Camping spots near Sheldahl, Iowa range from rustic tent sites to full hookup RV facilities, with most nestled in the Des Moines River watershed at elevations around 830-850 feet. The region contains multiple recreation areas managed by the Army Corps of Engineers in connection with Saylorville Lake. Campgrounds typically experience high occupancy from May through September when temperatures average between 65-85°F during summer months.
What to do
Trail hiking access: Ledges State Park Campground features distinctive sandstone formations with challenging terrain. "This is the best park in the state of Iowa, so much fun going thru the low water crossings!" notes Kent B. The park's trails offer varied difficulty with stone steps and elevation changes.
Fishing opportunities: At Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, anglers can catch bass and bluegill in the oxbow waters. A camper reports: "There are plenty of trails to hike and some really nice views of the prairies. You can bring a kayak/canoe to go on the water. There is also some pretty good fishing. Lots of bass and bluegill."
Wildlife viewing: Beyond hiking and fishing, observation areas for bison are available at Jester County Park. "Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit. In addition to the water access ways, there is a sweet pond to fish in, several hiking trails, a brand new Nature Center, amphitheater, bison and bird viewing," explains Larissa C.
What campers like
Privacy options: Campers appreciate secluded spots at specific sites within larger campgrounds. At Prairie Flower Recreation Area, Elizabeth A. notes a practical concern: "This campground is a hot spot for Des Moines to escape the weekend - with that said, reservations are a must! Most times you need to make them six months out. Sites do have some space for privacy between them."
Clean facilities: Acorn Valley maintains exceptionally clean restrooms and common areas. "The whole place is super clean, especially the bath house. All the spots are nice and lots of exploring to do!" reports Gina J. Another camper adds: "Bathrooms are immaculate and cleaned every day."
Easy lake access: Multiple campgrounds provide water access points for recreational activities. The Bob Shelter Recreation Area backs up to the river below the dam spillway. Wendy H. describes her experience: "We stayed at spot 20 which was extra wide, concrete pad with electric hook up. No water or sewer. It backs to the river below the spillway from the dam."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Weekends fill quickly, especially during summer months. At Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground, one visitor warned: "I would suggest getting reservations. We stopped on a Friday without one, they were booked. We only wanted one night in a tent. They don't have designated tent sites but they have one overflow site and they let us use it for the night."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate limited schedules. Acorn Valley closes after Labor Day, and Swede Point Park operates from April 15 to October 15. At Ledges State Park, temporary closures sometimes occur due to flooding: "Ledges State Park is one of the most visited parks in Iowa. I loved coming to this park as a kid and I can't wait for it to re-open. It has been closed since January 2018, but it scheduled to re-open in January of 2019."
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report raccoon activity, particularly around food storage areas. At Acorn Valley, John F. advises: "Biggest downside is the resident raccoons. Come out every night to rummage through possible food options. Secure your food and they're no problem unless you're a light sleeper."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Swede Point Park offers various recreational facilities for children. "This county park has many amenities not to mention that it is close to a very popular bike trail. There are a few miles of mowed trails along with a couple of trail through the woods up and down hills. Do you like volleyball? They have that and a half court basketball too."
Water safety planning: When camping with children near Saylorville Lake, water levels can fluctuate. At Cherry Glen Campground, a visitor noted: "The local trail is paved and bike/walker/stroller friendly but due to recent flooding at the lake, it was also cut short until clean up could resume."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature centers with youth programming. Jim S. describes Jester Park's features: "Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be."
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Griffs Valley View RV Park offers full hookups with concrete pads. Anthony W. describes: "The campground very well kept with spacious concrete pads, both 30/50 amp and full water/sewage hookups. Two nice laundry/shower houses, one in the front and one in the back of the campground."
Dump station congestion: Plan your departure time strategically at popular campgrounds. Elizabeth A. warns about Prairie Flower: "Now my one complaint - there's one dump station for a campground that is large in size and popularity. Trying to leave on Sunday is a good 1 hour wait... that's being generous!"
Water hookup planning: Not all sites feature water connections directly at campsites. At Prairie Flower Recreation Area, Mia L. advises: "No water hook ups, so fill up after you get in the campground before you park. Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites."
