Prairie Flower Campground

For Iowans seeking a top-tier outdoor experience close to the vibrant Des Moines metropolitan area, Prairie Flower Campground stands as a shining example of prime recreational space. Located on the eastern side of the expansive Saylorville Lake, this campground offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, extensive amenities, and convenient access to a multitude of outdoor activities. It's a favorite among locals for a reason, providing an ideal setting for everything from a quick weekend escape to a longer family vacation.

Prairie Flower Campground is a significant part of the Saylorville Lake Project, a vast 26,000-acre area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This project, primarily designed for flood control along the Des Moines River Valley, has also become a cornerstone of recreation for central Iowa. The campground itself has recently undergone substantial improvements, with major updates completed in 2023, enhancing the overall camping experience for visitors. While parts of the park experienced weather-related tree damage in the spring of 2024, the commitment to maintaining this beloved spot remains strong, and its allure continues to draw campers.

The charm of Prairie Flower lies not only in its well-manicured facilities but also in its integration with the surrounding natural landscape. Over 40 acres within the campground are dedicated to prairie plantings, showcasing Iowa's rich prairie heritage with vivid colors from mid-summer through fall. This thoughtful landscaping attracts abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, and a variety of waterfowl, providing a truly immersive outdoor environment for campers.

Prairie Flower Campground boasts an excellent location in Polk City, Iowa, offering easy access for residents throughout central Iowa and beyond. The specific address is:

10263-10331 NW Lake Dr, Polk City, IA 50226, USA

This prime position places it directly on Saylorville Lake, approximately 25 minutes north of the heart of Des Moines. Access to the campground is straightforward, typically involving a short drive west from I-35 via Exit 90 (Oralabor Road in Ankeny), which eventually becomes Highway 415. Clear signage guides visitors to the campground entrance.

Its proximity to Polk City provides convenient access to local amenities like gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, ensuring campers have everything they need close at hand. The campground's location on Saylorville Lake means direct access to a vast body of water, making it a dream destination for boaters and anglers. The main roads within the campground, including the north and south sections, are paved, and many sites feature level concrete pads, making it big-rig friendly and accessible for various types of recreational vehicles.

Prairie Flower Campground is known for its comprehensive range of services and well-maintained facilities, designed to make every camping trip comfortable and enjoyable.

• Campsites: The campground features 153 family sites, primarily with electrical hookups (20, 30, and 50 amp plugs available). While most sites are electric-only, water hydrants are conveniently located throughout the park for filling freshwater tanks. Many sites are pull-through and feature level concrete pads, picnic tables, and fire rings with cooking grates.
• Dump Stations: Multiple, well-kept dump stations are available near the entrance, providing easy and efficient waste disposal for RVs and trailers.
• Potable Water Pumps: As noted by a satisfied customer, potable water pumps are available throughout the park, ensuring campers have ready access to fresh drinking water. These spigots are for temporary filling, maintaining water pressure for all users.
• Modern Shower Houses: Clean, well-maintained, and modern bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers are strategically located within each loop, offering a comfortable and refreshing experience. Universally accessible restrooms are also available.
• Playgrounds: Several modern playgrounds with various play structures and safety surfacing are located in both the north and south campground areas (Aster, Blazingstar, Coneflower loops, and North Campground), providing ample entertainment for children.
• Self-Registration/Reservation System: While historically some sites might have been first-come, first-served, the majority of Corps of Engineers sites, including Prairie Flower, are now 100% reservable through Recreation.gov, allowing campers to secure their preferred spot in advance.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome, though they must be kept on a leash (6 feet or shorter) and picked up after, ensuring a pleasant experience for all campers.

Beyond its excellent services, Prairie Flower Campground and the surrounding Saylorville Lake area offer an abundance of features and highlights that make it a premier destination for outdoor recreation in Iowa.

• Saylorville Lake Access: The 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake is ideal for a wide variety of water sports, including boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, and swimming. Several boat ramps and a fishing dock are close by.
• Neal Smith Trail: This paved, 24-mile National Recreation Trail winds from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park, connecting directly to the campgrounds on the east side of Saylorville Lake. It's perfect for biking, hiking, jogging, walking, and in-line skating, offering stunning views and convenient access to other areas.
• High Trestle Trail Proximity: As highlighted by a local reviewer, the iconic High Trestle Bridge Trail is approximately 25 miles away, offering an incredible off-site biking adventure. The ability to start the connecting trail in Ankeny, just 5-8 miles eastward, makes it an accessible and popular day trip for cyclists.
• Fishing: Anglers will find Saylorville Lake well-stocked with walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and northern pike, providing excellent fishing opportunities from shore or boat.
• Swimming Beach: A dedicated swimming beach on Saylorville Lake offers a safe and enjoyable place to cool off during warm Iowa summers.
• Wildlife Abundance: The prairie plantings and diverse habitats around the lake support a thriving ecosystem, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer, turkeys, and a variety of waterfowl.
• Educational Programs: The campground sometimes offers educational programs, enriching the outdoor experience for visitors of all ages.
• Group Shelters: For larger gatherings or events, group shelters are available, some of which may be reservable.

For reservations and detailed information about Prairie Flower Campground and the Saylorville Lake Project, visitors should contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District.

Address: 10263-10331 NW Lake Dr, Polk City, IA 50226, USA (Campground physical location)

Phone: (515) 984-6925 (Saylorville Lake Administration Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 515-984-6925 (This is the same number, often listed for mobile convenience.)

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the official online platform:

Website: www.recreation.gov (Search for "Prairie Flower Recreation Area, Saylorville Lake")

Direct inquiries can also be made to the Saylorville Lake Administration Office at:

5600 NW 78th Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131-1941

Prairie Flower Campground stands as a prime destination that is exceptionally suitable for locals across Iowa, particularly those in the central region. Its location on the sprawling Saylorville Lake means that a vast array of water-based activities and scenic views are literally at Iowans' fingertips, without the need for extensive travel. The direct access to the Neal Smith Trail is a massive benefit, allowing locals to seamlessly transition from their campsite to miles of paved trails for biking, running, or walking, connecting them to other parks and communities. The close proximity to the renowned High Trestle Bridge Trail offers another incredible adventure, making it an ideal hub for cycling enthusiasts.

The recent updates to the campground, even amidst some weather-related challenges, demonstrate a commitment to providing a high-quality experience. The clean and well-manicured facilities, including modern shower houses, numerous dump stations, and readily available potable water, significantly enhance the comfort of camping. This level of amenity makes Prairie Flower an attractive option for families, RVers, and tent campers alike, ensuring that a comfortable and convenient stay is possible for all.

For Des Moines metro residents, Prairie Flower Campground offers a much-needed escape to nature that's just a short drive away. It provides the perfect balance of feeling immersed in the outdoors while still having easy access to urban conveniences in Polk City, Ankeny, and Des Moines. The friendly staff, as noted by reviewers, contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, further solidifying its appeal as a community resource. Whether it's for a quick weekend getaway to recharge or a longer vacation packed with lake activities and trail adventures, Prairie Flower Campground remains a top choice for Iowans seeking quality outdoor recreation close to home.

Prairie Flower Campground

10263-10331 NW Lake Dr, Polk City, IA 50226, USA