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
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
60 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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
Erika V
VerifiedOctober 10, 2025 • Stayed at: 60, Loop: BSHM
Very nice campground
Michelle R
VerifiedOctober 6, 2025 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: BSHW
Very clean. Very quiet. Friendly, helpful staff. Nice view. Will be returning.
Nancy D
VerifiedOctober 5, 2025 • Stayed at: 44, Loop: BSHM
Nice wide gravel sites. Easy to locate our site and back in our fifth wheel. Plenty of room to disconnect truck from camper. Quiet with grassy area between sites. Would definitely stay again if in the area.
Alan M
VerifiedOctober 5, 2025 • Stayed at: 33, Loop: BSHM
Great campground. Well maintained, lots of space between camp spots.
Brandon J
VerifiedOctober 5, 2025 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: BSHM
Very easy to get in and out, clean, well maintained. Would definitely stay again.
Corrine B
VerifiedOctober 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: BSHM
Great campground.
Vincent R
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 60, Loop: BSHM
We stayed at this campground about a week prior to this visit and that visit was less than enjoyable. The campground is at the base of a dam with a road running across it. When we stayed the first time, there were cars sitting on the pull outs blasting their stereos, and talking loudly so that sitting outside was not enjoyable at all.
This visit, however, was quiet and peaceful with no cars or loud noises to detract from the peaceful surroundings. The camp hosts were very welcoming and friendly. The other campers were polite and respectful of their neighbors.
I don't know how they managed to get the inconsiderate people who were making all of the noise up on the dam to stop, but it certainly made all the difference in our stay.
We will certainly stop here again as we wander around the country.
Srinivas K
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2025 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: BSHE
Pretty good campsite and had a good time
Mike D
VerifiedSeptember 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BSHW
Had a nice time here. There was a great walking trail with lots of birds along the river. The bathrooms were cleaned twice a day and there was always soap in the dispensers.
The spaces were very close to each other but they were easy to pull into. There were lots of non camping fishermen there but they were very respectful of the campers. Would visit again.
Patricia G
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: BSHW
We were traveling through on our way to Arkansas and had vehicle problems. We called the park office and the gentleman (originally from Texas) was so kind and helpful to us during a very stressful time. He went over and above to get us settled in. I can't thank him enough! Campground was one of the best we have been to. We definitely will try to get back!
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. |
