RV Sites
Ron b
VerifiedJuly 17, 2020 Stayed at: 56, Loop: BSHM
Nice place to visit
Helpful
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 mi up the Des Moines River Valley.
The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.
Available sites
60 total sitesSeasonal 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
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
Missing information?
Rates, Sites & Availability
Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.
60 Sites Available
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02, Loop: BSHW
RV
Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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04, Loop: BSHW
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Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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05, Loop: BSHW
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Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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06, Loop: BSHW
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Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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07, Loop: BSHW
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Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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08, Loop: BSHW
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Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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09, Loop: BSHW
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Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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10, Loop: BSHW
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Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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12, Loop: BSHE
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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13, Loop: BSHE
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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14, Loop: BSHE
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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15, Loop: BSHE
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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16, Loop: BSHE
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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17, Loop: BSHE
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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18, Loop: BSHE
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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19, Loop: BSHE
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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20, Loop: BSHE
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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27, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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28, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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29, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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30, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Paved
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31, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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32, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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33, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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34, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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35, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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36, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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37, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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38, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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39, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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40, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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41, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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42, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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43, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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44, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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45, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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46, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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47, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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48, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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49, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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50, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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51, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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52, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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53, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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54, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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55, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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56, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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57, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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58, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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59, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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60, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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61, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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62, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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63, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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64, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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65, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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66, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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67, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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68, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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69, Loop: BSHM
RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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Site Details
Select a site to view details
60 Sites Available
Site
Price
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02, Loop: BSHW
RV
Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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04, Loop: BSHW
RV
Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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05, Loop: BSHW
RV
Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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06, Loop: BSHW
RV
Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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07, Loop: BSHW
RV
Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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08, Loop: BSHW
RV
Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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09, Loop: BSHW
RV
Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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10, Loop: BSHW
RV
Pet Friendly · Full hookups · 30 amp
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12, Loop: BSHE
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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13, Loop: BSHE
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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14, Loop: BSHE
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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15, Loop: BSHE
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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16, Loop: BSHE
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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17, Loop: BSHE
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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18, Loop: BSHE
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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19, Loop: BSHE
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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20, Loop: BSHE
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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27, Loop: BSHM
RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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28, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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29, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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30, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Paved
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31, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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32, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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33, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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34, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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35, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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36, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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37, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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38, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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39, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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40, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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41, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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42, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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43, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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44, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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45, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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46, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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47, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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48, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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49, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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50, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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51, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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52, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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53, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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54, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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55, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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56, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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57, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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58, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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59, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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60, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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61, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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62, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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63, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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64, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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65, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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66, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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67, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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68, Loop: BSHM
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Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
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69, Loop: BSHM
RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews
792 reviews
Summary
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
Overall rating
Based on 792 reviews
5 stars
51.9% (411)
4 stars
27.5% (218)
3 stars
10.9% (86)
2 stars
6.7% (53)
1 star
3.0% (24)
Showing 776 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Tom L
VerifiedJuly 12, 2020 Stayed at: 35, Loop: BSHM
Nice campground but, because the reservation system allows all the weekends to be booked up in advance, longer term camping is almost impossible. The campground may be mostly empty 5 days a week and full every weekend. There is little or no opportunity to stay 14 days at a time.
Helpful
Tom L
VerifiedJuly 12, 2020 Stayed at: 35, Loop: BSHM
Nice campground but, because the reservation system allows all the weekends to be booked up in advance, longer term camping is almost impossible. The campground may be mostly empty 5 days a week and full every weekend. There is little or no opportunity to stay 14 days at a time.
Helpful
Dorothy P
VerifiedJune 28, 2020 Stayed at: 14, Loop: BSHE
great bike trail right by campground. Very nice campsite with lots of room and shade!
Helpful
Dorothy P
VerifiedJune 28, 2020 Stayed at: 14, Loop: BSHE
great bike trail right by campground. Very nice campsite with lots of room and shade!
Helpful
Linda M
VerifiedJune 24, 2020 Stayed at: 20, Loop: BSHE
We stayed right along the spillway of Saylorville lake with our two dogs. It is a beautiful location, clean and well maintained. This park is one of our favorite places to come.
Helpful
Linda M
VerifiedJune 24, 2020 Stayed at: 20, Loop: BSHE
We stayed right along the spillway of Saylorville lake with our two dogs. It is a beautiful location, clean and well maintained. This park is one of our favorite places to come.
Helpful
Jim P
VerifiedJune 20, 2020 Stayed at: 15, Loop: BSHE
Very nice and quiet camping area. Perfect weather on are weekend😃 Lots of traffic and people along the spillway walking behind camping area, but all seemed well minded. We enjoyed a nice weekend.** HOWEVER THERE WERE AREAS WITH POISEN IVY IN AND AROUND 14 & 15 on BSE. Kind of surprised me that they don’t treat the camp area for that.
Helpful
Jim P
VerifiedJune 20, 2020 Stayed at: 15, Loop: BSHE
Very nice and quiet camping area. Perfect weather on are weekend😃 Lots of traffic and people along the spillway walking behind camping area, but all seemed well minded. We enjoyed a nice weekend.** HOWEVER THERE WERE AREAS WITH POISEN IVY IN AND AROUND 14 & 15 on BSE. Kind of surprised me that they don’t treat the camp area for that.
Helpful
David H
VerifiedJune 16, 2020 Stayed at: 15, Loop: BSHE
We always camp below the dam (the 50 amp sites) and have done so for a number of years. Sites are well spaced and clean. Love the cement pads! I just wish there was some way to convince campers to keep their dogs on a leash at their campsite. We travel with a doberman and she is always on a leash at all times and we always pick up after her. Just wish the other campers would do the same with their canines.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Bob Shetler Recreation Area
Saylorville Lake Administration Office, Johnston, IA 50131-1941 United States
Elevation: 247 ft
Getting There
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.
Highway access
The campground is accessible from I-35 via exit 90, approximately 4.8 miles to the west on Highway 415.
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
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 23, 2026
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Explore Johnston, IA
Population: 24,384
Nearby city: Ankeny, IA
Approx. 5 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 833 ft
Johnston, IA
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From our Travel Guides
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers