About Bob Shetler Recreation Area
Number of accommodations: 60
Campground Amenities
-
Pet Friendly -
Potable Water -
River Access -
Dump Station
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
60 Sites Available
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Site Details
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60 Sites Available
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Reviews (350)
What Guests Are Saying
Bob Shetler Recreation Area offers a well-maintained and spacious campground with clean facilities, friendly staff, and convenient amenities like water and sewer hookups. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and biking. While some experienced noise disturbances from nearby road activities and motorcycles, the overall experience is generally positive, with many campers expressing their desire to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Bob Shetler Recreation Area offers a well-maintained and spacious campground with clean facilities, friendly staff, and convenient amenities like water and sewer hookups. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and biking. While some experienced noise disturbances from nearby road activities and motorcycles, the overall experience is generally positive, with many campers expressing their desire to return.
Review Summary
Gary S
VerifiedJuly 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BSHE
I had a cement site and a 50 amp hook-up, but my campground was very hard to find (no sineage for those sites, I had 17). There was no shower facility in my area, only a pit toliet. Only 1 dump station for 69 sites. Only 4 shower stalls for 69 sites. Site was somewhat shaded. Bike trails nearby.
Shalita N
VerifiedJuly 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: BSHW
!,,,,,,,,,
Rob L
VerifiedJuly 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: BSHE
The noise from the kiddie cars with loud mufflers and Harley’s driving by non stop on the road to go to the shelters and back fishing ponds is ridiculous.
Barbara D
VerifiedJuly 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 42, Loop: BSHM
Nice spot that is close to many bike trails. Sites can be challenging if you are a larger rig. Don't forget to get water in your tanks brfore your park, as hydrants are not near any sites.
Aylar A
VerifiedJuly 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 64, Loop: BSHM
Easy access to the water station, clean campgrounds, and easy check-in. Would stay here again.
Madeline W
VerifiedJuly 4, 2023 • Stayed at: 67, Loop: BSHM
Just there for the night on my way home from a long trip. Very friendly host greeting, nice, spacious site and clean bathrooms. A good stay! I would stay again and explore the area - it looks as if there is much to see.
Forrest J
VerifiedJuly 4, 2023 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: BSHE
Our spot (014) backed up to the end of the spillway from the dam so we were nicely close to the water sounds coming from Saylorville Lake. Our site, like most I think, had both 30 and 50A service available, but no direct water hookup or sewer hookup. They remind you to fill your water tank when you check-in (fresh, drinkable water available there) of course free as is the nearby grey and black water disposal site. A very minor issue was that the parking lot across the spillway from us had very bright dusk to dawn lighting which detracted from our evening campfire experience. Pretty much each site has a nice sized tree for ample shade during the heat of the day. We'll be back. Our favorite campground here (Cherry Glen) is closed this season for upgrades, but we'll be back next year for that as well.
Anna A
VerifiedJuly 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: BSHM
It is somewhat dated with tight parking sites but overall, clean and well maintained. Since we were in transit and only overnighting, it was perfect for our needs.
David H
VerifiedJune 30, 2023 • Stayed at: 50, Loop: BSHM
Great facility - clean and well kept up. Electric only with water available to fill your tank. Asphalt roads with gravel sites surrounded by grass. Volunteer greeting at the gate was enthusiastic and friendly. Visitor Center was very informative. Lots of well marked trails (mostly asphalt bike / running paths) and birds in the area.
Good cell phone service and a hand full of Over The Air TV stations. Sites are level. Not a lot of shade. Toilet / showers are a bit dated but very clean. Campsites are at the base of the dam, so there are no views of the lake.
Dane S
VerifiedJune 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 65, Loop: BSHM
Great location with plenty of space.
Location Bob Shetler Recreation Area
Address:
Saylorville Lake Administration Office
Johnston, IA, 50131-1941
United States
From I-35, take exit 90 to Ankeny/Oralabor Road and go west for 4.8 miles. The road turns into Highway 415. Turn left onto 37th Street, then turn right onto Horseshoe Road. Turn right and drive across the Saylorville Lake Dam to the campground.
