Saylorville Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Located on the Des Moines River and featuring an abundance of RV camping options and recreational activities, Saylorville Lake is well worth the visit for RV lovers traveling in central Iowa. This COE park was first developed to help with flood control for the city of Des Moines (which is just 11 miles away) and was authorized by Congress back in 1958. The first excavation on the site began in July 1965, and it became fully operational in September 1977.
The dam is the main attraction to visitors and is 6,750 feet long, 105 feet tall, and 44 feet wide at the top. At its normal level, it can hold 5,950 acres, and in the full flood stage, it can reach 16,700 acres. The dam also provides a very handy downstream river flow for water supply during drought-stricken periods.
There are many activities you can do on the waters of Saylorville Lake, including boating, fishing and making use of the two swimming beaches that are located on the banks. Along with the water-based recreational activities you can also explore the woodland, wetland, and prairie habitats thanks to the many trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. There are also many day-use areas located on the banks of the lake that are great for large gatherings and picnics. Fancy learning more about the COE park? Remodeled in 2010, the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center offers visitors the chance to participate in many great environmental education opportunities.
If you choose to stay at Saylorville Lake, you will have the chance to choose between three different RV friendly campgrounds. Prairie Flower, Bob Shetler, and Cherry Glen are all open during the peak season and feature a range of different sites, including those offering electrical hookups. Whether you are renting or bringing your own rig, you will have a great time at Saylorville Lake. While you are in the area, you should check out some of the other great parks nearby too!
RV Rentals in Saylorville Lake
Transportation
Driving
Getting to and from Saylorville Lake is very easy thanks to its close proximity to Des Monies, which is the largest city in Iowa. The lake is approximately 14 miles north of the city center and it can be accessed from the north, south, east and west sides of the lake. There is also a major road (known as Northwest Saylorville Drive) that is built through the lake towards the northern area of it.
Since you are so close to Des Monies you will have no trouble stocking up on any supplies or amenities you will need to enjoy your visit to the lake. We recommend popping into any of the nearby shops in Ankeny if you are on the eastern side of the lake or Camp Dodge if you are heading to the western side.
All of the roads in and around the park are maintained in great condition, but during the winter months the lake is known to freeze and the roads around it can close. If you are planning to visit the lake during this time we recommend you check the weather forecast before beginning your trip to make sure that you won't be disappointed upon arrival.
Parking
There are plenty of parking options for you and your RV depending on what area of the lake you are visiting. If you are camping we recommend checking in and parking at your site.
Public Transportation
There are no public transport options that will take you to Saylorville Lake.
Campgrounds and parking in Saylorville Lake
Campsites in Saylorville Lake
Reservations camping
Prairie Flower Campground
Prairie Flower Campground is the largest of the three campgrounds available to visitors of Saylorville Lake. The campground is very large and covers a total of more than 60 acres and features 153 family sites and 10 group sites. All sites at Prairie Flower Campground feature electrical hookups and they are also known for being level and very spacious.
Along with having electrical hookups other amenities at the campground include flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire pits, water collection points, a playground, and dump station. You should also be able to get cell phone reception on all of the major networks and pets are also allowed.
Reservations at Prairie Flower Campground can be made online and up to one year in advance. We recommend you reserve your site prior to arrival in order to secure a site for your trip to Saylorville Lake. Camping is available from May until September or October depending on the yearly schedule.
Cherry Glen Campground
Cherry Glen Campground is the middle-sized of the three campgrounds available to visitors wanting to stay at Saylorville Lake. The campground is the oldest and most popular at the lake and features 125 sites for you to enjoy. All sites at Cherry Glen Campground feature electrical hookups and they are also known for being level and shady.
Along with having electrical hookups other amenities at the campground include flush toilets, fire pits, water collection points, showers, picnic tables, a playground, and dump station. You should also be able to get cell phone reception on all of the major networks and pets are also allowed.
Reservations at Cherry Glen Campground can be made online and if you don't do so in advance you will struggle to find a site to stay at on a weekend. We recommend you reserve your site prior to arrival in order to secure a site for your trip to Saylorville Lake. Camping is available from mid-April until mid-October each year.
Bob Shetler Campground
Bob Shetler Campground is the smallest of the three campgrounds available to visitors of Saylorville Lake. The campground is on the smaller side and offers 67 camping sites, all with electric hookups. The sites at Bob Shetler are known to be quite level and is heavily wooded. Some of the sites also have concrete pads and feature an integrated fire ring.
Along with having electrical hookups other amenities at the campground include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. You should also be able to get cell phone reception on all of the major networks and pets are also allowed to accompany you on your trip.
Reservations at Bob Shetler Campground can be made online. We recommend you reserve your site prior to arrival in order to secure a site for your trip to Saylorville Lake. Camping is available from May until September or October depending on the yearly schedule.
Seasonal activities in Saylorville Lake
In-Season
Swimming
There is no better way to cool off during a hot and humid midwestern summer than by going for a dip. Luckily for visitors to Saylorville Lake, you will be able to go swimming thanks to the two designated swim beaches. Both Oak Grove Beach and Sandpiper Beach are located on the eastern side of the lake and are great spots for you to relax at and chill out. Please note that there are no lifeguards provided so swim to your abilities. If you want to rent a life jacket you can do so at both beaches.
Boating
No matter what type of boating you are into (whether that be waterskiing, canoeing, sailing, or just leisurely checking out the lake), Saylorville Lake is great for any activity. There are three public boat launches managed by COE at Lakeview, Sandpiper, Cherry Glen, a Polk County-managed launch at Lincoln Access and a private marina. Before you get out on the water, make sure you check the current lake levels either by tuning to 1610 AM radio or by checking online.
Picnicking
Around Saylorville Lake there are 20,000 protected acres that will give you plenty of room to have an amazing summertime picnic. There are three designated picnic areas within the COE zone (Bob Shetler Picnic Area, Cherry Glen Picnic Area, and Orak Grove Picnic Area) along with multiple recreation areas. Expect to find facilities including picnic tables, reservable shelters, toilets, water collection points and playgrounds at the picnic and recreation areas surrounding Saylorville Lake.
Off-Season
Hiking
If you love to hike, there are many great trails located in and around Saylorville Lake. One of the most popular trails for experienced hikers is the Neal Smith Trail. This is a 26-mile multipurpose trail that leaves from Des Moines and takes you through the Saylorville Lake area to Big Creek State Park. It is great for many different activities, including hiking, biking, running, rollerblading, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing. Another great trail on the western side of the lake is the Saylorville Lakeshore Trail. Best used during the warmer months, the trail extends for nine miles and is a great way to see the lake.
Birding
Saylorville Lake is a must-see area for bird lovers as it has been listed as a globally significant birding area by the American Bird Conservancy. There are many water birds attracted to the 6,000-acre reservoir, especially during spring and fall migrations. While there are species at the lake all year round, during the wintertime you may get the chance to see bald eagles on the lake ice and songbirds hanging out at the visitor center feeders.
Visitor Center
If you are wanting to learn more about the lake and the surrounding area you can't beat a visit to the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center. Remodeled in 2010, the visitor center offers a wide variety of environmental education opportunities, including interactive displays, multiple educational videos, and 30 seat theater room. The center is also manned by park staff who will be able to answer any questions you may have about the area. For more information on the visitor center check out the park website.
