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
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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
Rebecca B
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2022 • Stayed at: A06, Loop: ASTE
Prairie Flower is a premier area for camping. Large open sites, wildflowers and Prairie habit create a peaceful camping experience. The only problem is too many people park their campers but don't actually spend much time there keeping those of us that want to be there from getting sites.
John H
VerifiedSeptember 13, 2022 • Stayed at: B63, Loop: BLAZ
Please update the firmware in the entry kiosk. The 1st park we used had a multi-day option in the daily entry. Why not yours? Do you really expect a 2 day stay in an RV to break camp and run up to buy another daily pass?
Thanks for your consideration.
Jjh
Rod E
VerifiedSeptember 10, 2022 • Stayed at: A02, Loop: ASTE
Had a great time once had correct address
Dale O
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2022 • Stayed at: A09, Loop: ASTE
Pleasant experience. Everything was fine. Congenial employees at check-in and treated us extremely well during the whole stay. Thank you very much!
Kathy B
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2022 • Stayed at: C77, Loop: CONE
convenient near Des Moines
Kathy B
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2022 • Stayed at: D117, Loop: DOGB
Close to Des Moines
Kathy B
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2022 • Stayed at: B64, Loop: BLAZ
nice
Raymond L
VerifiedSeptember 7, 2022 • Stayed at: D124, Loop: DOGB
Love to stay here! Dogbane loop is our favorite. We love the close proximity to the bike trail! I enjoy riding the trail south to downtown Des Moines or north to Big Creek State park. Also enjoy backing up to the woods. Super close to the grocery store in nearby Polk City. Close to restaurants and take out as well. Lots of space between sites and clean restrooms/shower facilities. The people at the check in station are super friendly, especially Carol. She’s the best!
Stacy P
VerifiedSeptember 6, 2022 • Stayed at: B56, Loop: BLAZ
B loop is so comfortable
Troy L
VerifiedSeptember 3, 2022 • Stayed at: H177, Loop: HONE
We had a great weekend!! The facilities are top notch and the campgrounds are well kept! We will be back!
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
