
Located on Camp Road near the intersection of NW 78th Avenue and Water Avenue in Johnston. Bob Shetler is on the southern side of Saylorville, near the Visitor Center. It’s along the Des Moines River, so campers enjoy great fishing spots along the river and its backwaters. Located at 10498-10534 NW Lake Dr, Polk City, IA, west of Hwy 415, near the marinaīob Shetler Campground is a grassy, compact campground near the spillway. 10 group sites with electricity (sites are in a circle around a greenspace/picnic area). Spacious campsites, scenic lake views, and concrete pads make it a favorite among campers. It covers over 60 acres of prairie and woodlands and is close to Oak Grove Beach and the Marina. Prairie Flower Campground is the largest of the Saylorville Lake campgrounds. Located at 4338 NW 94th Ave, Ankeny, IA 50021. As one of the most popular campgrounds in the area, it has easy access to the lake, boat ramp, Neal Smith Trail, visitor center, and more. It’s a compact, wooded area on a ridge above the lake. Located off of Corydon Drive near NW Beaver Drive, JohnstonĬherry Glen Campground is a 13-acre campground on the east side of Saylorville Lake, north of the dam. 29 electric sites, 54 primitive tent sites, and two group tent areas. The lake is not visible from these campsites. Campers love the shade and beauty of the mature Bur Oaks in this quiet campground. To learn more about camping at Saylorville, see our Saylorville Lake Campgrounds article.Īcorn Valley Campground is a 26-acre campground on the west side of Saylorville Lake. And they fill up fast! To make reservations for a Saylorville Lake campground, visit. The campgrounds have beautiful views, clean facilities, and access to everything at Saylorville. The Corps Annual Pass gives unlimited access to day-use areas t any Corps park nationwide for one calendar year, and is sold at all Corps parks.Saylorville Lake has four campgrounds with 530 campsites! And we think it offers some of the best camping in the Des Moines area. Army Corps of Engineers sells an annual pass for $40. #Saylorville lake cottonwood recreation area shelter 3 free
Visitors receive free admission to day use areas (beach and/or boat ramps) if they display an America the Beautiful Interagency Senior, Access, Military, Annual, or Volunteer Pass or an Every Kid in a Park 4 th Grade pass. Beaches - $2 per person on foot/bicycle, $5 per private vehicle, $20 per bus or commercial vehicle children under 16 are free. Be sure to tune to 1610 AM radio or go to for current lake levels.įeesBoat Launch - $5/Day.
To make reservations call toll free 1-87 or visit īoating: Whether you prefer waterskiing, fishing, canoeing, sailing, or just cruising the water, Saylorville Lake offers it all! Boat launching is available at three Corps managed ramps Lakeview, Sandpiper, Cherry Glen, the Saylorville Lake Marina managed boat launch and Lincoln Access, a Polk County managed launch. Just borrow, use and return!Ĭamping: Acorn Valley, Bob Shetler, Cherry Glen, and Prairie Flower Campgrounds with a total capacity of 525 camping sites.
Life Jacket Loaner Station : Life jackets are available to borrow at both beaches. Ranger Programs: Ranger programs can be scheduled by calling the administration building at 51.ĭay Use: Picnic shelter sites are located in Bob Shetler Recreation Area, Cherry Glen Day Use Area, Cottonwood Recreation Area, Oak Grove Recreation Area, Sandpiper Recreation Area and Walnut Ridge Recreation Areaīeaches: There are two designated swim beaches Oak Grove Beach and Sandpiper Beach. There are NO lifeguards provided and all swimming is at your own risk.