$22
Bob Shetler Rec Area
Closed for the season
Total sites: 67
Booking Window: 6 months
Booking Window: 6 months
809 ft
56°F
42°F
42°F
fair
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.
Campsite Reviews (235)
4.2 out of 5
| 5 star | 51% | |
| 4 star | 28% | |
| 3 star | 10% | |
| 2 star | 7% | |
| 1 star | 2% |
@DebraP3814056 · Camped on Oct 13, 2025 at Campsite #12
We had site 12 and had a very hard time finding the site. There needs to be more signs.
@SteveK1630665 · Camped on Oct 8, 2025 at Campsite #33
Good size sites, convenient to Des Moines. Must see Living History Farms- ~7mi away. Good smaller size lake, access from Bob Shetler, perfect for kayak or canoe paddling without waves and sheltered from the wind which can be a problem on Saylorville Lake.
@DeWayneM530111 · Camped on Oct 8, 2025 at Campsite #58
Clean park . Friendly staff. Large sites. Wish they had more with full hookups.
@CherylY5401776 · Camped on Oct 8, 2025 at Campsite #19
Big campground with lots of room. Drive through site with level cement camping pad. Water at site to fill tank. 30amp power available. Lots of people out fishing. Camp host was very helpful and went out of his way to make sure we found our site. Beautiful area around the water.
@MelissaP943882 · Camped on Oct 3, 2025 at Campsite #12
My only complaint is they do not enforce park closing hours. Influx of loud visitors/vehicles racing through park until well after midnight ruins the experience.
@NancyC3864592 · Camped on Oct 3, 2025 at Campsite #13
Our overall stay was great.We were told by staff that we couldnt use the water spigot that was next to our campsite, which we found very offsetting.
@JeffV8927367 · Camped on Oct 3, 2025 at Campsite #31
Well maintained facility. Host was friendly and helpful. Loved exploring many bike trails along lake and along river into downtown Des Moines.
@BrookeS8131192 · Camped on Oct 2, 2025 at Campsite #55
We love camping here! Its close by the dam ans little ponds to fish at.
@micheller44570 · Camped on Sep 28, 2025 at Campsite #2
Very clean. Very quiet. Friendly, helpful staff. Nice view. Will be returning.
@BrandonJ348803 · Camped on Sep 26, 2025 at Campsite #34
Very easy to get in and out, clean, well maintained. Would definitely stay again.
@AlanM7819579 · Camped on Sep 25, 2025 at Campsite #33
Great campground. Well maintained, lots of space between camp spots.
@CorrineB60D513 · Camped on Sep 24, 2025 at Campsite #30
Great campground.
@WilliamB132333 · Camped on Sep 24, 2025 at Campsite #18
I like the spots that back up to the river. Nice level, concrete sites with decent shade and water close by. I've been there twice now.
@SrinivasKD80C8 · Camped on Sep 19, 2025 at Campsite #19
Pretty good campsite and had a good time
@NancyD5016529 · Camped on Sep 17, 2025 at Campsite #44
Nice wide gravel sites. Easy to locate our site and back in our fifth wheel. Plenty of room to disconnect truck from camper. Quiet with grassy area between sites. Would definitely stay again if in the area.
@RandalR55FC612 · Camped on Sep 17, 2025 at Campsite #18
We enjoyed our stay at Bob Shetler Recreation Area. We were only here for one night and left early in morning but the spot was nice and big and the campground was very nice with a dump station. We would stay here again.
@MikeD2668364 · Camped on Sep 16, 2025 at Campsite #4
Had a nice time here. There was a great walking trail with lots of birds along the river. The bathrooms were cleaned twice a day and there was always soap in the dispensers. The spaces were very close to each other but they were easy to pull into. There were lots of non camping fishermen there but they were very respectful of the campers. Would visit again.
@Patricia305839 · Camped on Sep 15, 2025 at Campsite #6
We were traveling through on our way to Arkansas and had vehicle problems. We called the park office and the gentleman (originally from Texas) was so kind and helpful to us during a very stressful time. He went over and above to get us settled in. I can't thank him enough! Campground was one of the best we have been to. We definitely will try to get back!
@SaraH7381592 · Camped on Sep 13, 2025 at Campsite #62
Just stayed for one night - we were hiking through the area. The camp host showed us to our site, and we had everything we needed. Spots were spaced just far enough apart that we didn't feel crowded in by other campers. It was a nice experience overall. Thanks!
@JaimeK0DE14CA6 · Camped on Sep 12, 2025 at Campsite #52
Beautiful area! Very well kept. Lots of walking paths around the ponds. Spaces are very generous. We will be coming back to camp here next year!
@VincentRAB0226 · Camped on Sep 12, 2025 at Campsite #60
We stayed at this campground about a week prior to this visit and that visit was less than enjoyable. The campground is at the base of a dam with a road running across it. When we stayed the first time, there were cars sitting on the pull outs blasting their stereos, and talking loudly so that sitting outside was not enjoyable at all. This visit, however, was quiet and peaceful with no cars or loud noises to detract from the peaceful surroundings. The camp hosts were very welcoming and friendly. The other campers were polite and respectful of their neighbors. I don't know how they managed to get the inconsiderate people who were making all of the noise up on the dam to stop, but it certainly made all the difference in our stay. We will certainly stop here again as we wander around the country.
@KimS7922535 · Camped on Sep 11, 2025 at Campsite #13
Beautiful campground, helpful staff. Did not use the facilities but everything looked well maintained.
@SteveS6334481 · Camped on Sep 10, 2025 at Campsite #12
This is a lovely campground with awesome amenities. We return to the Bob Shetlier every chance we get.
@Robertor2C86CB · Camped on Sep 10, 2025 at Campsite #59
We stayed at two different sites, both were clean and ready for us to set up. The bathrooms were always clean and the park host were nice and helpful. Close for biking, hiking and fishing. Close to three great communities- Polk City, Ankeny and Des Moines.
@MikeandEE461BB · Camped on Sep 7, 2025 at Campsite #16
Outstanding place to camp. Easy.Low cost. Great Amenities. Big Rig accessible. Well Done!Hoorah!Semper Fi!
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