About Prairie Flower Recreation Area
Number of accommodations: 153
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Playground
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
Roger O
VerifiedSeptember 6, 2024 • Stayed at: C107, Loop: CONE
Nice spot. But it was hot no shade.
Pam D
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2024 • Stayed at: D125, Loop: DOGB
Love the secluded area. Quite
Carol D
VerifiedAugust 31, 2024 • Stayed at: A21, Loop: ASTE
I was anticipating water access or at least in walking distance of a view, but this is really camping in a nicely kempt prairie. The spaces aren’t very far apart, but not sardined either. For peace and quiet, I was too near the playground. I would not return for recreational purposes, but certainly camp if I find myself in the area again.
Mike L
VerifiedAugust 30, 2024 • Stayed at: B48, Loop: BLAZ
We always enjoy our time at Prairie Flower camp grounds Everything is clean and fresh
Mike A
VerifiedAugust 26, 2024 • Stayed at: C72, Loop: CONE
We have visited this camp ground in August for the last 10 years...always maintained well, the showers and restrooms are clean and functioning and we like the 6 new dump stations!
John S
VerifiedAugust 25, 2024 • Stayed at: B51, Loop: BLAZ
Kuddos to the park hosts! Everything was well maintained. The bath houses were immaculate!
Truman H
VerifiedAugust 23, 2024 • Stayed at: C76, Loop: CONE
Something has to be done to limit if not totally not allow political flags and signs at individual campsites. For instance site number C96 had three huge political flags. This campground is actually a 5 star location. Clean, staff friendly, large lake.
Dale O
VerifiedAugust 23, 2024 • Stayed at: A14, Loop: ASTE
Nice open lots with good space between. Very comfortable.
Gary J
VerifiedAugust 16, 2024 • Stayed at: D120, Loop: DOGB
Prairie Flower campground has always been well maintained. Bath and shower houses are always clean and well lit. Most sites are now paved and easy to back in to.
Kyle L
VerifiedAugust 14, 2024 • Stayed at: A21, Loop: ASTE
Park was peaceful , exactly what we needed for our getaway! The host were very welcoming, and the grounds were clean and well taken care of!
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