Latitude & Longitude: 41.7017 / -93.6853
Elevation: 247 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Click here for more information |
| General |
Click here for a virtual tour of the Saylorville Lake area. |
| General |
Saylorville Lake Campground RulesCamping: Allowed only at designated campsites. Reservations must be made in advance before setting up camping equipment.Campsite Registration: Campsites may only be registered to individuals 18 years or older, who must occupy the site for the full duration. Each campsite accommodates 1 family unit (up to 8 people) and allows either 3 tents OR 1 RV and 2 tents.Check-out time: 12:00 p.m. (noon) Check-in time: 2:00 p.m.Vacating & Registration: Campsites must be vacated or registration renewed by 12:00 p.m. on the due date. Camping is limited to 14 days within any 30-day period.Parking: Reserving campsites by parking vehicles or leaving items is prohibited. All vehicles (including boats/trailers) must be parked at your campsite or in designated areas. No parking on grass, roadsides, or vacant sites. Please ensure your visitors follow parking rules.Vehicle Operation: All vehicles (including mopeds and bicycles) must comply with Federal, State, and local laws. Stay on designated roads and use vehicles only for entering or exiting sites. UTVs, ATVs, and golf carts are not allowed in campgrounds or parks.Quiet Hours: From 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Campgrounds are restricted to registered campers during these hours. Visitors must leave by 10:00 p.m. Gates remain open 24/7.Trash Disposal: Use designated dumpsters only. Do not leave trash in fire rings, grills, or shower building cans. Remove all personal items and litter before departure. Recycling containers are available. Dumpsters are for trash generated on USACE property only.Grey Water Disposal: Grey water (from dishes, baths, soap, grease, etc.) must be collected and disposed of properly. Do not drain it on campsites or use it to water vegetation. Improper disposal creates odors, health issues, and attracts animals.Pets: Must be confined or leashed (6 feet or shorter) at all times. E-collars are not sufficient. Pets may not be left unattended and are not allowed in bathrooms or shower buildings. Pick up and dispose of waste properly.Firewood: Not available for purchase on-site. You may gather only fallen deadwood. Do not cut or damage trees, vegetation, or natural features. Firewood may be brought from home or purchased from off-site vendors.Pools & Water Games: Pools of any size or slip-n-slides and sprinklers are prohibited. Water tables are allowed.Prohibited Items: Fireworks, explosives, loaded firearms, ammunition, bows, and other projectile devices are not allowed.Smoking: Not allowed inside restrooms or shower buildings.Grills & Picnic Tables: Do not place grills or hot materials on picnic tables—use attached grill guards. Site holders are responsible for any damage or replacements.Yard Games: Games such as water balloons or egg toss are prohibited due to litter. Balloon pieces are non-biodegradable and harmful to pets and wildlife.Pet Leashes & Hammocks: Do not tie leashes, ropes, or chains to trees or shrubs. Hammocks may be used only on trees 6 inches or more in diameter to avoid damage.Alcoholic Beverages: Permitted for those 21 and older at all campgrounds.Hangtags: Registered campers may receive hangtags for access to beach and boat ramp day-use areas. Hangtags must be properly displayed.Golden Age/Access Passports: These and America the Beautiful Senior/Access Passes provide a 50% discount on recreation fees. The cardholder must present the card and ID during registration and be present for the stay. Fraudulent use is prohibited.Washing Equipment: Washing of RVs, trailers, vehicles, or equipment is not allowed at campgrounds or day-use areas. Use local wash facilities instead.Deliveries: Personal package deliveries (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, etc.) should be sent to your home, business, or a local postal facility. Saylorville Lake campgrounds, the Administration Building, and Visitor Center do not accept or hold deliveries.Equipment & Vehicle Storage: Reserving extra campsites solely to store equipment or vehicles is not allowed. Use designated overflow or additional parking during your stay.Water Spigots: Water spigots are for temporary use only to fill freshwater tanks. Do not use continuous hoses, Y-splitters, or attachments. Continuous hookups are only allowed at campsites with water service. |
