BOB SHETLER RECREATION AREA (IA), IA
Bob Shetler Recreation Area is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake project, which stretches for over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. Located in the tailwater area below Saylorville Dam, Bob Shetler is the campground of choice for many shore fishermen. The Des Moines River is within easy walking distance of most campsites and offers excellent fishing for walleye, wipers, catfish, and crappie. The area's 69 campsites are also popular with travelers, since it is located only 5 miles from Interstate Highways 35/80. A wide variety of recreational activities and facilities are available, including interpretive programs, group picnic shelters, playgrounds, and river fishing. The 24-mile paved, multi-purpose Neal Smith Trail runs from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park, and connects the campground to all recreation areas on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail (no motor vehicles allowed) and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking, and in-line skating. Nearby facilities include a visitor center, nature trail, baseball diamond, volleyball standards (you provide ball and net), swimming, boat launching, sailing, skiing, wind surfing, fishing, frisbee disc golf course, accessible fishing pier, and hunting. For more information, visit our website at: http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/saylorville
Address
5600 NW 78TH AVE
JOHNSTON, Iowa
Getting there
From I-35: Take the Ankeny exit #90 (Oralabor Road) and go west 4.8 miles, the road turns into Hwy 415. Turn left (west) onto NW 37th Street and go 0.3 mile then turn right onto NW Horseshoe Rd. Turn right and drive across the Saylorville Lake Dam, which will take you into Bob Shetler Campground. From I-80: Take exit #135 (2nd Avenue/Highway 415) exit and go north 3.5 miles. Turn left (west) onto Oralabor Road (Highway 415) and go 2.6 miles. Turn left (west) onto NW 37th Street and go 0.3 mile then turn right onto NW Horseshoe Rd. Turn right and drive across the Saylorville Lake Dam, which will take you into Bob Shetler Campground.
Alerts and Important Information
*Camper must be 18 or over to make reservation and must be present during stay. Park reserves the right to cancel reservations.* *Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance.* *There is no mi
