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
john o
June 26, 2023
Pam at the check in site was very nice and helpful. Camping was great . definitely will be back.
Darwin E
VerifiedJune 20, 2023 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: BSHW
This place is beautiful. It’s isolated, no cell service. Its right by the river. The camp host was very friendly and helpful. I had a 25’ motorhome, probably that fit snugly.
Robert L
VerifiedJune 19, 2023 • Stayed at: 49, Loop: BSHM
Site #49 has an odd electrical hookup with the electrical box on the camp side of the camper. Needed an extension cord to get from the box to the connections on the other side of the camper.
mary c
VerifiedJune 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BSHM
Small overcrowded campground
Marty B
VerifiedJune 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 59, Loop: BSHM
Nice, well-maintained campground immediately below Saylorville Dam. We arrived late and there was still a lot of camper activity. The route to the campground was difficult to follow. The area was pretty noisy with motorcycles and partiers on the dam. No one was moving the next morning when we left. The campsite served it's purpose. The shower toilet building was clean.
Russell H
VerifiedJune 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 61, Loop: BSHM
Wish there was more trees. Otherwise good
john f
VerifiedJune 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 65, Loop: BSHM
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David P
VerifiedJune 8, 2023 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: BSHW
Nice pull through and level gravel site, quiet , some temporary construction but not a bad issue, water and dump station were good, for the price it's a great deal, quick and easy access to the bike trails, we are coming back in July on the east side by the dam
Teresa C
June 5, 2023
This was our first time camping at Bob Shetler West campground and it was very enjoyable. Very quiet and relaxing.
Robert or Kathy K
VerifiedJune 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BSHE
This is a great, level, paved spot. You’ll want to bring a canopy to help with the afternoon sun because you’ll lose your shade as the day progresses. One other minor thing is the parking lot light across the river from this site shines bright (which is good) and if they could tip it just a little bit more downward, it would not be quite so blinding to everyone across the way. Shower house is clean, bring something to step on or wear swim socks so you don’t slip on the wet concrete. Plenty of hot water and good pressure no matter the time of day we used the showers. Several close by fishing options either from the bank or from a boat. Location of the park itself is excellent to get any needed supplies from Johnston or Ankeny. For rainy evenings where you can’t cook outside, there are some great restaurants close by also. Located close to Camp Dodge, so there is the military museum, great roadside stop area for an overview and for little and big kids alike to see a tank and plane up close.
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. |
