How much does camping cost at Prairie Flower Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Prairie Flower Recreation Area are $20 - $336/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Prairie Flower Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Prairie Flower 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 Prairie Flower Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Prairie Flower Recreation Area has 3 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 Prairie Flower Recreation Area?

Prairie Flower Recreation Area is open May 01 to October 24. 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 Prairie Flower Recreation Area?

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

How many campsites does Prairie Flower Recreation Area have?

Prairie Flower Recreation Area has 153 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Prairie Flower Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Prairie Flower 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 Prairie Flower Recreation Area?

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

What activities can I do at Prairie Flower Recreation Area?

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

Prairie Flower Recreation Area

4.54

753 reviews

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

B-Report Card

Romantic GetawayStargazingTent CampingSummer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping Iowa Best Campgrounds Iowa Boating Camping 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

ElectricShowers

Book on Saylorville Lake Administration Office Official Website

Get Directions

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

ElectricShowers

Book on Saylorville Lake Administration Office Official Website

Get Directions

Prairie Flower Recreation Area

$20.00 - $336.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ELDE-STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00; FLEA-STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00; GOLD-STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00; GROUP STANDARD AREA ELECTRIC-118749: $96.00; GROUP...

Group Site Fee$336.00

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Provider

515-984-6925

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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

Nearby places

Ankeny, IA (10 minutes, ~8 miles)

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

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

Weather at Prairie Flower Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Prairie Flower Recreation Area

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, dramatic prairie color, and top wildlife activity — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F in September–October with cool nights in the 30s–50s. Late-summer seedheads and native forbs turn the restored prairie golden, making birding, wildlife viewing, hiking and photography especially rewarding; boating and fishing remain excellent through much of October. Crowds are moderate — popular weekends (leaf-peeping and warm,晴 Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Listed as best season: comfortable weather, dramatic prairie color and top wildlife activity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 24. 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

Prairie Flower Recreation Area sits on Saylorville Lake near Johnston, Iowa, managed by the Saylorville Lake Administration Office. This very large campground offers electric hookups, showers, and a dump station across spacious sites with concrete pads, drawing tent and RV campers who come for boating, fishing, swimming, and biking on nearby trails. Restored prairie surrounds the sites, attracting wildlife and birders especially during fall when native grasses turn golden.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, dramatic prairie color, and top wildlife activity — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F in September–October with cool nights in the 30s–50s. Late-summer seedheads and native forbs turn the restored prairie golden, making birding, wildlife viewing, hiking and photography especially rewarding; boating and fishing remain excellent through much of October. Crowds are moderate — popular weekends (leaf-peeping and warm,晴 Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation932 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOver 40 acres of restored native prairie dominate the landscape, with tallgrass species and wildflowers in purples, yellows, and oranges peaking from mid-summer through fall. The terrain rolls along the Des Moines River valley at 932 feet elevation, mixing prairie habitat with pockets of forest near the water. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds are common. Reviewers mention abundant wildlife sightings and open prairie views from several loops. The restored plantings recreate the tallgrass ecosystem that once covered this part of Iowa before cultivation.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs are available, focusing on Iowa's prairie heritage and conservation efforts. Prairie plantings enhance the educational value.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov website and app.

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.

Best CampsitesReviewers recommend Coneflower Loop for lake views and Dogbane Loop for better privacy and spacing. Some campers note that sites with large concrete pads make leveling easier. Avoid tent sites near the highway if road noise bothers you.

Need help booking Prairie Flower 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

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Amenities available

Prairie Flower Recreation Area offers a wide array of amenities. It features 153 family sites and 10 group sites, all equipped with electric hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water, and a dump station. Additional recreational facilities include group shelters, playgrounds, a swimming beach, volleyball courts, and a disc golf course. Boat ramps and a fishing dock are nearby. Educational programs and prairie plantings celebrate Iowa's heritage.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Prairie Flower Recreation Area

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Neal Smith Trail (paved 24-mile National Recreation Trail) connects area; good hiking access.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5

Nearby beach described as clean with beautiful sunsets; swimming available at beach.

Biking4.0/5

Neal Smith Trail is a paved 24-mile National Recreation Trail—excellent for biking and connects scenic areas.

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Restored prairie and wetlands attract deer, turkeys, waterfowl; wildlife sightings common.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

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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

4.5

753 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 753 reviews

What Campers Love

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

Based on 753 reviews

Common Concerns

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

Based on 753 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site H185 was criticized for its proximity to the highway and noise. Sites in Coneflower Loop are praised for lake views and spacious pads.

Based on 753 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 753 reviews

Seasonal Insights

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

Based on 753 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 753 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites and showers are available, though some noted issues like the handicap shower being out of order.

Based on 753 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, with users mentioning space for walking dogs and policies ensuring cleanliness.

Based on 753 reviews

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Prairie Flower Recreation Area

$20.00 - $336.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ELDE-STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00; FLEA-STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00; GOLD-STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00; GROUP STANDARD AREA ELECTRIC-118749: $96.00; GROUP...

Group Site Fee$336.00

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

515-984-6925

Go if

You want roomy concrete-pad sites near Saylorville Lake with full amenities and easy access to biking and boating.

Skip if

You need meticulous grounds maintenance or multiple dump stations for a large rig.

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.

Prairie Flower Recreation Area

Quick Facts

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