OutReserve

Bob Shetler Recreation Area

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Bob Shetler Recreation Area
Bob Shetler Recreation Area
BOB SHETLER RECREATION AREA 1
Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly
Pet Friendly
River Access
River Access

About Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Bob Shetler Recreation Area is located in the tailwater area below the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.

Number of accommodations: 60

Campground Amenities

  • Pet Friendly
    Pet Friendly
  • Potable Water
    Potable Water
  • River Access
    River Access
  • Dump Station
    Dump Station

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on May 1

Sites & Availability

60 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 02, Loop: BSHW
30 Amp · Full Hookups
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 04, Loop: BSHW
30 Amp · Full Hookups
Price not available
🚐 05, Loop: BSHW
30 Amp · Full Hookups
Price not available
🚐 06, Loop: BSHW
30 Amp · Full Hookups
Price not available
🚐 07, Loop: BSHW
30 Amp · Full Hookups
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 08, Loop: BSHW
30 Amp · Full Hookups
Price not available
🚐 09, Loop: BSHW
30 Amp · Full Hookups
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 10, Loop: BSHW
30 Amp · Full Hookups
Price not available
🚐 12, Loop: BSHE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 13, Loop: BSHE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 14, Loop: BSHE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 15, Loop: BSHE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 16, Loop: BSHE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 17, Loop: BSHE
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 18, Loop: BSHE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 19, Loop: BSHE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 20, Loop: BSHE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 27, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 28, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 29, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 30, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 31, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 32, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 33, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 34, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 35, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 36, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 37, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 38, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 39, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 40, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 41, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 42, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 43, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 44, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 45, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 46, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 47, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 48, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 49, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 50, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 51, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 52, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 53, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 54, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 55, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 56, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 57, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 58, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 59, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 60, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 61, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 62, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 63, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 64, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 65, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 66, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 67, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 68, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 69, Loop: BSHM
30 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night

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.

Review Summary

4.2
350 reviews
5
52.3%
183
4
27.1%
95
3
11.1%
39
2
6.6%
23
1
2.9%
10

Larry A

Verified

January 16, 2020 Stayed at: 38, Loop: BSHM

5

It was a very good experience

Larry B

Verified

January 16, 2020 Stayed at: 10, Loop: BSHW

3

I used site #10. The campsites at the lower loop are EXTREMELY CLOSE TOGETHER. Also the men's restroom at the lower camp site should have mirrors at the sinks (shaving & comb hair).

The staff at check in was very friendly and the view of the lake from atop the dam is quite picturesque.

John S

Verified

January 15, 2020 Stayed at: 33, Loop: BSHM

3

ok

Laura K

Verified

January 15, 2020 Stayed at: 38, Loop: BSHM

5

Very clean campground. Nice space for our travel trailer. Quiet and close to bike paths.

Steven A

Verified

January 14, 2020 Stayed at: 68, Loop: BSHM

5

Always nice to stay at this location!

Penny Y

Verified

January 13, 2020 Stayed at: 49, Loop: BSHM

3

Lots of bugs. First night we were there, the cops showed up to kick out a squatter in the next spot over. Nothing like instilling confidence in safety...

Diana M

Verified

January 12, 2020 Stayed at: 30, Loop: BSHM

4

Christina F

Verified

January 11, 2020 Stayed at: 36, Loop: BSHM

5

We absolutely love camping at Bob Shelter Recreation Area! The damn is stunning and just right when either the sun is going down or coming depending which side you're standing on you can see lots of rainbows, and anyone with small kids know that's amazing! We purchased our first camper last August and made this our first camping trip. Close to home (Ankeny) for the first trip, was idea and we loved it!

Judy N

Verified

January 9, 2020 Stayed at: 09, Loop: BSHW

5

Camp site was really nice. Everything worked. The lady at the desk was very helpful. Camp area was beautiful. I think I got chiggers while I was there - should not have sat on the ground. Saw a snake in the woods. But the area was really nice!!!

Joseph L

Verified

December 19, 2019 Stayed at: 12, Loop: BSHE

5

Very clean, relaxing atmosphere.

Location Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Address:
Saylorville Lake Administration Office
Johnston, IA, 50131-1941
United States

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.

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