Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates60 total sites
RV Sites
60 sites
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 (767)
What Guests Are Saying
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.
What Guests Are Saying
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.
Review Summary
Tim m
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 38, Loop: BSHM
Very nice campground
Tim m
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 38, Loop: BSHM
Very nice campground
Shawn L
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: BSHE
good location, paved, and lighted
Adam H
VerifiedDecember 10, 2025 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: BSHW
Love the new water and sewer hookups at the sites on the west side of the river.
Adam H
VerifiedDecember 10, 2025 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: BSHW
Love the new water and sewer hookups at the sites on the west side of the river.
Richard S
VerifiedNovember 6, 2025 • Stayed at: 67, Loop: BSHM
We love to camp at Bob Shetler Our granddaughters love it there Nice peaceful family park
Richard S
VerifiedNovember 6, 2025 • Stayed at: 67, Loop: BSHM
We love to camp at Bob Shetler Our granddaughters love it there Nice peaceful family park
William B
VerifiedOctober 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: BSHE
I like the spots that back up to the river. Nice level, concrete sites with decent shade and water close by. I've been there twice now.
Debra P
VerifiedOctober 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: BSHE
We had site 12 and had a very hard time finding the site. There needs to be more signs.
Debra P
VerifiedOctober 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: BSHE
We had site 12 and had a very hard time finding the site. There needs to be more signs.
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.
Elevation: 247 feet
3.8 mi drive to downtown Johnston (about 8 min)
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: September 8, 2026
