Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Star4.22
616 reviews
SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131-1941, USA
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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Saylorville Lake Administration Office site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bob Shetler Recreation Area
$22.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $22 to $26 per night for standard electric sites and $24 per night for shelter electric sites during peak season. Additional fees may...
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Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 616 reviews

459 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanstaffsites

Some mention

noise

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom I-35, take exit 90 to Ankeny/Oralabor Road and go west for 4.8 miles. The road turns into Highway 415. Turn left onto 37th Street, then turn right onto Horseshoe Road. Turn right and drive across the Saylorville Lake Dam to the campground.
Accessible via paved roads; directions include major highways and straightforward turns. Seasonal road closures or terrain challenges are not mentioned.
Nearby places
Johnston (~7 miles), Des Moines (~10 miles), Ankeny (~5 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and supplies can be found in Johnston (~7 miles) and Ankeny (~5 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Summer brings warm, inviting days perfect for water activities and exploration, though afternoon thunderstorms occasionally sweep through to refresh the landscape. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to comfortable afternoons ideal for hiking. Winter transforms the area into a quiet retreat, with cold temperatures creating a peaceful off-season atmosphere for hardy souls seeking solitude.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm days and water activities; mixed reviews cite noise, overcrowding, maintenance issues.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews more positive: peace, quiet, and scenic beauty highlighted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open May 1; spring offers mild weather and trail access but short season window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 14–Apr 30; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 1 to October 14, with reservations opening 6 months in advance.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts or advisories are noted.

About Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Nestled in the shadow of Saylorville Lake Dam, Bob Shetler Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 67 well-appointed campsites, each equipped with electric hookups for modern comfort. This riverside haven serves as your gateway to adventure, where the gentle flow of the Des Moines River sets the rhythm for days filled with fishing, hiking scenic trails, and pedaling along winding bike paths. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or gathering around the campfire at dusk, this campground seamlessly blends natural beauty with accessible recreation.
Bob Shetler Recreation Area offers various camping accommodations, including tent camping, RV camping, and group sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
3:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe Neal Smith Trail runs 24 miles and connects the campground to Big Creek State Park, offering opportunities for biking, jogging, walking, and in-line skating. However, user reviews emphasize its popularity and occasional overcrowding.
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with species like catfish, white bass, and crappie commonly caught near the dam outlet. A user stated, 'Fishing by the dam outlet is crowded but seemed well worth it.'
SwimmingSwimming opportunities are available in the Saylorville Lake area, although specific designated swimming areas within the campground are not mentioned.
BikingThe Neal Smith Trail offers excellent biking opportunities, connecting the campground to Des Moines and other recreation areas. One user highlighted, 'You can bike into Des Moines and several breweries.'
BoatingBoating is supported on Saylorville Lake, with nearby boat ramps providing access. Activities such as sailing, water skiing, and kayaking are common.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, and waterfowl. One user stated, 'Watching all the anglers and wildlife was enjoyable.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include raccoons, which have been reported to enter locked containers and steal food, as well as poison ivy in some areas.
Active AlertsNo current alerts or advisories are noted.

Weather at Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Reviews

4.2
616 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews identify Site 51 as a favorite for its spaciousness and proximity to amenities. Site 67 received complaints about inadequate electrical connections and proximity to sewage odors.
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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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