooms and a playground, making it a nice venue for gatherings, as highlighted by the positive experience during a son's first birthday party. However, cleanliness was a concern, with reports of debris on the concrete that attracted flies. Overall, it offers a pleasant space with room for improvement in maintenance.
Based on guest feedback
4.5
Based on 14 reviews
Showing 14 reviews
September 1, 2021
The privacy & size of the area were ideal for what we used it for. The size of the shelter & number of picnic tables, the fact that there were 3 grills, a volleyball court & baseball diamond, in addition to the playground and nice clean restrooms all right there made it ideal for our gathering! We absolutely LOVE having our gathering at this shelter. And the park ranger was SO GREAT to work with!!!
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September 1, 2021
The privacy & size of the area were ideal for what we used it for. The size of the shelter & number of picnic tables, the fact that there were 3 grills, a volleyball court & baseball diamond, in addition to the playground and nice clean restrooms all right there made it ideal for our gathering! We absolutely LOVE having our gathering at this shelter. And the park ranger was SO GREAT to work with!!!
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June 13, 2022
NIce area. Clean
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June 13, 2022
NIce area. Clean
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June 18, 2022
This is a very nice site. It has a very large covered area with picnic tables throughout and two fireplaces at one end. There is a ball diamond, volleyball court, a place for horseshoes if you bring your equipment. There is a large patio area with two grills for outside cooking. Next to the site is a very large playground for children. Very highly recommended.
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June 18, 2022
This is a very nice site. It has a very large covered area with picnic tables throughout and two fireplaces at one end. There is a ball diamond, volleyball court, a place for horseshoes if you bring your equipment. There is a large patio area with two grills for outside cooking. Next to the site is a very large playground for children. Very highly recommended.
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August 27, 2022
Perfect location & amenities for our annual picnic
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August 27, 2022
Perfect location & amenities for our annual picnic
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July 13, 2025
The only complaint I have was it wasn’t very clean someone could have at least swept and sprayed the concrete off there was watermelon and garbage all over the floor it would have helped keep flies away
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July 13, 2025
The only complaint I have was it wasn’t very clean someone could have at least swept and sprayed the concrete off there was watermelon and garbage all over the floor it would have helped keep flies away
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Saylorville Lake Administration Office, Johnston, IA 50131 United States
Elevation: 274 ft
Physical Address: 7101 NW Polk City Drive Polk City, IA 50226
From I-35, take Exit 92 and go east on First Street approximately 5 mi to HWY 415. Turn right (north) and travel approximately 3 mi to recreation area on the right.
The Sandpiper Recreation Area is accessible via I-35 at Exit 92, followed by First Street and HWY 415.
Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Population: 24,384
Nearby city: Ankeny, IA
Approx. 6 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 833 ft
Johnston, IA
