Pet friendly
River Access
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792 reviews
Bob Shetler Recreation Area is praised for its clean facilities, friendly staff, and spacious campsites, making it a great choice for campers seeking a peaceful retreat. The campground offers easy access to outdoor activities like biking and fishing, and the location near the dam adds to its charm. However, some visitors noted noise from nearby traffic and the need for updates in certain facilities, particularly the shower house.
Based on guest feedback
4.2
Based on 792 reviews
Showing 792 reviews
August 26, 2026 Stayed at: 02, Loop: BSHW
Enjoyed the stay. It is close to bike trails our main activity. Biked 3 days and didn't have to do the same route.
Drawbacks is that the grass was not well mowed around our campsite and a lot weeds between campsite and walk ways Also we had questions for the park attendant. Never available even during posted office hours. The sign "be back in 15 minutes" never changed.
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August 24, 2026 Stayed at: 45, Loop: BSHM
Very uninviting and very rude people
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August 22, 2026 Stayed at: 51, Loop: BSHM
The COE campgrounds seem to always display the best of layout and maintenance. I always look for a COE along any route I travel.
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August 21, 2026 Stayed at: 59, Loop: BSHM
It is very nice clean friendly and lots are good sized and little traffic
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August 17, 2026 Stayed at: 49, Loop: BSHM
It was decent. Had a loose dog run into my campsite and cause some trouble though
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August 17, 2026 Stayed at: 20, Loop: BSHE
The restrooms were very clean and people are friendly was nice cpl days out there
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August 16, 2026 Stayed at: 04, Loop: BSHW
I like it
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August 16, 2026 Stayed at: 42, Loop: BSHM
The grounds, facilities and hosting staff were amazing. The only downfall in the 2 weeks i stayed would be all crotchrockets and wanna be fast and furious drivers revving their engines and doing burn outs right above us on the dam and down on the backwoods next to camp all day and night.
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August 15, 2026 Stayed at: 29, Loop: BSHM
Very quiet and peaceful
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August 7, 2026 Stayed at: 68, Loop: BSHM
I really like this campground. The spaces are roomy. There are showers and flush toilets. (The bathroom could use updating). It is easy access to bike trails. There was a lot to do in the area.
The campsites are below the dam. So there is no great vista unless you climb the hill. Sites have electric and there is a good dump station with potable water.
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Saylorville Lake Administration Office, Johnston, IA 50131-1941 United States
Elevation: 247 ft
From I-35, take exit 90 to Ankeny/Oralabor Road and go west for 4.8 mi. 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.
The campground is accessible from I-35 via exit 90, approximately 4.8 miles to the west on Highway 415.
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
12PM
Last updated: October 23, 2026
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Population: 24,384
Nearby city: Ankeny, IA
Approx. 5 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 833 ft
Johnston, IA
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