Bob Shetler Rec Area, IA - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map

Bob Shetler Rec Area in Polk County is located just 16 min west of Ankeny, IA with an elevation of 809 feet. There are a total of 67 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 70 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. All sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $22.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, swimming, marina, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.

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Campsite Reviews (198)

4.1 out of 5

5 star		48%
4 star		27%
3 star		12%
2 star		8%
1 star		2%

@MarkW2201412 · Camped on Jul 24, 2025 at Campsite #38

Bathrooms were never cleaned grass was not mowed. The camp grounds is below the dam there are pull over look outs on the road. At night people on motorcycles would gather there and made all kinds of noise Erving there motors talking load coming down to the campgrounds bathrooms not fun.

@MelissaH741580 · Camped on Jul 17, 2025 at Campsite #8

What a hidden gem of a place. Super friendly staff and a peaceful location. We look forward to stopping here again on our way from Texas to Minnesota.

@MelissaJ758805 · Camped on Jul 12, 2025 at Campsite #60

Nice rv spots with power - some shifty campers who were up all nights and riding loud motorcycles past 1am.

@KevinC1B4F9C89 · Camped on Jul 6, 2025 at Campsite #59

We just purchased a used unit. It was our first camping experience with a travel trailer. Campsite was level, clean, and quiet. Facilities where clean. On-site host where very helpful. Can't want to go back closer to spillway.

@BradleyP607753 · Camped on Jul 4, 2025 at Campsite #44

Its okay. Not the best if you want peace and quiet but there is good fishing nearby and its a nice park.

@ChuckS7109817 · Camped on Jun 28, 2025 at Campsite #57

Fairly level gravel site. Well maintained campsite.

@BrettW2960972 · Camped on Jun 28, 2025 at Campsite #40

Nice campsites with plenty of space.

@RobynE41B57518 · Camped on Jun 27, 2025 at Campsite #29

Walkable distance to spillway, and very tidy campgrounds - when we started packing up early due to the forecast, the site rep noticed on his rounds and made out a refund since I would be missing out on one of the scheduled nights. Very thoughtful.

@MargaretOCB865 · Camped on Jun 26, 2025 at Campsite #5

Site very level, amenities great. Plenty of room between sites.

@TomV5563509 · Camped on Jun 16, 2025 at Campsite #9

Small campground area that is close to the dam and spillway. It was nice to have water spigots at each site. We didn't use the sewer to dump. Campsites kept clean. Rangers made their rounds regularly.Camping in the spring and summer months the mulberry tree on the site drops the berries constantly and is very messy.

@BrockME8534910 · Camped on Jun 13, 2025 at Campsite #59

Hosts are great. Very helpful and friendly. Site was level for the most part and area was kept up nicely.

@bradp5315768 · Camped on Jun 13, 2025 at Campsite #17

We have always loved bob shetler but very disappointed in the lack of upgrades that were made during their one year plus shut down. 1.Lack of communication about check in. We called the phone # and recording said no need yo check in but hours later individual in golf cart stopped and made a comment that "we snuck in" on them. Made us wonder what we missed 2.some individual campers using the water hook ups....pretty sure that was not the intent of the new facets 3.same old worn out playground equipment 4. Camping at the bottom of the dam used to be relaxing. Now it's a constant wave of foot traffic. I do realize that comes with the territory. We just won't book those spots 5. Dump station. Same old station. One dump for all of the reservable spots is poor planning. We were really hoping this problem would be solved during the revamp.6. Dump station. The clean out hose....oh my. That hose is so old and cracked. Someone has tried to fix it with duct tape but it is horrible. It sprays everywhere. It would be better to not have one at all so campers realized they needed their ownIn the end we really thought we missed Bob, but I think we will continue at acorn in lieu of Bob

@PaulB8317136 · Camped on Jun 13, 2025 at Campsite #32

Camp site was fairly level and easy to access. Campground was tidy, bathrooms were clean. Quiet. Not much shade. Easy access to Des Moines. Camp host was friendly.

@CarlS3807743 · Camped on Jun 13, 2025 at Campsite #28

We had a great time.

@DanaP4397063 · Camped on Jun 9, 2025 at Campsite #3

Had site 3. Very nice level gravel site with full hookups. Quiet Overnight. Not too far off highway.

@SuzanneS213714 · Camped on Jun 8, 2025 at Campsite #8

Very nice quiet spot. Wish they would have had 50 amp with our hookups but we knew they did not.

@LindaF9023379 · Camped on Jun 8, 2025 at Campsite #56

We enjoyed our stay at Bob Shetler. Overall a nice campground. Without full hook ups they could try harder to keep the bathroom clean and reduce the mosquito/bug population within them.

@KarenS4720852 · Camped on Jun 8, 2025 at Campsite #28

Nice quiet stay! We will be back

@RonB1001477 · Camped on Jun 4, 2025 at Campsite #32

Restroom and shower was out of order

@RickL8689793 · Camped on Jun 3, 2025 at Campsite #35

Camp host was very friendly and helpful. Restrooms and showers were closed in our area which was inconvenient but we enjoyed our stay there..

@LaurenceV637E8 · Camped on Jun 1, 2025 at Campsite #34

Nice sites with electric. Good showers. Dump station. Staff is helpful. Nice places to walk along the spillway below the dam.

@MaryRita14B377 · Camped on May 23, 2025 at Campsite #28

Nice site, only stayed overnight.

@JillS9232022 · Camped on May 23, 2025 at Campsite #32

Womens bathroom was out of toilet paper for a day. Once staff were notified they restocked it. Hand soap dispenser was broken in womens bathroom. Other than the issues with the womens bathroom its a great campground and we enjoyed our stay.

@AndrewO7F3A6E7 · Camped on May 23, 2025 at Campsite #5

Very nice that we had a Full Hook up

@LaurenP3544401 · Camped on May 23, 2025 at Campsite #30

The grass was a little longer than other camo grounds weve stayed at. It hit us above our ankles and most sits were barely to the tops of our feet. Also didnt seem to have wood for sale at the camp ground so had to go into a gas station to get some.

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Bob Shetler Rec Area, IA - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map