Iowa / Polk County / Johnston

Bob Shetler Picnic Area

Closed — Closed for winter season. Typically operates April through October with varying hours: April 7am to 8pm, May through Labor Day 7am to 9pm, and September through October 7am to 8pm.

About

Bob Shetler Picnic Area is a day-use facility located in the tailwater area below Saylorville Dam, part of the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project that stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The picnic area offers two large group picnic shelters that can be reserved up to 4 days in advance via Recreation.gov, or are available first-come, first-served when not reserved. Both shelters feature water and electric hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, a volleyball court, playground, and hiking trails. Large shade trees dot the open grassy land around the picnic area, providing pleasant views of the Des Moines River. The location is particularly popular with shoreline fishermen who target walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and northern pike. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, with white-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and other small game animals frequently spotted. The picnic area operates seasonally with hours varying by month: April operates 7am to 8pm, May through Labor Day 7am to 9pm, and the day after Labor Day through October 7am to 8pm. Special event permits are required for certain activities like inflatable bounce houses, amplified sound systems, and large public events. Pets are allowed on leashes less than 6 feet long. The area is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Directions

From I-35, take Exit 90 (Oralabor Road) west 4.8 miles; the road becomes Highway 415. Turn left onto NW 37th Street for 0.3 mile, then right onto NW Horseshoe Road. Turn right and drive across Saylorville Lake Dam to the picnic area. From I-80, take Exit 135 (2nd Avenue/Highway 415) north 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Oralabor Road (Highway 415) for 2.6 miles. Turn left onto NW 37th Street for 0.3 mile, then right onto NW Horseshoe Road and across the dam.

Nearby Campgrounds