How much does camping cost at Bob Shetler Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Bob Shetler Recreation Area are $22 - $26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bob Shetler Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Bob Shetler Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bob Shetler Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Bob Shetler Recreation Area has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bob Shetler Recreation Area?

Bob Shetler Recreation Area is open May 01 to October 14. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bob Shetler Recreation Area?

Yes, Bob Shetler Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Bob Shetler Recreation Area have?

Bob Shetler Recreation Area has 67 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bob Shetler Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bob Shetler Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bob Shetler Recreation Area?

Bob Shetler Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bob Shetler Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Bob Shetler Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bob Shetler Recreation Area

4.23

616 reviews

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131-1941, USA

C-Report Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

843 ft

Price

$22 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

67 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Saylorville Lake Administration Office Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

843 ft

Price

$22 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

67 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Saylorville Lake Administration Office Official Website

Get Directions

Bob Shetler Recreation Area

$22.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Full Hook-up 30amp Gravel Sites: $26.00; Handicap Site: $24.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-30 amp: $22.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-50 amp: $26.00. Plus...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131-1941, USA

Bob Shetler Recreation Area

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131-1941, USA

Nearby places

Johnston (~7 miles), Des Moines (~10 miles), Ankeny (~5 miles)

Weather at Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and best scenery — expect crisp mornings in the 40s–50s°F and pleasant afternoons in the mid-50s–60s°F, with colorful river-valley foliage and lower humidity. Trails and bike paths are prime for hiking and cycling, wildlife is active (migratory birds and deer are common), and campsite crowds thin after Labor Day for a quieter experience. Early October still allows boating and fishing before the campground closes on October 14, making late September–early- Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall consistently praised for comfortable weather, colorful foliage and quieter stays.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1 to October 14, with reservations opening 6 months in advance.

About Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Bob Shetler Recreation Area sits on the shores of Saylorville Lake near Johnston, operated by the Saylorville Lake Administration Office. This mid-sized campground offers both tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups, plus access to bike trails, a swim beach, and fishing along the reservoir. Reviewers consistently praise the well-spaced sites with level cement pads, helpful staff, and sunset views over the dam.

Bob Shetler Recreation Area offers various camping accommodations, including tent camping, RV camping, and group sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and best scenery — expect crisp mornings in the 40s–50s°F and pleasant afternoons in the mid-50s–60s°F, with colorful river-valley foliage and lower humidity. Trails and bike paths are prime for hiking and cycling, wildlife is active (migratory birds and deer are common), and campsite crowds thin after Labor Day for a quieter experience. Early October still allows boating and fishing before the campground closes on October 14, making late September–early- Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation843 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a stretch of the Des Moines River Valley at 843 feet elevation, where controlled dam releases create a dynamic current-meets-stillwater environment. This tailwater zone supports diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and migratory waterfowl. Vegetation includes mature shade trees over grassy sites, though coverage varies. One camper noted the dam is "stunning" at sunset, while others mention minimal shade in certain loops. The valley setting provides river views from select sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no lodge-style accommodation explicitly mentioned for this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits per site are unspecified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, via the app, or through the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include concrete pads, which provide easy leveling for campers. However, issues were noted regarding restroom access for wheelchairs, including narrow stalls and high thresholds.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some accommodating large RVs and providing spacious cement pads. For example, one user stated, 'We had a pull-through site which was great for our larger fifth wheel.

PrivacyPrivacy levels depend on the site location, with some sites being more secluded while others are closely spaced. One review noted, 'Sites are power-only and close together, with minimal shade and privacy.

Total Campsites67 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the river offer better views and quieter surroundings; non-river sites may face noise challenges from nearby roads.

Best CampsitesSite 51 gets frequent praise for space and proximity to amenities. River-view sites 12, 14, and 17 are popular, though reviews note electrical boxes are sometimes poorly positioned. One camper recommended bringing an extension cord due to "oddly placed electrical hookups." Pull-through sites accommodate larger fifth wheels.

