Featured amenities
Parking
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Playground
About Bob Shetler Picnic Area
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Playground
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
Parking and Transport
- Parking
On Site Services
- Playground
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Reviews (10)
Review Summary
Stacie B
August 31, 2023
It was very nice shelter! Clean of any human litter. Bathroom facilities were very clean and well maintained
Stacie B
August 31, 2023
It was very nice shelter! Clean of any human litter. Bathroom facilities were very clean and well maintained
Michelle P
May 27, 2023
The shelter was great, it is a little hard to find and there are no signs to direct you where to go.
Michelle P
May 27, 2023
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
Good
Soe K
July 2, 2022
Good
Sone L
June 20, 2021
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!
Sone L
June 20, 2021
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
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.
Shannon V
June 15, 2021
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
From I-35, take the Ankeny Exit #90 (Oralabor Road) and go west 4.8 miles; the road turns into HWY 415. Turn left (west) onto NW 37th Street and go 0.3 mile, then turn right onto NW Horseshoe Rd. Turn right and drive across the Saylorville Lake Dam to the campground.
From I-80, take Exit #135 (2nd Avenue/Highway 415) exit and go north 3.5 miles. Turn left (west) onto Oralabor Road (Highway 415) and go 2.6 miles. Turn left (west) onto NW 37th Street and go 0.3 mile, then turn right onto NW Horseshoe Rd. Turn right and drive across the Saylorville Lake Dam to the campground.
The Bob Shetler Picnic Area is accessible from I-35 via the Ankeny Exit #90 and from I-80 via Exit #135. Both routes utilize Highway 415, which connects to NW 37th Street and NW Horseshoe Rd.
Latitude & Longitude: 41.6958 / -93.6825
Elevation: 245 feet
Policies & Rules
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.
- 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
- Playgrounds and restrooms near shelters are open to the public. Reservations only apply to picnic shelters not other amenities.
- Click here for more information
- Click here for a virtual tour of the Saylorville Lake area.
- The 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: June 3, 2026
