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
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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
Vincent R
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 60, Loop: BSHM
We stayed at this campground about a week prior to this visit and that visit was less than enjoyable. The campground is at the base of a dam with a road running across it. When we stayed the first time, there were cars sitting on the pull outs blasting their stereos, and talking loudly so that sitting outside was not enjoyable at all.
This visit, however, was quiet and peaceful with no cars or loud noises to detract from the peaceful surroundings. The camp hosts were very welcoming and friendly. The other campers were polite and respectful of their neighbors.
I don't know how they managed to get the inconsiderate people who were making all of the noise up on the dam to stop, but it certainly made all the difference in our stay.
We will certainly stop here again as we wander around the country.
Srinivas K
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2025 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: BSHE
Pretty good campsite and had a good time
Srinivas K
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2025 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: BSHE
Pretty good campsite and had a good time
Mike D
VerifiedSeptember 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BSHW
Had a nice time here. There was a great walking trail with lots of birds along the river. The bathrooms were cleaned twice a day and there was always soap in the dispensers.
The spaces were very close to each other but they were easy to pull into. There were lots of non camping fishermen there but they were very respectful of the campers. Would visit again.
Mike D
VerifiedSeptember 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: BSHW
Had a nice time here. There was a great walking trail with lots of birds along the river. The bathrooms were cleaned twice a day and there was always soap in the dispensers.
The spaces were very close to each other but they were easy to pull into. There were lots of non camping fishermen there but they were very respectful of the campers. Would visit again.
Patricia G
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: BSHW
We were traveling through on our way to Arkansas and had vehicle problems. We called the park office and the gentleman (originally from Texas) was so kind and helpful to us during a very stressful time. He went over and above to get us settled in. I can't thank him enough! Campground was one of the best we have been to. We definitely will try to get back!
Patricia G
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: BSHW
We were traveling through on our way to Arkansas and had vehicle problems. We called the park office and the gentleman (originally from Texas) was so kind and helpful to us during a very stressful time. He went over and above to get us settled in. I can't thank him enough! Campground was one of the best we have been to. We definitely will try to get back!
Randal R
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: BSHE
We enjoyed our stay at Bob Shetler Recreation Area. We were only here for one night and left early in morning but the spot was nice and big and the campground was very nice with a dump station. We would stay here again.
Randal R
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: BSHE
We enjoyed our stay at Bob Shetler Recreation Area. We were only here for one night and left early in morning but the spot was nice and big and the campground was very nice with a dump station. We would stay here again.
Jaime K
VerifiedSeptember 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 52, Loop: BSHM
Beautiful area! Very well kept. Lots of walking paths around the ponds. Spaces are very generous. We will be coming back to camp here next year!
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
