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Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Saylorville Lake, Iowa

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As of October 2026, Bob Shetler Recreation Area is a campground in Iowa with 60 campsites. Bob Shetler Recreation Area is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Bob Shetler Recreation Area for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Bob Shetler Recreation Area is located at 41.7017° N, 93.6853° W.

people allowed on each site: 6

Bob Shetler Recreation Area reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 1 (37 sites)Oct 2 (25 sites)

37 sites open on Oct 1 at Bob Shetler Recreation Area. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 18:34 UTC.

Stay and booking rules

Mid-stay changes allowed
Maximum stay: 14 nights
Military discount available

Published by Recreation.gov for Bob Shetler Recreation Area, read on September 29, 2026.

Campsites at Bob Shetler Recreation Area

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Standard 60
Accessible 1
Hookups 60

What an RV fits

25–29 ft1 site
30–34 ft4 sites
35–39 ft1 site
40–44 ft7 sites
45–49 ft7 sites
50–54 ft10 sites
55–59 ft11 sites
60–64 ft16 sites
65–69 ft2 sites
70–74 ft1 site

Amenities

restrooms
showers
potable water
dump station

At a glance: Setting: Valley · Access: Paved road.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, photography.

All sites at Bob Shetler Recreation Area, as listed by Recreation.gov

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps	Max RV	Hookups	Access
12	BSHE	Standard	6	55 ft	Electric	-
13	BSHE	Standard	6	38 ft	Electric	-
14	BSHE	Standard	6	57 ft	Electric	-
15	BSHE	Standard	6	58 ft	Electric	-
16	BSHE	Standard	6	43 ft	Electric	-
17	BSHE	Standard	6	70 ft	Electric	-
18	BSHE	Standard	6	62 ft	Electric	-
19	BSHE	Standard	6	52 ft	Electric	-
20	BSHE	Standard	6	65 ft	Electric	-
27	BSHM	Standard	6	58 ft	Electric	-
28	BSHM	Standard	6	58 ft	Electric	-
29	BSHM	Standard	6	64 ft	Electric	-
30	BSHM	Standard	6	61 ft	Electric	Accessible
31	BSHM	Standard	6	51 ft	Electric	-
32	BSHM	Standard	6	49 ft	Electric	-
33	BSHM	Standard	6	61 ft	Electric	-
34	BSHM	Standard	6	59 ft	Electric	-
35	BSHM	Standard	6	63 ft	Electric	-
36	BSHM	Standard	6	31 ft	Electric	-
37	BSHM	Standard	6	41 ft	Electric	-
38	BSHM	Standard	6	40 ft	Electric	-
39	BSHM	Standard	6	56 ft	Electric	-
40	BSHM	Standard	6	62 ft	Electric	-
41	BSHM	Standard	6	63 ft	Electric	-
42	BSHM	Standard	6	47 ft	Electric	-
43	BSHM	Standard	6	59 ft	Electric	-
44	BSHM	Standard	6	60 ft	Electric	-
45	BSHM	Standard	6	62 ft	Electric	-
46	BSHM	Standard	6	64 ft	Electric	-
47	BSHM	Standard	6	58 ft	Electric	-
48	BSHM	Standard	6	32 ft	Electric	-
49	BSHM	Standard	6	43 ft	Electric	-
50	BSHM	Standard	6	50 ft	Electric	-
51	BSHM	Standard	6	65 ft	Electric	-
52	BSHM	Standard	6	62 ft	Electric	-
53	BSHM	Standard	6	63 ft	Electric	-
54	BSHM	Standard	6	53 ft	Electric	-
55	BSHM	Standard	6	52 ft	Electric	-
56	BSHM	Standard	6	62 ft	Electric	-
57	BSHM	Standard	6	48 ft	Electric	-
58	BSHM	Standard	6	60 ft	Electric	-
59	BSHM	Standard	6	48 ft	Electric	-
60	BSHM	Standard	6	31 ft	Electric	-
61	BSHM	Standard	6	40 ft	Electric	-
62	BSHM	Standard	6	29 ft	Electric	-
63	BSHM	Standard	6	46 ft	Electric	-
64	BSHM	Standard	6	55 ft	Electric	-
65	BSHM	Standard	6	47 ft	Electric	-
66	BSHM	Standard	6	50 ft	Electric	-
67	BSHM	Standard	6	50 ft	Electric	-
68	BSHM	Standard	6	50 ft	Electric	-
69	BSHM	Standard	6	32 ft	Electric	-
02	BSHW	Standard	6	50 ft	Electric, Water, Sewer	-
04	BSHW	Standard	6	44 ft	Electric, Water, Sewer	-
05	BSHW	Standard	6	60 ft	Electric, Water, Sewer	-
06	BSHW	Standard	6	50 ft	Electric, Water, Sewer	-
07	BSHW	Standard	6	58 ft	Electric, Water, Sewer	-
08	BSHW	Standard	6	43 ft	Electric, Water, Sewer	-
09	BSHW	Standard	6	64 ft	Electric, Water, Sewer	-
10	BSHW	Standard	6	47 ft	Electric, Water, Sewer	-

About Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Overview

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.

