About Prairie Flower Recreation Area
Number of accommodations: 153
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
On Site Services
- Playground
Water Access
- Beach Access
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Rates, Sites & Availability
153 Sites Available
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Site Details
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153 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (618)
What Guests Are Saying
Prairie Flower Recreation Area is a well-maintained campground featuring spacious, clean sites with large concrete pads and excellent facilities, including spotless restrooms and friendly staff. Many visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere and proximity to recreational activities in nearby Ames, Ankeny, and Des Moines. Some suggestions for improvement include adding more paved sites and addressing overgrown grass and weeds, but overall, guests express a strong desire to return for future visits.
What Guests Are Saying
Prairie Flower Recreation Area is a well-maintained campground featuring spacious, clean sites with large concrete pads and excellent facilities, including spotless restrooms and friendly staff. Many visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere and proximity to recreational activities in nearby Ames, Ankeny, and Des Moines. Some suggestions for improvement include adding more paved sites and addressing overgrown grass and weeds, but overall, guests express a strong desire to return for future visits.
Review Summary
Christopher B
VerifiedAugust 2, 2025 • Stayed at: B58, Loop: BLAZ
Very clean campgrounds and spacious
David B
VerifiedJuly 31, 2025 • Stayed at: H176, Loop: HONE
I believe I was kicked out for sleeping in a car was not allowed to purchase a spot with no reason given
Richard H
VerifiedJuly 29, 2025 • Stayed at: D135, Loop: DOGB
Close by many great eateries and shopping stores
Gary P
July 27, 2025
Great Location for a group. Des Moines is close and has a 300 Vendor Farmers Market on Saturday Mornings.
Linda S
VerifiedJuly 26, 2025 • Stayed at: C82, Loop: CONE
We enjoyed our time here! Large sites, well kept and friendly hosts. Site 82 has a view of the lake and a very large patio area. Enjoyed many of the bike trails, especially High Trestle Trail during the day and lighted bridge at night!
Loyal D
VerifiedJuly 21, 2025 • Stayed at: D132, Loop: DOGB
we had a very good time. Campgrounds are very clean and well kept.
Craig C
VerifiedJuly 21, 2025 • Stayed at: C81, Loop: CONE
Wonderful campground with double wide concrete spots! The wildflower and bird scene it GREAT. The Merlin app identified 17 different birds in under 15 minutes while we had breakfast, to of them marked "rare"! Great beach and lakefront view.
Michael M
VerifiedJuly 21, 2025 • Stayed at: B46, Loop: BLAZ
Great spot for camping in the corner all by yourself
Orin S
VerifiedJuly 21, 2025 • Stayed at: B61, Loop: BLAZ
Level cement sites with a lot of space between sites. We will be back
Martin S
VerifiedJuly 20, 2025 • Stayed at: C87, Loop: CONE
Nice campground BUT the grass was horrible long. We played bags and you couldn't see the bags because the grass is so long. I think they only mow once a month
Location Prairie Flower Recreation Area
Address:
Saylorville Lake Administration Office, 5600 Nw 78 Th Avenue
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, continue and follow signs to the campground.
Prairie Flower Recreation Area is accessible via Iowa State Highway 415, which is approximately 5 miles to the east. Interstate 80 is about 20 miles to the north.
Latitude & Longitude: 41.7483 / -93.6875
Elevation: 286 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
12PM
General
- Click here for more information
- Click here for a virtual tour of the Saylorville Lake area.
- Quiet Hours: From 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Campgrounds are restricted to registered campers during these hours. Visitors must leave by 10:00 p.m. Gates remain open 24/7.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: June 3, 2026