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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. 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, pheasants, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake. 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 family sites, all with electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. The campground also provides educational programs, group shelters and playgrounds. Nearby amenities include a visitor center, hiking trail, baseball field, volleyball courts and a disc golf course. Boat ramps and an accessible fishing dock are also close by. ACTIVITIES Biking Boating: Marina Fishing Hiking Hunting Water Sports: Water Skiing Swimming Site
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.
Beautiful campground. Electricity is the only thing available ( no water, wifi etc)
A great campground at the end of the Saylorville Lake. We went during the week, so the campground was very quiet, but I imagine it fills up quickly on Fridays during the summer. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The only "problem" were the vechicals at night on the top of the dam being obnixous! :)
Dam spillway is amazing, quite the experience. Riveting to watch knowing if you fell in would not survive one minute. Clean, well maintained little park with many friendly and considerate fellow visitors
Beautiful camping sites, wonderful area to relax. Verizon service excellent. Friendly people.
