Bob Shetler Recreation Area

About this site

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 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. 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. Additional Info: Bob Shetler Recreation Area is an Army Corps of Engineers campground with 67 campsites, all with electric hookups, located on open grassy areas with large shade trees along the Des Moines River. The campground offers flush and pit toilets, hot showers, drinking water, and a dump station. Nearby facilities include a visitor center, volleyball courts, disc golf course, boat ramps, and an accessible fishing dock. The campground is typically open seasonally from May through September and is accessible by vehicle.

Amenities & access

Maximum vehicle length

62 feet

Contact

• 515-276-4656
• https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233432

Location

41.700562, -93.686110