Prairie Flower Recreation Area
4.55470 reviewsSAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131-1941, USA
Prairie Flower Recreation Area
$20.00 - $336.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$336.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$336.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $20 for individual standard electric sites to $336 for premium group sites during peak season. Additional fees like reservation service fees ($8-$9) may apply.
About this campground
Nestled within the expansive Saylorville Lake Project, Prairie Flower Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts to its 60-acre sanctuary where modern comfort meets natural splendor. This beloved camping destination features 153 thoughtfully designed family sites and 10 spacious group camping areas, each offering the perfect balance of wilderness and convenience. With full-service amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and engaging playgrounds for young adventurers, Prairie Flower ensures every member of your camping party feels at home. Adventure seekers will delight in the campground's direct access to the renowned Neal Smith Trail, where miles of scenic pathways await exploration by foot or bicycle.
The campground supports various camping styles, including RV, tent, and group camping.
Historical SignificancePrairie Flower Recreation Area stands as a living testament to Iowa's rich prairie heritage, preserving and celebrating the vast grasslands that once dominated the heartland. This carefully curated landscape serves as both a recreational paradise and an educational gateway, where visitors can connect with the natural and cultural history that shaped the region. As an integral part of the greater Saylorville Lake Project, the area continues a tradition of thoughtful land stewardship while providing a diverse array of outdoor activities that honor the spirit of Iowa's pioneering past.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full tapestry of Iowa's seasons at Prairie Flower, where each time of year paints the landscape in stunning new colors. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and wildflower blooms, creating perfect conditions for hiking and wildlife watching. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and water sports at nearby Saylorville Lake, though occasional heat waves remind visitors to seek shade during afternoon hours. Fall transforms the prairie into a golden wonderland of swaying grasses and crisp, comfortable temperatures that make for unforgettable camping memories. While winter's frost closes the campground to overnight stays, the surrounding area remains a pristine destination for cold-weather recreation.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living canvas where over 40 acres of meticulously restored prairie plantings burst with life and color from mid-summer through autumn's final days. Native grasses sway in harmonious waves while wildflowers paint the landscape in brilliant purples, yellows, and oranges, creating an ever-changing masterpiece that captures the essence of Iowa's original ecosystem. This thriving habitat attracts an impressive array of wildlife, from graceful white-tailed deer browsing at dawn to wild turkeys strutting through the undergrowth. Each visit promises new discoveries as the prairie reveals its secrets to patient observers willing to pause and immerse themselves in nature's rhythms.
Geological RegionCarved by ancient forces and shaped by the mighty Des Moines River, Prairie Flower Recreation Area occupies a privileged position within the scenic river valley that defines central Iowa's landscape. As part of the greater Saylorville Lake Project, this unique geological setting combines rolling prairie terrain with the aquatic ecosystems of one of Iowa's premier recreational lakes. The fertile soils that once supported vast tallgrass prairies now nurture carefully restored native plantings, while the diverse topography creates varied habitats that support abundant wildlife populations including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and countless bird species. This remarkable convergence of prairie, forest, and water creates an outdoor playground unlike any other in the region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityPrairie Flower includes accessible showers and sites. Some reviewers noted issues with accessibility, such as the handicap shower being out of order.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with many featuring large concrete pads. User comments include: 'Sites were spacious,' and 'Prairie Flower has some of the largest most beautiful campsites.'
Sites PrivacySites provide good privacy, as noted by reviews: 'The campers are far apart for your privacy,' and 'spacious clean camp sites.'
Total Campsites153 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites along Honeysuckle Loop for tent camping due to proximity to noisy roads. Select south-end family sites for lake views.
Best CampsitesUsers recommend Coneflower Loop for lake views and Dogbane Loop for privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Standard check-in time is 4:00 PM.
Check-out
Standard check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard sites accommodate up to 8 guests, although group sites provide for larger gatherings.
Groups
Group sites are designed in a circle-the-wagon format and can accommodate large numbers. Reviewers praised them as ideal for family reunions or group gatherings.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground spans 60 acres with loops organized around thematic areas such as Coneflower and Dogbane.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to October 24 during peak season; closed out of season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov website and app.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up sites are available, but high demand makes advance reservations highly recommended.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for reservations canceled in advance. Late cancellations within 1 day for individual sites incur an additional first-night fee loss.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Prairie Flower Recreation Area offers diverse recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Educational programs and cultural activities add to the experience.
