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
Bryan C
VerifiedOctober 11, 2021 • Stayed at: A16, Loop: ASTE
Prairie Flowers is a well run campground managed by a friendly group of volunteers. It’s relatively close to Des Moines. For bike riders Praire Flower is right on a wonderful multi mile bike trail.
Matthew L
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 • Stayed at: B38, Loop: BLAZ
Love the paved spots
stephanie c
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 • Stayed at: B40, Loop: BLAZ
The trails were so fun. The showers were so clean. Pet friendly!!!
Chad S
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 • Stayed at: B59, Loop: BLAZ
We love the large campsites and extra green space. Bath houses are clean, nice walking trails, and friendly atmosphere. I would say it does need more dump stations but overall a great place to camp for all ages.
Mark B
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 • Stayed at: A11, Loop: ASTE
The bathrooms were some of the cleanest I've seen. The grounds were also well kept. For larger RV's some sites may be a challenge to level. Most if not all of the weekends had been reserved six months earlier eliminating longer stays.
Rick P
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 • Stayed at: A07, Loop: ASTE
Prairie Flower camp ground was quite and relaxing plan on staying there again.
Walter A
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 • Stayed at: A27, Loop: ASTE
Love the size of these spots.
Donald L
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 • Stayed at: C94, Loop: CONE
Beautiful view of the lake. Perfectly level concrete site. If you want shade you will find little to none at this site. It's a great fall or spring spot though, use with cooler temps.
Robert B
VerifiedOctober 8, 2021 • Stayed at: C108, Loop: CONE
It was great weather
Donald H
VerifiedOctober 8, 2021 • Stayed at: D123, Loop: DOGB
Wheather was wet, but we had a very good time. Womens showers were alright, mens not so good. They only had one that was usable.
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