Kayaking & Canoeing the Big Sioux River
Iowa paddling guide
- 128 mi
- River mapped
- 27
- Boat launches
- 9
- Campgrounds
- 4
- Counties
The Big Sioux River is one of Iowa's paddling rivers, tracing roughly 128 mi through Lyon, Plymouth, Sioux and Woodbury Counties. Whether you're kayaking, canoeing or tubing, this guide maps every public boat launch and access point on the Big Sioux River, the campgrounds nearby, and the live gauge readings you need to plan a safe day paddling in Iowa.
Boat launches & access points on the Big Sioux River
27 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Big Sioux Boat RampWoodbury Co.
- ▸Big Sioux ParkSioux Co.
- ▸Big Sioux Park AccessPlymouth Co.
- ▸Big Sioux Recreational AreaSioux Co.
- ▸Big Sioux River ComplextLyon Co.
- ▸Big Sioux Wildlife Area - Highway 18 Bridge
- ▸Birkleys BendPlymouth Co.
- ▸Boyds BendPlymouth Co.
- ▸Canton, South DakotaLyon Co.
- ▸Carr's LandingSioux Co.
- ▸E.C. Lippke WetlandPlymouth Co.
- ▸Fairview AreaSioux Co.
- ▸Gitchie ManitouLyon Co.
- ▸Groth Tract - Big Sioux Wildlife AreaSioux Co.
- ▸Hidden Bridge Wildlife AreaLyon Co.
- ▸Klondike River AccessLyon Co.
- ▸Long's Bridge Access
- ▸Millsite AccessPlymouth Co.
- ▸Newton Hills State Park Bridge (A50)Lyon Co.
- ▸Oak Grove State ParkSioux Co.
- ▸Oakridge Public Water Access
- ▸Public Access
- ▸Riverside Park (Sioux City Access)
- ▸Rock Sioux AccessSioux Co.
- ▸Settlers Canoe AccessSioux Co.
- ▸Silver Mapple AccessPlymouth Co.
- ▸Stone State ParkWoodbury Co.
Camping near the Big Sioux River
- ⛺CampgroundWoodbury Co.
- ⛺Campground
- ⛺Eagle View Campground
- ⛺Meadowlark Campground
- ⛺Oak Grove County Park - Deer Run
- ⛺Oak Grove County Park - Turkey Ridge
- ⛺Stone State Park Campground
- ⛺West Ball Park Campground
- ⛺Youth CampgroundWoodbury Co.
Live Big Sioux River conditions
River levels change fast. Before you launch, check the live USGS gauges, weather radar and flood-safety status for the Big Sioux River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Paddle more of Iowa
The Big Sioux River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.