Hiking
The Neal Smith Trail, a paved 24-mile National Recreation Trail, connects Des Moines to Big Creek State Park. It is popular for hiking, biking, jogging, and in-line skating, as highlighted in reviews: 'Great bike trails!'Fishing
Fishing is permitted with access to species such as walleye, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and northern pike. User reviews appreciated the close proximity to fishing areas.Swimming
Swimming is available at the nearby beach, often described as clean and with beautiful sunsets. A user noted: 'The beach is in walking distance.'Biking
The Neal Smith Trail provides excellent biking opportunities, connecting campers to scenic locations like Big Creek State Park. 'Love the bike trails!' is a frequent sentiment.Boating
Boating activities are supported with nearby ramps and docks. Reviewers often mentioned enjoying views of boats from campsites.Wildlife viewing
Abundant wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and waterfowl, can be seen throughout the area. 'Prairie Flower includes endless prairie flowers! Butterflies, dragonflies, and birds galore!'Beach activities
The swimming beach offers opportunities for sunbathing and enjoying sunsets. Reviewers noted 'epic sunsets over Saylorville Lake.'Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs are available, focusing on Iowa's prairie heritage and conservation efforts. Prairie plantings enhance the educational value.Water Sports
Opportunities for water sports like windsurfing, sailing, and water skiing are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated pits. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent tree pests.
- Quiet hours are enforced, starting at 10:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsRaccoons, ticks, poison ivy, and occasional high winds are noted by user reviews. Traffic noise from nearby roads may affect certain loops.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital: UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital (~20 miles in Des Moines); Local police available in Johnston; Park rangers patrol the area.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01 - October 24 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are located at loop entrances. Some users mentioned inconvenience due to distance from campsites.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Saylorville Lake, which offers boating, fishing, and a sandy beach accessible by trails.
Common complaintsComplaints include limited dump stations, tall grass around campsites, and issues with maintenance such as overgrown weeds and malfunctioning shower temperature.
HostMixed reviews about hosts, ranging from helpful and friendly to grumpy and disrespectful.
Campground Map
SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131-1941, USA
Driving directionsFrom I-35, take exit 90 to Ankeny/Oralabor Road and go west for 4.8 miles. The road turns into Highway 415, continue and follow signs to the campground.
The campground is easily accessible via Highway 415. Roads are paved and well-maintained, although user reviews indicate issues with signage clarity in some cases.Nearby places
Ankeny, IA (10 minutes, ~8 miles)
Des Moines, IA (~30 minutes, ~20 miles)
Polk City, IA (~15 minutes, ~10 miles).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and other essentials can be found in Ankeny (~10 minutes away). The proximity to Des Moines (~30 minutes) provides access to larger stores and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.6
470 reviews
Prairie Flower Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate a well-maintained campground with spacious sites, clean facilities, and good recreational opportunities. However, some reported issues with water temperature and host behavior.
Review Summaries
Based on 470 reviews
What Campers Love
Spacious and clean sites, excellent concrete pads, abundant wildlife, proximity to biking trails, and clean bathrooms.
Based on 470 reviewsCommon Concerns
Issues with shower temperature, limited dump stations, tent sites near highways leading to noise, and occasional host rudeness.
Based on 470 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Reserve early to secure lake-view sites. Avoid tent sites near highways. Bring blocks for leveling RVs at non-concrete sites.
Based on 470 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall is highly appreciated for quiet and clean atmosphere, while summer often experiences crowding.
Based on 470 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Prairie Flower has some of the largest most beautiful campsites of anywhere in the United States.' 2. 'Clean bathrooms and showers, a great playground for the kids and a lot of space between camp...
Based on 470 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site H185 was criticized for its proximity to the highway and noise. Sites in Coneflower Loop are praised for lake views and spacious pads.
Based on 470 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible sites and showers are available, though some noted issues like the handicap shower being out of order.
Based on 470 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is pet-friendly, with users mentioning space for walking dogs and policies ensuring cleanliness.
Based on 470 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025