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 camping sites, all with electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station.

Nearby amenities include a visitor center, hiking trail, volleyball courts and a disc golf course. Boat ramps and an accessible fishing dock are also close by.

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, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

Rules and notices at Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Bob Shetler Recreation Area on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Click here for more information

Click here for a virtual tour of the Saylorville Lake area.

Saylorville Lake Campground Rules

Camping: Allowed only at designated campsites. Reservations must be made in advance before setting up camping equipment.

Campsite Registration: Campsites may only be registered to individuals 18 years or older, who must occupy the site for the full duration. Each campsite accommodates 1 family unit (up to 8 people) and allows either 3 tents OR 1 RV and 2 tents.

Check-out time: 12:00 p.m. (noon) Check-in time: 2:00 p.m.

Vacating & Registration: Campsites must be vacated or registration renewed by 12:00 p.m. on the due date. Camping is limited to 14 days within any 30-day period.

Parking: Reserving campsites by parking vehicles or leaving items is prohibited. All vehicles (including boats/trailers) must be parked at your campsite or in designated areas. No parking on grass, roadsides, or vacant sites. Please ensure your visitors follow parking rules.

Vehicle Operation: All vehicles (including mopeds and bicycles) must comply with Federal, State, and local laws. Stay on designated roads and use vehicles only for entering or exiting sites. UTVs, ATVs, and golf carts are not allowed in campgrounds or parks.

Quiet Hours: From 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Campgrounds are restricted to registered campers during these hours. Visitors must leave by 10:00 p.m. Gates remain open 24/7.

Trash Disposal: Use designated dumpsters only. Do not leave trash in fire rings, grills, or shower building cans. Remove all personal items and litter before departure. Recycling containers are available. Dumpsters are for trash generated on USACE property only.

Grey Water Disposal: Grey water (from dishes, baths, soap, grease, etc.) must be collected and disposed of properly. Do not drain it on campsites or use it to water vegetation. Improper disposal creates odors, health issues, and attracts animals.

Pets: Must be confined or leashed (6 feet or shorter) at all times. E-collars are not sufficient. Pets may not be left unattended and are not allowed in bathrooms or shower buildings. Pick up and dispose of waste properly.

Firewood: Not available for purchase on-site. You may gather only fallen deadwood. Do not cut or damage trees, vegetation, or natural features. Firewood may be brought from home or purchased from off-site vendors.

Pools & Water Games: Pools of any size or slip-n-slides and sprinklers are prohibited. Water tables are allowed.

Prohibited Items: Fireworks, explosives, loaded firearms, ammunition, bows, and other projectile devices are not allowed.

Smoking: Not allowed inside restrooms or shower buildings.

Grills & Picnic Tables: Do not place grills or hot materials on picnic tables—use attached grill guards. Site holders are responsible for any damage or replacements.

Yard Games: Games such as water balloons or egg toss are prohibited due to litter. Balloon pieces are non-biodegradable and harmful to pets and wildlife.

Pet Leashes & Hammocks: Do not tie leashes, ropes, or chains to trees or shrubs. Hammocks may be used only on trees 6 inches or more in diameter to avoid damage.

Alcoholic Beverages: Permitted for those 21 and older at all campgrounds.

Hangtags: Registered campers may receive hangtags for access to beach and boat ramp day-use areas. Hangtags must be properly displayed.

Golden Age/Access Passports: These and America the Beautiful Senior/Access Passes provide a 50% discount on recreation fees. The cardholder must present the card and ID during registration and be present for the stay. Fraudulent use is prohibited.

Washing Equipment: Washing of RVs, trailers, vehicles, or equipment is not allowed at campgrounds or day-use areas. Use local wash facilities instead.

Deliveries: Personal package deliveries (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, etc.) should be sent to your home, business, or a local postal facility. Saylorville Lake campgrounds, the Administration Building, and Visitor Center do not accept or hold deliveries.

Equipment & Vehicle Storage: Reserving extra campsites solely to store equipment or vehicles is not allowed. Use designated overflow or additional parking during your stay.

Water Spigots: Water spigots are for temporary use only to fill freshwater tanks. Do not use continuous hoses, Y-splitters, or attachments. Continuous hookups are only allowed at campsites with water service.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Bob Shetler Recreation Area FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Bob Shetler Recreation Area?

Bob Shetler Recreation Area is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 60 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Bob Shetler Recreation Area?

Cancellations happen frequently at Bob Shetler Recreation Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Bob Shetler Recreation Area have?

Bob Shetler Recreation Area has 60 campsites.

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