Iowa - Prairie Flower Campground

Prairie Flower - a United States Army Corp of Engineers Park north of Des Moines, Iowa.

       

This is one of the four campgrounds around Saylorville Lake north of Des Moines Iowa.  As the name suggests this park has few trees and lots of open grassy space.  This park is divided into four sections and is mostly for RV camping but tent camping is allowed.  One of the four sections is set up in 'loops' for group camping and each loop has a large central shelter house.  The other three sections have playgrounds and shower/comfort stations.  Only one section, Coneflower, has direct access to the beach and lake.  

Here is the official information from their website:   Prairie Flower is open May-October and features 154 campsites with electric hookup.  There are 10 group loops each with electric hookups at the individual sites, as well as an open sided shelter with tables, lights and electric in the center of each loop.  Aster and Blazingstar Loops of Prairie Flower close September 30.  Amenities include: drinking water, dump station at entrance station, flush toilets, showers, playgrounds, sand volleyball (north end) 69 sites with 50 amp service, 1 handicap accessible paved campsite, access to Neal Smith Bike Trail, access to Oak Grove Beach.  Camping Reservations can be made by phoning 877-444-6777 (TDD 877-866-6777) or at www.Recreation.gov. 

Of the four sections within this park, Dogbane is our favorite because it is surrounded by trees and is generally the quietest of the sections.  We have worked as campground hosts at three of the four sections, so we have a pretty good feel for the campgrounds. 

All of the sections are excellent for families with children.  There are great play areas walking and biking trails abound.  Wildflowers as well as birds and wildlife abound.