Need help booking Bob Shetler Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Bob Shetler Recreation Area provides essential amenities, including 67 camping sites all featuring electric hookups. The campground includes flush toilets, showers, drinking water, picnic tables, and a dump station. Nearby amenities are a visitor center, volleyball courts, hiking trails, and a disc golf course. Boat ramps and an accessible fishing dock are also close by. However, user reviews highlight some issues, including limited availability of potable water stations, poorly maintained restroom facilities, and outdated showers. Several reviewers noted that bathrooms were not cleaned regularly, with frequent plumbing issues such as standing water and blocked drains.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Bob Shetler Recreation Area provides a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The Neal Smith Trail, designated as a National Recreation Trail, connects the area to broader hiking and biking networks. Anglers have access to fish species such as catfish, white bass, and crappie.

Hiking4.0/5

Neal Smith Trail (24 mi, National Recreation Trail) connects campground to wider trail network.

Fishing4.0/5

Biking4.0/5

Neal Smith Trail offers excellent biking and links to Des Moines and Big Creek State Park.

Boating4.0/5

Boat ramps provide access to Saylorville Lake; boating activities are supported and mentioned.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Tailwater zone supports white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and migratory waterfowl.

Water Sports4.0/5

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trash & RecyclingThere are no detailed descriptions of trash and recycling facilities, but users noted the need for better waste management, such as 'adding dumpsters on the way out.'

Cell CoverageCell service varies by provider, with Verizon and T-Mobile offering strong signal strength in some sections of the campground. However, other areas, particularly those near the dam, lack coverage, leaving T-Mobile users without service.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

616 reviews

Satisfactory

Bob Shetler Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Bob Shetler Recreation Area are highly varied, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Positive reviews praise the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to recreational opportunities. Negative reviews often criticize maintenance issues, lack of shade, loud music at night, and inadequate restroom facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 616 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 616 reviews.

Site 51Loved
Site-specific reviews identify Site 51 as a favorite for its spaciousness and proximity to amenities.
Site 67Issues noted
Site 67 received complaints about inadequate electrical connections and proximity to sewage odors.

What Campers Love

Users praised the cleanliness of sites, helpful staff, proximity to bike trails, and scenic views. One user commented, 'The dam is stunning and just right when the sun is going down.' Another...

Based on 616 reviews

Common Concerns

Reviews frequently mention maintenance issues such as dirty restrooms, standing water in showers, and broken amenities. Noise from nearby parking lots and music late at night are also common...

Based on 616 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest bringing an extension cord due to oddly placed electrical hookups and noise-canceling headphones for late-night disturbances. Others recommend arriving early to locate water fill...

Based on 616 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months receive mixed reviews due to noise, maintenance issues, and overcrowding. Fall reviews are generally more positive, highlighting peace, quiet, and scenic beauty.

Based on 616 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The dam is stunning, and you can see lots of rainbows in the evening.' 2. 'Bathrooms were not cleaned for the entire weekend.' 3. 'Fishing by the dam outlet is crowded but worth it.'

Based on 616 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are appreciated, but users emphasized the need for improvements in restroom facilities for wheelchairs and designated handicapped sites.

Based on 616 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews note a lack of enforcement of leash rules, with some owners leaving pets unattended. Positive reviews highlight ample space for dogs to roam and play.

Based on 616 reviews

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Bob Shetler Recreation Area

$22.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Full Hook-up 30amp Gravel Sites: $26.00; Handicap Site: $24.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-30 amp: $22.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-50 amp: $26.00. Plus...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

515-276-0873null

Go if

You want affordable lake access with bike trails, swimming, and well-maintained sites near Des Moines.

Skip if

You need pristine bathrooms or a quiet setting away from road noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

Highly Popular

4.5

(765)

Cherry Glen Campground

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131, USA

Cherry Glen Campground sits on the shore of Saylorville Lake near Johnston, Iowa, operated by Saylorville Lake Administration. The campground offers electric hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station across tent sites, RV sites, and group areas. Campers fish from the shore and pier, swim in the lake, bike the adjacent Neal Smith Trail, and watch wildlife from shaded sites under a mature canopy.

Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Campground Map

Weather at Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Planning Tips

About Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bob Shetler Recreation Area?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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How campers graded it

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Directions

Ask Camp Sage about Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bob Shetler Recreation Area?

Amenities available

Things to do at Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns