OutReserve

Bob Shetler Picnic Area

Bob Shetler Picnic Area
Picnic Area Playground
BOB SHETLER PICNIC AREA 1
BOB SHETLER PICNIC AREA 2
BOB SHETLER PICNIC AREA Shelter

About Bob Shetler Picnic Area

Bob Shetler Picnic Area is a day-use facility located in the tailwater area below Saylorville Dam, and is a popular destination for shoreline fishermen. The 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 15 to Oct 11

Reviews (5)

Review Summary

3.6
5 reviews
5
20.0%
1
4
40.0%
2
3
20.0%
1
2
20.0%
1
1
0.0%
0

Stacie B

August 31, 2023

4

It was very nice shelter! Clean of any human litter. Bathroom facilities were very clean and well maintained

Michelle P

May 27, 2023

2

The shelter was great, it is a little hard to find and there are no signs to direct you where to go.

Soe K

July 2, 2022

4

Good

Sone L

June 20, 2021

3

Nice semi-private family gathering and fishing place with playground and bathroom nearby. Might need to take a sweeper to sweep floor from previous use. Don’t forget to put trash in the dumpster on your way out!

Shannon V

June 15, 2021

5

I helped plan a company sponsored meeting/picnic at the Bob Shetler Recreation Area. The shelter was perfect and met our expectations. The shelter felt private and remote because of the location. A playground is close to the shelter but no children were playing nearby. The shelter also provided ample shade on a hot day.

Location Bob Shetler Picnic Area

Address:
Saylorville Lake Administration Office
Johnston, IA, 50131
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 41.6958 / -93.6825

Elevation: 245 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

Special Event Permits are required for inflatable bounce houses and water features. Special Event Permits may be required for events that may impact nearby shelters, are open to the public, wedding events, company picnics etc. Please contact the Saylorville Lake Administration Office at 515-276-4656 to inquire.

General

Shelters may be reserved up to 4 days in advance. If shelters are not reserved, they are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis

General

Playgrounds and restrooms near shelters are open to the public. Reservations only apply to picnic shelters not other amenities.

General

Click here for more information

General

Click here for a virtual tour of the Saylorville Lake area.

General

GUIDELINES FOR SAYLORVILLE LAKE PICNIC AREASThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers welcomes you to Saylorville Lake. Our goal is to make your visit a safe and enjoyable experience. A complete list of rules, Title 36 “Rules and Regulations” and other helpful maps and brochures are available from the Visitor Center, Park Rangers, Park Attendants or Hosts. Please contact any member of our staff if you have questions or need assistance. Please help maintain and protect park facilities and natural resources by following these guidelines when picnicking at Saylorville Lake.PICNIC AREA HOURS:Month of April 7am to 8pm.May through Labor Day 7am to 9pm .The day after Labor Day through October 7am to 8pm.Rules:1)      Clean up is the responsibility of the picnic users. Please clean up all spills and dispose of litter. If you have more trash than the garbage cans hold, please use area dumpsters. Leave the area in the condition you would like to find it.2)      The Possession of Fireworks, explosives, firearms, ammunition, bows or other projectile firing devices is prohibited.3)      The operation and parking of vehicles off roadways is prohibited.4)      Only street legal vehicles are allowed.5)      Amplified sound systems are not allowed without a Special Event Permit.6)      Yard games such as water balloons and egg toss are prohibited.7)      Trailer Roasters are allowed only in parking areas. Do not place hot roasters, grills, skillets or grease pan directly on picnic tables.8)      Pets must be confined or on a leash less than 6 feet long. Pets are not allowed in the restrooms. Please pick up and properly dispose of all pet waste.To contact a Park Ranger during normal business hours Monday—Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm, call (515) 276-4656.To contact a Park Ranger after normal business hours, call the Polk County Dispatch at (515) 286-3334THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION

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