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Best boat ramps near Des Moines

33 boat ramps · 33 ranked · updated 2026-08-16 · off-season

Explore the best boat ramps near Des Moines, Iowa — every spot ranked by our conditions-aware Snoflo score: live conditions first, then visitor reviews and logged trips. Click a pin on the map for the score and what's driving it.

Showing the top 15 of 33 boat ramps · best 15 shown on the map
S⛰
Saylorville Marina Access
#1 Saylorville Marina Access
12.2 mi away
Saylorville Marina Access is a public boat launch on Big Creek - Saylorville Lake in Polk County, Iowa. Snoflo tracks live launch conditions here from the nearest streamflow gauge…
Why 55: public ramp & water access
55Solid
R⛰
Runnells Access
#2 Runnells Access
15.6 mi away
Runnells Access is a public boat launch on Des Moines River in Warren County, Iowa. Snoflo tracks live launch conditions here from the nearest streamflow gauge and buoys…
Why 55: public ramp & water access
55Solid
B⛰
Badger Creek Recreation Area
#3 Badger Creek Recreation Area
16.4 mi away
Badger Creek Recreation Area is a public boat launch on Badger Creek East in Madison County, Iowa. Snoflo tracks live launch conditions here from the nearest streamflow gauge and…
Why 55: public ramp & water access
55Solid
B⛰
Big Creek Wildlife Area
#4 Big Creek Wildlife Area
17.4 mi away
Big Creek Wildlife Area is a public boat launch on Little Creek in Polk County, Iowa. Snoflo tracks live launch conditions here from the nearest streamflow gauge and buoys…
Why 55: public ramp & water access
55Solid
B⛰
Bennington Bridge
#5 Bennington Bridge
19.7 mi away
Bennington Bridge is a public boat launch on Des Moines River - Lake Red Rock in Marion County, Iowa. Snoflo tracks live launch conditions here from the nearest streamflow gauge…
Why 55: public ramp & water access
55Solid
C⛰
County Park Des Moines
#6 County Park Des Moines
4.8 mi away
Why 40: public ramp & water access
40Rated
S⛰
Southeast Vandalia Drive Pleasant Hill
#7 Southeast Vandalia Drive Pleasant Hill
6.4 mi away
Why 40: public ramp & water access
40Rated
P⛰
Polk County
#8 Polk County
8.5 mi away
Why 40: public ramp & water access
40Rated
C⛰
Country Club Boulevard Clive
#9 Country Club Boulevard Clive
9.1 mi away
Why 40: public ramp & water access
40Rated
P⛰
Polk County
#10 Polk County
9.3 mi away
Why 40: public ramp & water access
40Rated
N⛰
Northwest 94th Avenue Polk County
#11 Northwest 94th Avenue Polk County
10.4 mi away
Why 40: public ramp & water access
40Rated
N⛰
Northwest 94th Avenue Polk County
#12 Northwest 94th Avenue Polk County
10.4 mi away
Why 40: public ramp & water access
40Rated
P⛰
Polk City
#13 Polk City
11.9 mi away
Why 40: public ramp & water access
40Rated
M⛰
Mile Long Bridge Polk City
#14 Mile Long Bridge Polk City
13.3 mi away
Why 40: public ramp & water access
40Rated
3⛰
360th Street Dallas County
#15 360th Street Dallas County
14.1 mi away
Why 40: public ramp & water access
40Rated

Boat Ramps near Des Moines

The Des Moines area has 33 boat ramps on Snoflo, ranked by live conditions, visitor reviews, and logged trips — so the best, closest options rise to the top.

How we rank the best boat ramps near Des Moines

How are these boat ramps ranked?

Each gets a daily Snoflo score blending live conditions, visitor review ratings, and logged trips. The order reflects what's best right now and re-ranks every day.

How often does it update?

Daily, as new conditions, reviews, and trips arrive — so "best right now" means right now.

What do the numbers on the map mean?

Each pin shows that spot's current Snoflo score; tap it for the breakdown and a link to the full report.

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