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
Bryan C
VerifiedOctober 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: BSHW
This is a great campground and is very close to the north and west sides of metro DSM. I was here in October and only had a few neighbors. Sites only have 30 amp service, but w/o needing a/c that is plenty. Don’t forget, your National Park pass gets you a $10 camp fee! Best bargain ever!!
Sarah N
VerifiedOctober 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 59, Loop: BSHM
Camp sites were spaced out well. Water and dump station seemed like they were in the wrong spot. The way the dump station is tilted was hard to actually empty the tanks.
Eugene M
VerifiedOctober 11, 2022 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: BSHM
Very quiet and peaceful. May want to spray electrical boxes, ours had wasps in it.
Lois T
VerifiedOctober 1, 2022 • Stayed at: 55, Loop: BSHM
Grounds were kept up. Bathroom always clean.
Beth D
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: BSHE
Great little place to camp outside of Des Moines Iowa. If you like fishing it’s perfect. We were right on the water coming out of the dam there was lots of fishermen they’re pretty fun to watch. Very nice level concrete site with water and electric. Would come back again.
Philip P
VerifiedSeptember 26, 2022 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: BSHE
We were on site 16 near the water. Since you are somewhat outside of the campground in sites 1 thru 17 or 18 you really only have easy access to the put toilets in the day use parking lot. In order to take a shower or have nicer clean toilets you need to walk quite far to get to the campground bath house.
Gail Y
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 60, Loop: BSHM
It was nice and peaceful. The camping spot are a good size.
sheila w
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 42, Loop: BSHM
The place was nice. However, harleys drive thru the park all hrs of days and night. Also my camp site was full of dog poo from others dogs. So I had to pick up others messes.
Att service was spotty till you get to the top of the dam
Daniel M
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2022 • Stayed at: 45, Loop: BSHM
The campground is well set up, especially for folks with RVs or campers. Every site has an electric hook up, fire pit, and picnic table and there are a few water spigots around the campground so some sites will get lucky and be right by one. The dump station and water fill are fairly convenient at the far end of the loop, though you do have to go out the exit and make a loop through to get to them because of the layout. The restrooms were pretty good and they do have private shower stalls, though I didn't try them during my stay. The location right next to the dam makes getting to Saylorville lake quick and convenient and the same goes for the other recreation areas nearby.
Misty J
VerifiedSeptember 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BSHM
It was pleasant other than the rain that affected our day on Saturday which didn't give us a chance to really do much.
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. |
