Cottonwood Recreation Area

Access to the campground, volleyball courts, and picnic shelters. Right by the Meal Smith bike trail too. Nice area. Lots of... Cottonwoods!

I love Cottonwood Rec. The only problem I have is that people throw their trash about. I take my grabber and a bag and I could pick up litter every single day. I wish they could be caught and punished. Beer bottles thrown into the rocks and river. Trash everywhere. Why do people do this?

A really hidden Des Moines gem actually it's in Johnston but so very close to the north side of Des Moines. It has extensive walking areas parking areas and a beautiful area along the river all free. There are maybe 10 shelters and picnic areas that are open for rent many of them that have children's playgrounds right next to him so it's an ideal setting for family picnics wedding celebrations annual picnics company picnics just a great recreation area that is well maintained. You can see all kinds of birds both along the river anything from bald eagles to blue herons to pelicans and in between I've seen indigo buntings on this trail and things as common as Cardinals and as unusual as an oriole. It's a great place for deer around twilight or early in the morning well turkeys. Native plants native wildflowers. And it's relatively flat easy location to get to with accessible walking you could walk in park with a wheelchair and have a nice outdoor experience. the playgrounds make it a wonderful place to take kids to have a picnic and blow off steam.

It's a great place to go for a birthday party and the shelter or a little fishing to do in the river or the pond

Beautiful place to walk your dog on-leash. Lots of great sniffs and open area. There is a loop at the end of the lane at this entrance. It's a little hard to see the turnoff. There are stone markers. Plenty of parking and open restrooms. There are shelters and a playground. If you go now, you can see the pelicans! We had the best time!

Great fishing. Jolene and Cecil were amazing for information and the nicest people we've met down there. They really helped our visit be a great one. We will go frequently because of them.. thanks you two....

Your the best!!!!

Park Hours from season Opening to April 30th, And Day after Labor Day to end of Season is 7am to 8pm Everyday. From May 1st thru Labor Day, Park hours are 6am to 10pm. Be respectful to the Contractor and Volunteers.

Love this place good for hiking! 🥾

It's a small picnic space with 2 shelter houses. Nice with river access. Good for family outing but no play area that I noticed.

Custodians do an excellent job on cleaning the facilities. Beautiful, open shelter houses for day rentals, lots of open field to play in, and river access for fishing

Very well maintained place, I'm so happy to live close to it. And to be able to enjoy this beautiful places. God bless USA..

Nice trail, a little hilly for running but it had some pretty views!

Always a great place to go and enjoy fishing, biking, walking, and get togethers.

This place is great. The golden oyster mushrooms are coming my up as of August 1st.

Large wide open areas. Several playgrounds, volleyball courts and restrooms

A fantastic place for a ride! You can bike far and fast

Some snow still but mostly open for walking/riding.

Beautiful place to take a walk or walk the dogs

Nice park with ample amenities.

Clean Bathrooms. Highly recommend coming.