About Bob Shetler Recreation Area
Number of accommodations: 60
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
River Access
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Water Access
- River Access
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
60 Sites Available
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Site Details
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60 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (717)
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
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
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.
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.
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 :(
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.
The campground is accessible from I-35 via exit 90, approximately 4.8 miles to the west on Highway 415.
Latitude & Longitude: 41.7017 / -93.6853
Elevation: 247 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
12PM
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
General
- Click here for more information
- Click here for a virtual tour of the Saylorville Lake area.
Safety & rules
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and only registered campers are allowed during this time.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: June 3, 2026
