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
Bev S
VerifiedAugust 28, 2021 • Stayed at: B58, Loop: BLAZ
Very nice, level and spacious sites.
Cindy N
VerifiedAugust 26, 2021 • Stayed at: A18, Loop: ASTE
Beautiful, spacious, clean, and quiet!!!
Ray B
VerifiedAugust 26, 2021 • Stayed at: H186, Loop: HONE
We camped six nights in early August and thoroughly enjoyed this recreation area. We've camped a number of times at Cherry Glen and this was our first time at Prairie Flower. We loved the access to the Neal Smith Trail and the trails within the campground itself. Friendly volunteers and a well managed Corps campground.
BRUCE P
VerifiedAugust 25, 2021 • Stayed at: E149, Loop: ELDE
Love the room we had in 4 place camping circle
Sean R
VerifiedAugust 24, 2021 • Stayed at: A31, Loop: ASTE
No issues.
Mike M
VerifiedAugust 24, 2021 • Stayed at: A16, Loop: ASTE
The quieter, less crowded USACE campground at Saylorville Lake. Close to Des Moines and even closer to the excellent Neal Smith bike trail (you can access it from the end of one loop). We love it.
Eileen U
VerifiedAugust 23, 2021 • Stayed at: C90, Loop: CONE
We stay at Prairie Flower every year we come to the Iowa State fair. Very nice campground with very clean restrooms and showers. Looking forward to the next time!!
Troy J
VerifiedAugust 23, 2021 • Stayed at: C112, Loop: CONE
Nice quiet campground, spacious spots. Check in was easy. Walking and biking trails tied into campground.
Stacy D
VerifiedAugust 22, 2021 • Stayed at: C93, Loop: CONE
Great level sites, nice atmosphere and sunset lake views
jim m
VerifiedAugust 20, 2021 • Stayed at: D119, Loop: DOGB
The employees were very helpful and friendly! We didn't realize that the Iowa State fair was going on while we were there. She told us where we could get advanced gate tickets.
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 13, 2026