Anglers and families gather at Bob Shetler Recreation Area & Campground, where the Des Moines River spillway creates prime fishing conditions below Saylorville Lake's dam. The Army Corps of Engineers facility operates from May through September, offering 62 sites that accommodate RVs up to 62 feet with electric, water, and sewer hookups.
Sites sit on gravel pads with spacing that varies throughout the campground. "The sites are well spaced," notes Stephanie S., though she recommends choosing locations closer to the dam for a quieter experience. The area near the playground draws families with children, while sites backing up to the river provide more privacy. Site 20 stands out as an extra-wide concrete pad at the end of a row, offering additional space and direct river access.
Fishing dominates the recreation scene, with anglers casting near the spillway throughout the day. The spillway's controlled water releases create consistent fishing conditions below the dam. Swimming is permitted in designated areas, and paved walking trails connect different sections of the recreation complex. Multiple picnic areas and playgrounds serve day-use visitors who share the space with overnight campers.
The campground requires reservations during busy periods, particularly on weekends when Des Moines area residents fill available sites. "Park had water available to fill fresh tanks, showers, flush toilets and dump station," reports Annell N.. The bathhouse facilities show their age with dated interiors, though they remain functional. Verizon provides reliable cell service with three bars reported. A public parking lot sits close to some campsites, occasionally generating noise after posted closure times.
Campers seeking additional options in the area can explore camping areas near Johnston or consider nearby Cottonwood Recreation Area for a different lakeside setting.
Description
Overview
Bob Shetler Recreation Area is located in the tailwater area below the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for its excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.
Facilities
The campground offers 67 camping sites, all with electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. Nearby amenities include a visitor center, hiking trail, volleyball courts and a disc golf course. Boat ramps and an accessible fishing dock are also close by.
Natural Features
Large shade trees dot the open grassy areas of the campground, which offers excellent views of the Des Moines River. Most campsites are within easy walking distance of the shore. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground is located in Iowa
Directions
From 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.
Address
SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
5600 NW 78TH AVENUE
Johnston, IA 50131-1941
Coordinates
41.7016667 N
93.6852778 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/9/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/9/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/9/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/9/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 15 min from Des Moines, IA
- 31 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 48 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 53 min from Waterloo, IA
