Bob Shetler Picnic Area
Campground · Iowa · 2 bookable sites ·
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
National Guard Camp Dodge Johnston Training Site · Closed to Public Access
- 2
- Bookable sites
- up to 100
- People per site
- 807 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Bob Shetler Picnic Area is a day-use facility located in the tailwater area below Saylorville Dam, and is a popular destination for shoreline fishermen.The 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.
Recreation
Visitors come to Saylorville Lake for its great boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers fish for 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 day-use area offers two large group picnic areas with water and electric hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, a volleyball court, playground and hiking trails.Natural Features
Large shade trees dot the open grassy land around the picnic area, which offers pleasant views of the Des Moines River.Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.
The facts
- 2 bookable sites
- 2 sites for day use only
- Up to 100 people per site
- Loops: BOB SHETLER PICNIC AREA
Site types
- 2 Group Picnic Area
Amenities
- Water hookups
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits.
2 campsites at Bob Shetler Picnic Area
Check-in 7:00 AM · Check-out 9:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BOB SHETLER PICNIC AREA | Group Picnic Area | — | Paved | — | 100 | 🐾 |
| 2 | BOB SHETLER PICNIC AREA | Group Picnic Area | — | Paved | — | 100 | 🐾 |
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 to the 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 to the 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 to the campground.
41.69583, -93.68250 · 41°41'45.0"N 93°40'57.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 86°F in Jul, down to 30°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 30 | 34 | 47 | 61 | 72 | 82 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 64 | 48 | 35 |
| Low °F | 12 | 16 | 27 | 38 | 50 | 61 | 65 | 62 | 53 | 41 | 29 | 18 |
| Precip in | 1.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 3.6 | 2.7 | 1.9 | 1.4 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Bob Shetler Picnic Area
- Can you reserve a site at Bob Shetler Picnic Area?
- Yes, Bob Shetler Picnic Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Bob Shetler Picnic Area have?
- 2 sites.
- Are pets allowed at Bob Shetler Picnic Area?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Bob Shetler Picnic Area.
- Does Bob Shetler Picnic Area have hookups?
- Water.
Camping near Bob Shetler Picnic Area
- Bob Shetler Recreation Area 0.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cottonwood Recreation Area 0.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lake View Recreation Area (Saylorville) 1.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cherry Glen Campground 2.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cherry Glen Picnic 2.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Oak Grove Picnic Area 3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Walnut Ridge Recreation Area 3.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Acorn Valley 3.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Prairie Flower Recreation Area 3.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Sandpiper Recreation Area 4.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Fifield (Ia) 38.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Whitebreast Point Shelter (Ia) 39.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Contact
- Phone 515-276-4656
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
Comments