Juneberry Loop

Welcome to Juneberry Loop, a welcoming and well-equipped campground nestled within the expansive Prairie Flower Recreation Area at Saylorville Lake, right here in Polk City, Iowa. For local Iowans seeking a convenient and enriching outdoor experience, Juneberry Loop offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and comfortable amenities, making it an ideal destination for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

Saylorville Lake, a vast 26,000-acre project stretching over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley, is a true gem of central Iowa. Juneberry Loop is one of the distinct camping areas within this remarkable setting, providing campers with direct access to the lake's myriad activities and the tranquility of a well-maintained campground. Whether you're looking to escape for a weekend or planning a longer stay, Juneberry Loop provides a perfect base for exploring the best of Iowa's outdoors.

Juneberry Loop is part of Prairie Flower Recreation Area, which is known for its open, spacious layout covering more than 60 acres. This means you’ll find plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your surroundings, whether you’re in a tent or an RV. The careful design ensures that while the campground can accommodate many visitors, a sense of peace and natural immersion remains.

Juneberry Loop is conveniently located in Polk City, Iowa, within the Prairie Flower Recreation Area. The specific address is Q824+FG, Polk City, IA 50226, USA. Its prime location on the east side of Saylorville Lake makes it easily accessible for residents across central Iowa and beyond.

For those traveling by car, the campground is straightforward to reach. From I-35, take exit 90 to Ankeny/Oralabor Road and head west for approximately 4.8 miles. This road transitions into Highway 415, and from there, clear signage will guide you directly to the Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Juneberry Loop. The paved Neal Smith Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail, also winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park, connecting the campgrounds on the east side of the lake, making it an excellent option for those who prefer to bike or hike in.

This accessibility means that a refreshing getaway to Juneberry Loop is never too far from home for many Iowans. Its proximity to Des Moines and other central Iowa communities allows for spontaneous weekend trips or more extended vacations without the hassle of long-distance travel.

• Electric Hookups: All family sites within Prairie Flower Recreation Area, including those in Juneberry Loop, are equipped with electric hookups, providing convenience for RV campers and those needing power for their devices.
• Flush Toilets: Modern and clean flush toilet facilities are available throughout the campground, ensuring comfort and hygiene for all visitors.
• Showers: Well-maintained shower houses are provided, allowing campers to refresh after a day of outdoor activities. These facilities are regularly cleaned.
• Drinking Water: Access to potable drinking water is available, ensuring campers have a reliable source for hydration and cooking needs.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is on-site for RVs, making it easy to manage waste during your stay.
• Educational Programs: The campground occasionally offers educational programs, providing opportunities to learn more about the local environment and wildlife.
• Group Shelters: For larger gatherings or day use, group shelters are available for reservation, offering shaded areas with picnic tables.
• Playgrounds: Families with children will appreciate the presence of playgrounds, providing a safe and fun space for kids to enjoy.
• Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach offers a refreshing way to cool off and enjoy the lake during warmer months.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood is typically available for purchase at the park, ensuring you can enjoy a campfire responsibly.

• Spacious Sites: Juneberry Loop and Prairie Flower Recreation Area boast spacious and often level campsites, suitable for both tent and RV camping, providing ample room for your setup and personal space.
• Lake Views: Many family sites, particularly in the southern end of Prairie Flower, offer pleasant views of the expansive 6,000-acre Saylorville Lake. While specific views from Juneberry Loop may vary by site, the overall area provides stunning lakeside scenery.
• Prairie Plantings: Over 40 acres of native prairie plantings are integrated throughout the campground, celebrating Iowa's rich prairie heritage. These plantings offer vivid colors from mid-summer to fall, enhancing the natural beauty of the area.
• Abundant Wildlife: The Saylorville Lake project is home to diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, waterfowl, and other small game animals, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Direct Lake Access: Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, and swimming opportunities. Boat ramps and a fishing dock are conveniently close by.
• Fishing Opportunities: Anglers will find a variety of fish in Saylorville Lake, including walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and northern pike.
• Neal Smith Trail Access: The paved Neal Smith Trail, a 24-mile National Recreation Trail, is easily accessible and perfect for biking, hiking, jogging, walking, and in-line skating, connecting the campground to other areas around the lake and even to Des Moines.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground is generally pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure, though specific rules and leash requirements apply.
• Friendly Camp Hosts: Visitors often comment on the friendly and helpful camp hosts who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.

While Juneberry Loop is a specific area within Prairie Flower Recreation Area, direct contact for campground inquiries and reservations typically goes through the Saylorville Lake Administration Office or the Recreation.gov booking system.

Address: Q824+FG, Polk City, IA 50226, USA (This is the general coordinates for Juneberry Loop within Prairie Flower Recreation Area)

For campground inquiries and general information regarding Prairie Flower Recreation Area (which includes Juneberry Loop), you can contact the Saylorville Lake Administration Office:

Phone Number: 515-984-6925 (for campground inquiries)

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the national reservation system:

Reservations: 877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov

For those of us living in Iowa, Juneberry Loop at Prairie Flower Recreation Area offers an unparalleled local escape that combines convenience with rich outdoor experiences. We understand the value of spending quality time outdoors, and this campground provides just that without requiring extensive travel.

Its strategic location near Polk City and easy access from major roadways mean you can quickly transition from your daily routine to the serenity of nature. Whether you're a seasoned camper with an RV or a family looking to introduce your children to the joys of tent camping, Juneberry Loop caters to diverse needs with its electric hookups, clean facilities, and spacious sites. The proximity to Saylorville Lake means that boating, fishing, swimming, and even windsurfing are practically at your doorstep. The paved Neal Smith Trail offers a fantastic way to stay active and explore the surrounding natural beauty, whether on foot or by bike, providing miles of scenic pathways right from the campground.

Furthermore, the efforts to preserve and showcase Iowa's prairie heritage within the campground, coupled with the abundant wildlife, offer unique educational and observational opportunities. It’s a chance to reconnect with our state's natural landscape and appreciate the diverse ecosystems right here at home. For local families, the playgrounds and swimming beach ensure that kids have plenty of fun, while adults can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The availability of amenities like flush toilets and showers ensures a comfortable camping experience, removing many of the barriers that might deter newcomers to camping.

In essence, Juneberry Loop isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to local adventure, relaxation, and appreciation for Iowa's natural wonders. It's the perfect spot for Iowans to create lasting memories, whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a longer family vacation. We highly recommend making reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons, as its popularity among local users is a testament to its quality and appeal.

Juneberry Loop

Q824+FG, Polk City, IA 50226, USA