Prairie Flower Recreation Area

4.55

806 reviews

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

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping Iowa Boating Camping Iowa Best Campgrounds Iowa

Quick Facts

932 ft

Price

$20 - $336/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

153 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Saylorville Lake Administration Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

932 ft

Price

$20 - $336/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

153 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Saylorville Lake Administration Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Prairie Flower Recreation Area

$20.00 - $336.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $20 for individual standard electric sites to $336 for premium group sites during peak season. Additional fees like reservation...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$336.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$336.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

515-984-6925

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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 806 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

"User reviews indicate a well-maintained campground with spacious sites, clean facilities, and good recreational opportunities. However, some reported issues with water temperature and host behavior."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Prairie Flower 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, continue and follow signs to the campground.

The campground is easily accessible via Highway 415. Roads are paved and well-maintained, although user reviews indicate issues with signage clarity in some cases.

Nearby places

Ankeny, IA (10 minutes, ~8 miles)

Des Moines, IA (~30 minutes, ~20 miles)

Polk City, IA (~15 minutes, ~10 miles).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and other essentials can be found in Ankeny (~10 minutes away). The proximity to Des Moines (~30 minutes) provides access to larger stores and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Prairie Flower Recreation Area

Experience the full tapestry of Iowa's seasons at Prairie Flower, where each time of year paints the landscape in stunning new colors. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and wildflower blooms, creating perfect conditions for hiking and wildlife watching. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and water sports at nearby Saylorville Lake, though occasional heat waves remind visitors to seek shade during afternoon hours. Fall transforms the prairie into a golden wonderland of swaying grasses and crisp, comfortable temperatures that make for unforgettable camping memories. While winter's frost closes the campground to overnight stays, the surrounding area remains a pristine destination for cold-weather recreation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Full array of water activities and trails; enjoyable but can be crowded at peak times.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in IA

Reviews specifically praise fall for quiet, clean atmosphere and late-season color in the prairie.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring brings wildflower blooms and mild weather, but official season starts May 1 limiting early-spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed out of season; winter not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 - October 24 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1 to October 24 during peak season; closed out of season.

About Prairie Flower Recreation Area

Nestled within the expansive Saylorville Lake Project, Prairie Flower Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts to its 60-acre sanctuary where modern comfort meets natural splendor. This beloved camping destination features 153 thoughtfully designed family sites and 10 spacious group camping areas, each offering the perfect balance of wilderness and convenience. With full-service amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and engaging playgrounds for young adventurers, Prairie Flower ensures every member of your camping party feels at home. Adventure seekers will delight in the campground's direct access to the renowned Neal Smith Trail, where miles of scenic pathways await exploration by foot or bicycle.

The campground supports various camping styles, including RV, tent, and group camping.

Historical SignificancePrairie Flower Recreation Area stands as a living testament to Iowa's rich prairie heritage, preserving and celebrating the vast grasslands that once dominated the heartland. This carefully curated landscape serves as both a recreational paradise and an educational gateway, where visitors can connect with the natural and cultural history that shaped the region. As an integral part of the greater Saylorville Lake Project, the area continues a tradition of thoughtful land stewardship while providing a diverse array of outdoor activities that honor the spirit of Iowa's pioneering past.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full tapestry of Iowa's seasons at Prairie Flower, where each time of year paints the landscape in stunning new colors. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and wildflower blooms, creating perfect conditions for hiking and wildlife watching. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and water sports at nearby Saylorville Lake, though occasional heat waves remind visitors to seek shade during afternoon hours. Fall transforms the prairie into a golden wonderland of swaying grasses and crisp, comfortable temperatures that make for unforgettable camping memories. While winter's frost closes the campground to overnight stays, the surrounding area remains a pristine destination for cold-weather recreation.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living canvas where over 40 acres of meticulously restored prairie plantings burst with life and color from mid-summer through autumn's final days. Native grasses sway in harmonious waves while wildflowers paint the landscape in brilliant purples, yellows, and oranges, creating an ever-changing masterpiece that captures the essence of Iowa's original ecosystem. This thriving habitat attracts an impressive array of wildlife, from graceful white-tailed deer browsing at dawn to wild turkeys strutting through the undergrowth. Each visit promises new discoveries as the prairie reveals its secrets to patient observers willing to pause and immerse themselves in nature's rhythms.

