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
Stephanie O
VerifiedAugust 24, 2020 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: BSHE
Clean, very clean
Kenneth H
VerifiedAugust 21, 2020 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BSHW
Overall the sites And grounds were clean. Camping sites are next to a public parking lot people were parking and walking though the campground and random people would drive though the campground. (driving way to fast)
Several spots had permanent trailers that were not maintained one was on blocks.
Kenneth H
VerifiedAugust 21, 2020 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BSHW
Overall the sites And grounds were clean. Camping sites are next to a public parking lot people were parking and walking though the campground and random people would drive though the campground. (driving way to fast)
Several spots had permanent trailers that were not maintained one was on blocks.
Gerri B
VerifiedAugust 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: BSHE
We camp here often and it's a struggle to book a spot in BSE because of the "regulars" that frequent the campground. When you do get one of "their" spots they stalk you, glare at you or make comments and the camp hosts happen to be part of the group. They also don't feel the need to clean up after their little dogs. Two campers in one spot, 5 or 6 vehicles parked everywhere, tents etc. It's a great campground if the same rules apply to all.
Gerri B
VerifiedAugust 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: BSHE
We camp here often and it's a struggle to book a spot in BSE because of the "regulars" that frequent the campground. When you do get one of "their" spots they stalk you, glare at you or make comments and the camp hosts happen to be part of the group. They also don't feel the need to clean up after their little dogs. Two campers in one spot, 5 or 6 vehicles parked everywhere, tents etc. It's a great campground if the same rules apply to all.
Kanifnath G
VerifiedAugust 13, 2020 • Stayed at: 44, Loop: BSHM
We had an awesome stay at 44.
Kanifnath G
VerifiedAugust 13, 2020 • Stayed at: 44, Loop: BSHM
We had an awesome stay at 44.
Kathy K
VerifiedAugust 12, 2020 • Stayed at: 62, Loop: BSHM
Onlu problem was i missed a day & coulg not get it extended & moved out & booked 35 & issues with electric plug in. We ended up meet back in our old spot as who was coming in did not feel good & cancelled.
Kathy K
VerifiedAugust 12, 2020 • Stayed at: 62, Loop: BSHM
Onlu problem was i missed a day & coulg not get it extended & moved out & booked 35 & issues with electric plug in. We ended up meet back in our old spot as who was coming in did not feel good & cancelled.
Gerald B
VerifiedAugust 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: BSHE
The park is very clean and has great sites. Sites along the the river and some pull through. This was our first time here but will definitely be back. There is some noise to deal with but not terrible. The Camp Host Frank and Linda were absolutely awesome
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
