About Bob Shetler Recreation Area
Number of accommodations: 60
Campground Amenities
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Pet Friendly
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Potable Water
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River Access
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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
Lori S
VerifiedMay 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BSHM
Very quiet campground and you don’t have people just driving through. Having a paved campsite would have received an excellent rating.
Erika V
VerifiedMay 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BSHM
Wasn’t able to make cause of hail storm same day as check in :( so I also wasn’t able to cancel and get refunded
jack s
VerifiedMay 15, 2023 • Stayed at: 49, Loop: BSHM
Campsites were basic but we knew what we were getting. We have stayed many times at Glen Cherry and Prairie Flower which we love.
The problem was that it appeared that the rest rooms were not cleaned for the entire weekend that we were there. This was very disappointing.
Note also
My wife saw that the women's showers had curtains for closure which she did not like.
Also, the showers were constructed so that it was hard not to get everything wet with the shower area.
Gregory C
VerifiedMay 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 41, Loop: BSHM
Nice RV park, but admit I’m spoiled by Prairie Flower. Paved sites at Bob Shelter would be a huge improvement. Restrooms are decent, but a refresh would be nice. Biggest drawback is only one oddly placed Dump Station. The Attendants are terrific, and the DNR and Sheriff Patrols are comforting.
Linda H
VerifiedMay 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: BSHE
Clean restrooms and showers. Nice place to fish. Enjoyed our site by the river. Bike path near by.
Ross H
VerifiedMay 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: BSHE
We were at site 13 near the river. What a beautiful area. We had plumbing problems with our 5th wheel but, luckily, there was a water pump nearby. We’ll be back again next year.
Orion H
VerifiedMay 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 66, Loop: BSHM
Reserve online only is a bit annoying. Then amenities are outdated and could use some modern touches and definitely some wind breaks.
chad s
VerifiedDecember 5, 2022 • Stayed at: 46, Loop: BSHM
quiet, lots of places to go with dogs
Kyle W
VerifiedOctober 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 52, Loop: BSHM
Very pretty place with a super nice staff!
Melisa P
VerifiedOctober 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: BSHW
We enjoyed our weekend stay. We had a pull through site which was great for our larger 5th wheel. We were close to a walking trail and saw several other visitors fishing along the banks. We plan to come back next year!
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. |