Geological RegionCarved by ancient forces and shaped by the mighty Des Moines River, Prairie Flower Recreation Area occupies a privileged position within the scenic river valley that defines central Iowa's landscape. As part of the greater Saylorville Lake Project, this unique geological setting combines rolling prairie terrain with the aquatic ecosystems of one of Iowa's premier recreational lakes. The fertile soils that once supported vast tallgrass prairies now nurture carefully restored native plantings, while the diverse topography creates varied habitats that support abundant wildlife populations including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and countless bird species. This remarkable convergence of prairie, forest, and water creates an outdoor playground unlike any other in the region.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Standard check-in time is 4:00 PM.

Check-out

Standard check-out time is 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard sites accommodate up to 8 guests, although group sites provide for larger gatherings.

Groups

Group sites are designed in a circle-the-wagon format and can accommodate large numbers. Reviewers praised them as ideal for family reunions or group gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground spans 60 acres with loops organized around thematic areas such as Coneflower and Dogbane.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov website and app.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up sites are available, but high demand makes advance reservations highly recommended.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for reservations canceled in advance. Late cancellations within 1 day for individual sites incur an additional first-night fee loss.

AccessibilityPrairie Flower includes accessible showers and sites. Some reviewers noted issues with accessibility, such as the handicap shower being out of order.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with many featuring large concrete pads. User comments include: 'Sites were spacious,' and 'Prairie Flower has some of the largest most beautiful campsites.

PrivacySites provide good privacy, as noted by reviews: 'The campers are far apart for your privacy,' and 'spacious clean camp sites.

Total Campsites153 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites along Honeysuckle Loop for tent camping due to proximity to noisy roads. Select south-end family sites for lake views.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Prairie Flower Recreation Area offers diverse recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Educational programs and cultural activities add to the experience.

HikingThe Neal Smith Trail, a paved 24-mile National Recreation Trail, connects Des Moines to Big Creek State Park. It is popular for hiking, biking, jogging, and in-line skating, as highlighted in reviews: 'Great bike trails!'

FishingFishing is permitted with access to species such as walleye, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and northern pike. User reviews appreciated the close proximity to fishing areas.

SwimmingSwimming is available at the nearby beach, often described as clean and with beautiful sunsets. A user noted: 'The beach is in walking distance.'

BikingThe Neal Smith Trail provides excellent biking opportunities, connecting campers to scenic locations like Big Creek State Park. 'Love the bike trails!' is a frequent sentiment.

BoatingBoating activities are supported with nearby ramps and docks. Reviewers often mentioned enjoying views of boats from campsites.

Wildlife viewingAbundant wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and waterfowl, can be seen throughout the area. 'Prairie Flower includes endless prairie flowers! Butterflies, dragonflies, and birds galore!'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRaccoons, ticks, poison ivy, and occasional high winds are noted by user reviews. Traffic noise from nearby roads may affect certain loops.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated pits. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent tree pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced, starting at 10:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital: UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital (~20 miles in Des Moines); Local police available in Johnston; Park rangers patrol the area.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are located at loop entrances. Some users mentioned inconvenience due to distance from campsites.

Water FeaturesLocated near Saylorville Lake, which offers boating, fishing, and a sandy beach accessible by trails.

Camp HostMixed reviews about hosts, ranging from helpful and friendly to grumpy and disrespectful.

Weather at Prairie Flower Recreation Area

Reviews

4.6

806 reviews

Top-Rated

Prairie Flower Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews indicate a well-maintained campground with spacious sites, clean facilities, and good recreational opportunities. However, some reported issues with water temperature and host behavior.

Review Summaries

Based on 806 reviews

What Campers Love

Spacious and clean sites, excellent concrete pads, abundant wildlife, proximity to biking trails, and clean bathrooms.

Based on 806 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues with shower temperature, limited dump stations, tent sites near highways leading to noise, and occasional host rudeness.

Based on 806 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve early to secure lake-view sites. Avoid tent sites near highways. Bring blocks for leveling RVs at non-concrete sites.

Based on 806 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is highly appreciated for quiet and clean atmosphere, while summer often experiences crowding.

Based on 806 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Prairie Flower has some of the largest most beautiful campsites of anywhere in the United States.' 2. 'Clean bathrooms and showers, a great playground for the kids and a lot of space between camp...

Based on 806 reviews