Best boat ramps near Des Moines
33 boat ramps · 33 ranked · updated 2026-07-18 · 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
D⛰
#1
Des Moines Water Works Park
Prime
1.8 mi away
· Streamflow nearby - Raccoon River At Fleur Drive· Clear · 74°F · 7 mph wind
Des Moines Water Works Park is a public boat launch on North Raccoon River in Polk County, Iowa. Snoflo tracks live launch conditions here from the nearest streamflow gauge and…
Why 53: live conditions (prime)
53Solid
S⛰
#2
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⛰
#3
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⛰
#4
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⛰
#5
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⛰
#6
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
P⛰
#7
Puckerbrush Access
Prime
16.7 mi away
· Streamflow nearby - Raccoon River At Van Meter· Clear · 73°F · 7 mph wind
Puckerbrush Access is a public boat launch on North Raccoon River in Dallas County, Iowa. Snoflo tracks live launch conditions here from the nearest streamflow gauge and buoys…
Why 53: live conditions (prime)
53Solid
K⛰
#8
Kruidenier Trail Des Moines
Prime
1.1 mi away
· Streamflow nearby - Raccoon River At Fleur Drive· Clear · 74°F · 7 mph wind
Why 49: live conditions (prime)
49Rated
B⛰
#9
Birdland Park Boat Launch
Prime
2.0 mi away
· Streamflow nearby - Des Moines River At 2Nd Avenue· Clear · 74°F · 7 mph wind
Why 49: live conditions (prime)
49Rated
P⛰
#10
Prospect Road Des Moines
Prime
2.3 mi away
· Streamflow nearby - Des Moines River At 2Nd Avenue· Clear · 74°F · 7 mph wind
Why 49: live conditions (prime)
49Rated
R⛰
#11
Raccoon River Park Trail West Des Moines
Prime
5.9 mi away
· Streamflow nearby - Raccoon River At 63Rd Street At Des Moines· Clear · 74°F · 7 mph wind
Why 49: live conditions (prime)
49Rated
N⛰
#12
Neal Smith Trail Polk County
Prime
6.9 mi away
· Streamflow nearby - Des Moines River Near Saylorville· Clear · 73°F · 6 mph wind
Why 49: live conditions (prime)
49Rated
W⛰
#13
Walnut Woods Drive West Des Moines
Prime
6.9 mi away
· Streamflow nearby - Raccoon River Near West Des Moines· Clear · 73°F · 7 mph wind
Why 49: live conditions (prime)
49Rated
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.