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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
July 4, 2023 Stayed at: 67, Loop: BSHM
Just there for the night on my way home from a long trip. Very friendly host greeting, nice, spacious site and clean bathrooms. A good stay! I would stay again and explore the area - it looks as if there is much to see.
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July 4, 2023 Stayed at: 14, Loop: BSHE
Our spot (014) backed up to the end of the spillway from the dam so we were nicely close to the water sounds coming from Saylorville Lake. Our site, like most I think, had both 30 and 50A service available, but no direct water hookup or sewer hookup. They remind you to fill your water tank when you check-in (fresh, drinkable water available there) of course free as is the nearby grey and black water disposal site. A very minor issue was that the parking lot across the spillway from us had very bright dusk to dawn lighting which detracted from our evening campfire experience. Pretty much each site has a nice sized tree for ample shade during the heat of the day. We'll be back. Our favorite campground here (Cherry Glen) is closed this season for upgrades, but we'll be back next year for that as well.
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July 4, 2023 Stayed at: 67, Loop: BSHM
Just there for the night on my way home from a long trip. Very friendly host greeting, nice, spacious site and clean bathrooms. A good stay! I would stay again and explore the area - it looks as if there is much to see.
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July 1, 2023 Stayed at: 30, Loop: BSHM
It is somewhat dated with tight parking sites but overall, clean and well maintained. Since we were in transit and only overnighting, it was perfect for our needs.
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July 1, 2023 Stayed at: 30, Loop: BSHM
It is somewhat dated with tight parking sites but overall, clean and well maintained. Since we were in transit and only overnighting, it was perfect for our needs.
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June 30, 2023 Stayed at: 50, Loop: BSHM
Great facility - clean and well kept up. Electric only with water available to fill your tank. Asphalt roads with gravel sites surrounded by grass. Volunteer greeting at the gate was enthusiastic and friendly. Visitor Center was very informative. Lots of well marked trails (mostly asphalt bike / running paths) and birds in the area.
Good cell phone service and a hand full of Over The Air TV stations. Sites are level. Not a lot of shade. Toilet / showers are a bit dated but very clean. Campsites are at the base of the dam, so there are no views of the lake.
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June 30, 2023 Stayed at: 50, Loop: BSHM
Great facility - clean and well kept up. Electric only with water available to fill your tank. Asphalt roads with gravel sites surrounded by grass. Volunteer greeting at the gate was enthusiastic and friendly. Visitor Center was very informative. Lots of well marked trails (mostly asphalt bike / running paths) and birds in the area.
Good cell phone service and a hand full of Over The Air TV stations. Sites are level. Not a lot of shade. Toilet / showers are a bit dated but very clean. Campsites are at the base of the dam, so there are no views of the lake.
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June 29, 2023 Stayed at: 65, Loop: BSHM
Great location with plenty of space.
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June 29, 2023 Stayed at: 65, Loop: BSHM
Great location with plenty of space.
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June 26, 2023
Pam at the check in site was very nice and helpful. Camping was great . definitely will be back.
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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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