Prairie Flower Recreation Area Introduce
For local residents in and around Johnston, Iowa, seeking a delightful "camping near me" experience, Prairie Flower Recreation Area, situated on the scenic Saylorville Lake, presents an excellent choice. Located at 5600 NW 78th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131, USA, this campground, managed by the Corps of Engineers (COE), offers a blend of natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and convenient access to nearby urban amenities, making it an attractive option for various types of campers.
For those in the Johnston and surrounding areas looking for "camping near me," Prairie Flower Recreation Area boasts a prime location on the popular Saylorville Lake. The reviews from fellow campers consistently highlight the park's appealing features, starting with its spacious campsites and the peaceful atmosphere. Being a COE campground often signifies a commitment to maintaining high standards and providing access to the recreational opportunities associated with the lake, which in this case includes a beach with beautiful sunset views.
The environment of Prairie Flower Recreation Area is undoubtedly shaped by its location on Saylorville Lake. As a large reservoir on the Des Moines River, Saylorville Lake offers a picturesque setting with opportunities for water-based activities, scenic views, and a generally natural ambiance. The campground itself is described as having "a lot of campsites," suggesting a sizable area capable of accommodating numerous visitors while still maintaining a sense of space between neighbors, as noted in the reviews. The presence of a beach with beautiful sunsets indicates a prime location for enjoying the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings. Furthermore, the information about different loops within the campground offering varied experiences – Loop C with lake views, Loop A with good-sized gravel spots, and Loop D with concrete pads – suggests a diverse environment catering to different preferences and camping styles. The inclusion of "lots of space between your neighbors" contributes to a quiet and peaceful camping experience, enhancing the appeal for those seeking a relaxing "camping near me" getaway.
The services and features at Prairie Flower Recreation Area appear to be well-regarded by campers. The prevalence of "large concrete pads" on many sites, particularly in Loop D, is a significant advantage for RV campers, providing a level and stable surface. While one reviewer noted that Loop A has gravel spots which might not be level, the availability of concrete pads in other loops offers a premium option. The campground also provides essential amenities such as dump stations and water hydrants located around the property, addressing the needs of RV campers who might not have direct water and sewer hookups at their sites. The spotless nature of restrooms and shower facilities, often a hallmark of well-managed COE campgrounds (though not explicitly mentioned in these specific reviews), is a reasonable expectation. The availability of "great group sites for groups of 4 up to 10+" is a notable feature, making Prairie Flower Recreation Area an excellent choice for larger families or groups of friends looking for a "camping near me" option that can accommodate them together. The convenient location, just about 10 minutes west of Ankeny, IA, provides easy access to shopping and restaurants, balancing the natural camping experience with the convenience of nearby urban amenities. The proximity to Des Moines also expands the options for off-site activities and supplies. Overall, Prairie Flower Recreation Area offers a range of services and features designed to cater to both RV and tent campers, with a particular emphasis on space, convenience, and access to the recreational opportunities of Saylorville Lake.
While specific details about other potential features are not extensively covered in these reviews, COE campgrounds often include amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and potentially recreational facilities like hiking trails or playgrounds. Given its location on Saylorville Lake, access to boat ramps or fishing areas might also be available, further enhancing its appeal as a "camping near me" destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Regarding promotional information, the reviews do not explicitly mention any discounts or special offers. However, as a COE campground, it's possible that they offer discounts for seniors or holders of the America the Beautiful Pass (though this is not stated in these reviews). Local users interested in "camping near me" at Prairie Flower Recreation Area should contact them directly at (515) 984-6925 or +1 515-984-6925 to inquire about their rates, reservation policies, and any potential discounts that might be available. Information about fees and reservations can also often be found on the official recreation.gov website, as many COE campgrounds utilize this platform for bookings.
In conclusion, Prairie Flower Recreation Area on Saylorville Lake near Johnston, Iowa, offers a highly appealing "camping near me" experience. Its spacious campsites, many with concrete pads, the peaceful environment, beautiful lake views with stunning sunsets, and convenient access to nearby amenities in Ankeny and Des Moines make it a desirable destination for a variety of campers. The availability of group sites further enhances its appeal for larger gatherings. To learn about current rates, reservation procedures, and any potential discounts, contacting the campground directly or checking recreation.gov is recommended. Discover the lovely surprise that awaits you at Prairie Flower Recreation Area for your next "camping near me" adventure!
For reservations and inquiries, please contact Prairie Flower Recreation Area at (515) 984-6925 or +1 515-984-6925. You can also visit the recreation.gov website to check availability and make reservations. Plan your relaxing and enjoyable "camping near me" experience on Saylorville Lake today!
