Campsite #17 at Bob Shetler Rec Area, IA

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$26

Campsite #17

7 reviews
6 people
70 ft Back-in
2 good
17
8/26
9/1
Campsite #17 Features: Back-in parking, 50 amp hookup, Fire ring, Picnic Table, RV Site, Tent Site, Trailer Site, Pets Allowed

Campsite Reviews (7)

2.0 out of 5

5 star
43%
4 star
14%
3 star
0%
2 star
43%
1 star
0%

@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
@GaryS1862766 · Camped on Jul 5, 2023 at Campsite #17
I had a cement site and a 50 amp hook-up, but my campground was very hard to find (no sineage for those sites, I had 17). There was no shower facility in my area, only a pit toliet. Only 1 dump station for 69 sites. Only 4 shower stalls for 69 sites. Site was somewhat shaded. Bike trails nearby.
@Robertor2C86CB · Camped on May 30, 2023 at Campsite #17
This is a great, level, paved spot. You’ll want to bring a canopy to help with the afternoon sun because you’ll lose your shade as the day progresses. One other minor thing is the parking lot light across the river from this site shines bright (which is good) and if they could tip it just a little bit more downward, it would not be quite so blinding to everyone across the way. Shower house is clean, bring something to step on or wear swim socks so you don’t slip on the wet concrete. Plenty of hot water and good pressure no matter the time of day we used the showers. Several close by fishing options either from the bank or from a boat. Location of the park itself is excellent to get any needed supplies from Johnston or Ankeny. For rainy evenings where you can’t cook outside, there are some great restaurants close by also. Located close to Camp Dodge, so there is the military museum, great roadside stop area for an overview and for little and big kids alike to see a tank and plane up close.
@BethD5018889 · Camped on Sep 16, 2022 at Campsite #17
Great little place to camp outside of Des Moines Iowa. If you like fishing it’s perfect. We were right on the water coming out of the dam there was lots of fishermen they’re pretty fun to watch. Very nice level concrete site with water and electric. Would come back again.
@RickG639 · Camped on Sep 20, 2021 at Campsite #17
We had a wonderful stay at the park. We stayed in space 17 in the park. It was easy to get into our space with our 45' motorhome. We had electric only and everything worked great, Sprint and Verizon were both able to pull a signal for internet.
@Chelleyp287 · Camped on Aug 11, 2021 at Campsite #17
We were right on the damn and it was spacious and very nice.
@TonyG342 · Camped on Jul 20, 2021 at Campsite #17
Very basic RV campground. Glorified parking lot, nothing special but clean and nice.

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