Bob Shetler Recreation Area Campground and Camping
Fishing Hot Spots near Bob Shetler Recreation Area Campground
"I is a very nice little creek I caught green sunfish pumpkinseed bluegill creek chubs bullheads and..." Little Walnut Creek
"I caught four large mouth bass and a blue gale and my nephew caught a flathead catfish but lost it..." Lake Country Club
About the Campground
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
Services & Amenities
Within Facility |
- Accessible Showers
- Bike Trail
- Comfort Station
- Dump Station
- Fish Cleaning Station
- Fishing
- Flush Toilet
- Garbage Service
- Gatehouse
- Grills
|
- Hiking Trail
- Picnic Shelters
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Playground
- Potable Water
- Recycling Center
- Reservoir
- Soda Machine
- Telephone
|
Within 10 Miles |
- Accessible Fishing
- Accessible Restroom
- Baseball Field
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Equestrian Area
- Firewood
- Frisbee Golf
- Golf
- Hunting
|
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- Public Marina
- Sailing
- Swimming
- Visitors Center
- Volleyball
- Water Skiing
|
Fees
Peak Season Apr 30 2010 - Sep 30 2010 |
STANDARD ELECTRIC |
$16.00-$22.00 |
Peak Season Apr 29 2011 - Sep 30 2011 |
STANDARD ELECTRIC |
$16.00-$22.00 |
|
Alerts and Important Information
Due to high lake levels and high releases from Saylorville Dam, reservations may potentially be canceled for the months of April, May and June in Bob Shetler Campground. When the Saylorville Dam roadway is closed, there is no access to Bob Shetler Campground. Consider making reservations at other campgrounds around Saylorville Lake.
A considerable amount of heavy construction traffic is anticipated adjacent to the Bob Shetler Recreation Area during Spring/Summer 2010. Although the Bob Shetler Campgrounds are scheduled to remain open as much as possible there may be some short term intermittent closures and there will be extensive heavy truck traffic in entering and leaving the campground area. Camping can also be reserved at Saylorville Lake in the Acorn Valley, Cherry Glen and Prairie Flower Campgrounds.
Reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to arrival.
One family OR six people are allowed per site.
Campsite equipment is limited to 2 tents OR 1 tent and 1 wheeled unit per site. Other equipment such as boats or extra vehicles are allowed if there is sufficient room to park them on the site. Tents may be placed on the grass adjacent to campsite spurs.
Camper must be 18 or over to make reservation and must be present during stay. Park reserves the right to cancel reservations.
The gate is closed from 10pm-6am.
Campground Contact Information
Campground Phone: 515-276-0873
Customer Service Phone:888-445-1474
Backcountry Permits Phone: 877-550-6777
Johnston,
IA
515-276-0873
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Fishing Spots near Bob Shetler Recreation Area
Fishing Shops near Bob Shetler Recreation Area
More About Bob Shetler Recreation Area Campground
Bob Shetler Recreation Area is a campground located in Johnston, Iowa. This is a US Forest Service campground. All reservations can be made by calling 1-877-444-6777.
To find this campground check the map shown above, or enter -93.68528 latitude, and -93.68528 longitude into your GPS device.
After your camping adventure, be sure to come back and share a review of the campground. And please visit our
Iowa Fishing Spots to explore all the the local fishing spots, complete with detailed Iowa fishing reports. Remember to check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure that fishing and hunting are options near here.