Prairie Flower Recreation Area Photos









Prairie Flower Recreation Area Location
Prairie Flower Recreation Area
5600 NW 78th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
Prairie Flower Recreation Area5600 NW 78th Ave
Prairie Flower Campground10263-10331 NW Lake Dr
Prairie Flower Campground10498-10534 NW Lake Dr
NipplewortPolk City
Goldenrod LoopPolk City
Oak Grove BeachParking lot
Cherry Glen Campground4338 NW 94th Ave
Acorn Valley CampgroundNW Beaver Dr
Bob Shetler CampgroundCamp Rd
River view campingJester Park Lodge
Jester Park Campground12130 NW 128th St
Jester Park cabinsQ6P5+GC
Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club2500 Southwest 37th Street
Prairie Flower Recreation Area Reviews
This was our first stay at a COE campground. What a lovely surprise. This park, located on Saylorville Lake, has a lot of campsites. Most of these sites are large concrete pads and have a lot of space between your neighbors. Very quite and peacefull campground. It is conveniently located about 10 minutes west of Akeny, IA so you are close to any kind of shopping or restaurants you may need while staying here. Des Moines is also not too far away. There is a beach that had beautiful sunsets every night we were there. We camped at Prairie Flower Recreation Area COE in a Fifth Wheel. We stayed in site B63.
Aug 29, 2020 · Chasin 70sEach loop offers something a little different. Loop c has many views of the lake. Loop A has good size spots ,but is gravel and my not be level. Loop D has concrete pads on most sites. They have great group sites for groups of 4 up to 10+
Jun 07, 2024 · Renee GleasonVery nice campsites. Peaceful and quiet 🤫
Jul 12, 2018 · Terry AlthoffIt is a great campground but the water temperature in ladies showers in the A campground bathhouse is WAY too Hot and the handicap shower is out of order. We camped at A08 and the weeds were way overgrown! I saw the lawn maintenance coming with weedeaters so I moved everything out of their way..thinking that they were going to weedeat around our campsite but they disappeared and never came close! I had to shower outside our RV with shorts and a workout bra to get a cooler water temperature that I could tolerate! Won't be booking the A campground again.
Aug 18, 2022 · Pamela BondI think this place is pretty nice. Very spacious, well kept. The only things that they lack are water on the sites, but they provide close by, and more access to the lake. I definitely recommend this place and I would stay here again :)
Sep 06, 2018 · Rebecca Rickett
More Camping Near Me
Prairie Flower Campground4.0 (225 reviews)10263-10331 NW Lake Dr, Polk City, IA 50226, USA
Prairie Flower Campground4.0 (203 reviews)10498-10534 NW Lake Dr, Polk City, IA 50226, USA
Nipplewort5.0 (1 reviews)Polk City, IA 50226, USA
Goldenrod Loop4.0 (19 reviews)Polk City, IA 50226, USA
Oak Grove Beach4.0 (133 reviews)Parking lot, 5798 NW 98th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226, USA
Cherry Glen Campground4.0 (78 reviews)4338 NW 94th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226, USA
Acorn Valley Campground4.0 (136 reviews)NW Beaver Dr, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
Bob Shetler Campground4.0 (497 reviews)Camp Rd, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
River view camping4.0 (10 reviews)Jester Park Lodge, 11121 NW Jester Park Dr, Granger, IA 50109, USA
Jester Park Campground4.0 (33 reviews)12130 NW 128th St, Madrid, IA 50156, USA
Jester Park cabins4.0 (8 reviews)Q6P5+GC, Granger, IA 50109, USA
Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club4.0 (453 reviews)2500 Southwest 37th Street, Grimes, IA 50111, USA
Categories
Popular Camping Sites
Muskie lodge5.0 (4 reviews)
Pinederosa Camping Area4.0 (123 reviews)
Woodside RV & Trailer Park4.0 (64 reviews)
Eagles Nest Camp & Canoe3.0 (137 reviews)
Camp McConnell Boy Scouts of America4.0 (35 reviews)
White Mobile Home Park3.0 (19 reviews)Most Searched Camping Sites
Trending Camping Blog Posts
10 Must-Visit Campgrounds in the Midwest for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Romantic Camping Spots for Couples: Perfect Getaways in Nature
Ultimate Guide to Off the Grid Camping in Remote Locations
Vanlife in Winter: My Personal Experience Living on the Road
How to Cook Over a Campfire Safely for an Enjoyable Outdoor Experience
From City to Camp: My Journey to Nature and What I Learned 
