Bob Shetler Picnic Area

Bob Shetler Picnic Area is a day-use facility in the tailwater area below Saylorville Dam, and a popular destination for shoreline fishermen. The 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The day-use area offers two large group picnic areas with water and electric hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, a volleyball court, playground and hiking trails. Visitors come to Saylorville Lake for its boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, swimming, hiking and hunting. Anglers fish for walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake; designated a National Recreation Trail, it is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating. Large shade trees dot the open grassy land around the picnic area, which offers pleasant views of the Des Moines River. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project, with white-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl and other small game roaming the lands around the lake.