Bob Shetler Picnic Area in IA -- Campground & RV Camping

Bob Shetler Picnic Area is a day-use site in the tailwater area below Saylorville Dam on the Des Moines River. The grounds feature open grass, shade trees, flush toilets, a volleyball court, a playground, and two group picnic shelters equipped with water and electric hookups. The 24-mile paved Neal Smith Trail runs through the area, connecting to nearby parks along the 26,000-acre lake project.

Getting there: From I-35, take the Ankeny Exit #90 (Oralabor Road) and go west 4.8 miles; the road turns into HWY 415. Turn left (west) onto NW 37th Street and go 0.3 mile, then turn right onto NW Horseshoe Rd. Turn right and drive across the Saylorville Lake Dam to the campground. From I-80, take Exit #135 (2nd Avenue/Highway 415) exit and go north 3.5 miles. Turn left (west) onto Oralabor Road (Highway 415) and go 2.6 miles. Turn left (west) onto NW 37th Street and go 0.3 mile, then turn right onto NW Horseshoe Rd. Turn right and drive across the Saylorville Lake Dam to the campground.

• Limited separation from through roads or other sites here, with the nearest through road 0.2 miles off.
• Sits on broad, near-level ground.
• A river runs 0.1 mi off.
• Estimated night sky: Bortle 6, a suburban sky.
• Open country, with nothing named rising within 30 miles.