Bob Shetler Recreation Area

About

Bob Shetler Recreation Area sits 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 campground offers 67 campsites, all with 50-amp electric hookups, spread across open grassy areas shaded by large trees. Most sites are within easy walking distance of the Des Moines River shoreline, providing excellent views and fishing access. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. 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, designated as a National Recreation Trail for biking, hiking, jogging, and inline skating. Nearby amenities include a visitor center, hiking trail, volleyball courts, disc golf course, boat ramps, and an accessible fishing dock. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project, with white-tailed deer, turkeys, waterfowl, and other small game animals roaming the lands around the lake.

Directions

From I-35, take exit 90 to Ankeny/Oralabor Road and go west for 4.8 miles. The road turns into Highway 415. Turn left onto 37th Street, then turn right onto Horseshoe Road. Turn right and drive across the Saylorville Lake Dam to the campground.