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
Dorothy H
VerifiedJuly 12, 2024 • Stayed at: A17, Loop: ASTE
Beautiful campground, clean facilities, easy to get in and out.
William B
VerifiedJuly 12, 2024 • Stayed at: C110, Loop: CONE
We really liked the concrete sites. The new and closer water spigots were a very nice addition to the campground. The lake view was amazing. The trails being nearby were a major plus as well. The bathhouse was clean every day. Lots to do in the area as well. I believe a tornado had knocked some trees down. I hope they plant some that will be beneficial to campers in the future to provide shade again.
Jeremy C
VerifiedJuly 11, 2024 • Stayed at: A14, Loop: ASTE
Very nice well kept campground. Spacious sites with plenty of soft grass. We spent 4 nights here and wish it was much closer to home so we could return often.
Thomas E
VerifiedJuly 10, 2024 • Stayed at: B47, Loop: BLAZ
Why did you move the hydrants, site I normally go had hydrant close by but now moved across the road. Don't like the new style fire rings,they are to deep & your coals fall thru the grates & are useless for keeping fire going. Like the new dump stations but are confusing to use when first coming in to get water.
Tim F
VerifiedJuly 9, 2024 • Stayed at: D129, Loop: DOGB
We have camped at prairie flower for many years.. it’s always been our go to place for a nice weekend.. after being closed for the 2023 season we were excited to come back.. we were very disappointed in the condition of the grounds and several of the outer loop camp spots..
Bryan C
VerifiedJuly 7, 2024 • Stayed at: A11, Loop: ASTE
Prairie Flower is a great place to camp. All the volunteers are polite and friendly, the campground is very well maintained, and it’s a convenient location. I recommend it!
Brian R
VerifiedJune 21, 2024 • Stayed at: C78, Loop: CONE
This site is great for families. There are several nice, new playgrounds near all the sites. There’s a nature trail and they e also incorporated the local plant life into the campground well. Plus you can walk to the beach. This is a good one
Karl E
VerifiedJune 11, 2024 • Stayed at: C110, Loop: CONE
Nice level site. Even though it is not a lakeside site still had some views of the lake out our front window and rear dinette window.
Shannon Burke S
VerifiedJune 8, 2024 • Stayed at: A21, Loop: ASTE
We had a dead, skinned raccoon on our site but the hosts did take care of it. However, the 50
amp connection has only 1 leg working therefore we were unable to use our gfi plugs and ac. You should have someone check the issue out.
Dawn W
VerifiedJune 5, 2024 • Stayed at: B55, Loop: BLAZ
Beautiful campground and well taken care of. Fairly level sites. Would stay again!
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
