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
Sheila C
VerifiedAugust 14, 2022 • Stayed at: 54, Loop: BSHM
We're retired and both have health issues, so cannot always make don't like to make reservations that we might not be able to keep. Hate to arrive at a campground where all the sites are reserved but very few are actually occupied.
Robert B
VerifiedAugust 12, 2022 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: BSHM
There are three separate areas within the campground. Two are smaller and less desirable imo due since they’re right next to parking lots and/or a seem a little run down. The bigger section is great but could use a few more trees. Signal strength for both Verizon and T-Mobile was great. The trails and the COE visitors center were great. Fishing by the dam outlet is crowded but seemed well worth it. They were catching Catfish, White Bass and bait fish everyday we were there. The place is close enough to town if needed but beautifully secluded if not. Lots of bike paths
walter m
VerifiedAugust 10, 2022 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: BSHW
campsite could have been cleaner
Carla S
VerifiedAugust 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 67, Loop: BSHM
We camped at two different sites from Thursday to Monday because we were unable to get a reservation for all four days. We were given no information at the booth when we checked in. The first site had very little shade and was obviously the party station. The quiet hours of 10 pm to 6 am were not observed at all. Campers had dogs running loose (no lead or leash at all) and the same campers partied loudly until well after midnight. No Rangers to be seen and no phones answered, only answering machines. The second site sat empty both nights although it was reserved. Bathrooms at both sites were horribly dirty and not cleaned at anytime other than to pick up trash. The custodian near the second site had two huge dogs on long leads unattended, barking and growling at anyone who dares to walk by even if they are 50 feet away. I believe a course in campground etiquette should be required of hosts as all the signage around the campground and printed rules clearly state pets are to be on a 6 foot leash and should not be left unattended.
Duane B
VerifiedAugust 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: BSHW
Our site was clean and well shaded. The shower house was close and clean. It was quiet but we were there Saturday through Monday.
Rick P
VerifiedAugust 5, 2022 • Stayed at: 38, Loop: BSHM
My stay at Bob Shetler was very nice.
Tom B
VerifiedJuly 31, 2022 • Stayed at: 55, Loop: BSHM
It was a very hot week and power issues at the post didn't help anything. The breaker kept tripping at the post and low voltage. I'm not sure but I think it may have caused problems with my air conditioner. I was only able to run one of my air conditioners as it was only 30 amp at the post. We where reserved to spend the week there but ended up going home to spend the night Friday night because with the electrical problems we couldn't keep it cool. I went back Saturday morning and brought the RV home 2 days early. Not a happy camper :(
Don P
VerifiedJuly 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 67, Loop: BSHM
Showers could use a remodel.
Marsha A
VerifiedJuly 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 69, Loop: BSHM
Good place to camp especially for families. The Dam is a little busy with cars.
Kelly T
VerifiedJuly 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: BSHM
need more vents in shower house To hot is side
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. |
