Bob Shetler Recreation Area
Book this listing through our partner Recreation Gov
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.Bob Shetler Recreation Area Reviews
Have you stayed here? Be the first to leave a review!
Top Spots in or near Johnston
Hike Sycamore Trail
Johnston, Iowa
4.0
6.9 mi
/ 88 ft gain
Sycamore Trail is a 7 mile loop hike that takes you by a river located near Des Moines, Iowa.
Hike the Lost Lake Trail
Madrid, Iowa
5.0
1.4 mi
/ 88 ft gain
Ledges State Park is located close to Des Moines and Ames, home of Iowa State University. Upon entrance to the park, campsites and picnic areas are easily accessible. The defining feature of the park are the sandstone features, or ledges, that overlook the beautiful Des Moines river. The Lost Lake Trail provides an easy loop hike for the whole family with great views.
Hike the Canyon Road and Table Rock Loop
Boone, IowaThis park is part of the Des Moines river valley that cuts through most of the area. It's a hot spot for cooling off in the summer given the two rivers and also a great place for hiking. During the spring, fall and winter, the road down into the valley is closed. In the summer, it is open for vehicle traffic.
Starting at the upper parking lot, begin your hike by going west. The trail is cl...
Hike Ledges State Park's Canyon Road
Boone, Iowa
5.0
6.5 mi
/ 700 ft gain
From the main gravel parking loop at the top, begin your hike on the main paved road. Note: This road is currently closed to vehicle traffic due to heavy water damage on the road. This road also closes to vehicle traffic during the winter. However, it is always open to foot traffic. Follow the paved road .5 miles down to the first creek crossing. Pea's Creek will flow right under the main road,...
Hike the McFarland Park Loop
Ames, Iowa
5 mi
/ 300 ft gain
After parking in the main lot by the Story County Conservation building, you can choose between two starting points. I recommend starting on the left side of the parking lot at the gravel road and closed yellow gate, as this is a better point for the end of your loop. Hike about 200 yards along this primary road through tall native grasses and beautiful wildflowers. Be sure to look for plentifu...
Briggs Woods Waterfalls
Webster City, Iowa
5.0
0.52 mi
/ 62 ft gain
Briggs Wood Park Waterfalls are Located 2.5 miles South of Webster City off Highway 17. It is very peaceful watching the water cascade over the rocks and into the stream below. If you follow the water down stream it will lead you to the Boone River.
I arrived at the falls before sunrise because I wanted to have the soft light of the rising sun come from behind the falls. I photographed the fa...
Camping and Lodging in Johnston
Johnston, Iowa
Bob Shetler Picnic Area
Overview
Bob Shetler Picnic Area is a day-use facility located in the tailwater area below Saylorville Dam, and is a popular destination ...
Polk City, Iowa
Cherry Glen Picnic
Overview
Cherry Glen Picnic Area is a day-use facility located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles...
Polk City, Iowa
Cherry Glen Campground
Overview
Cherry Glen Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moi...
Polk City, Iowa
Oak Grove Picnic Area
Overview
Oak Grove Picnic Area is a day-use facility located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles u...
Johnston, Iowa
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area
Overview
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is a day-use facility located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 ...
Polk City, Iowa
Prairie Flower Recreation Area
Overview
Prairie Flower Recreation Area is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the...
Unfortunately, we don't have up-to date pricing data for this listing, but you can check pricing through Recreation Gov.
Book NowAdd your business today to reach The Outbound's audience of adventurous travelers.
Community
© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy