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Established Camping

Cherry Glen Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cherry Glen Campground, near Johnston, Iowa, is a spacious and clean retreat that offers a peaceful escape close to the city. With a variety of sites for tents, RVs, and even glamping, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

The campground is known for its friendly atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms and plenty of shade from the surrounding trees. Visitors have mentioned the nice playgrounds and the proximity to Saylorville Lake, making it a perfect spot for families and nature lovers alike. One camper noted, “Love this, it's close to the city yet feels so far away.”

For those who enjoy wildlife, the area is teeming with small critters and birds, adding to the natural charm. You can also take advantage of the nearby trails for walking or biking, which are accessible and well-kept. Campers appreciate the electric hookups available, making it convenient for RV users.

While some sites can be close together, the overall spaciousness and the beautiful views of the lake make it a desirable location. Whether you’re looking to relax by the campfire or explore the surrounding nature, Cherry Glen Campground has plenty to offer for a memorable camping experience.

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Location

Cherry Glen Campground is located in Iowa

Detail location of campground

Directions

From I-35, take exit 90 to Ankeny Industrial Parkway. Continue onto Highway 160 west for 4.8 miles. The road turns into Highway 415. Continue for another 4 miles and follow signs into the campground.

Address

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE
Johnston, IA 50131

Coordinates

41.7313889 N
93.68 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Greenhouse Camping

Greenhouse Camping

12 min away

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Ashton Wildwood Park

26 min away

Drive Time

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

13 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 4, 2022

Spacious sites

This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet. I have been here before. I did forget site 13 has a tree that seems to drop things on my roof and internet isn’t very strong. 1-2 bars on Verizon

Site13
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by Lisa H., October 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by Lisa H., October 4, 2022
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Reviewed Dec. 24, 2020

Much better.

They cut down some trees and brush now you can see the lake. Bath houses are clean play grounds are nice. Good basic camping.

  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by Chris W., December 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by Chris W., December 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by Chris W., December 24, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2020

Better than most in Central Iowa

Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service.

Reviewed Oct. 18, 2018

Relaxing in the beauty that is Iowa

Went in without a reservation. No problem. Pleasantly surprised to find out it's an Army Corps of Engineers park; meaning if you have a annual National Parks pass, you get a discount. Didn't know that. We paid $11 for a tent site. Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long. Quiet, relaxing place. Friendly staff. We took a long walk through the campground and others nearby. Boating and swimming in the lake.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2018

July 2018: Peaceful

Nice campground with 30/50 amp electric, no water or service but bathrooms are clean and many. The staff are very friendly and willing to offer info. The local trail is paved and bike/walker/stroller friendly but due to recent flooding at the lake, it was also cut short until clean up could resume. Lots of treea and small wIldlIfe, would stay there again.

  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by Stacy M., August 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by Stacy M., August 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by Stacy M., August 3, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2018

Lots of trees

Lots of trees so plenty of shade. Nice playground areas .

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2018

poor place to stay

the sites are great. the noise level is unbearable. dogs bark all night and day. no water or sewer electrical only

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2017

Cherry Glen is clean with plenty of sites

Cherry Glen is very clean and well managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. It is one of the main campgrounds that service Saylorville Lake. I highly suggest visiting during the week because on the weekends the local boaters invade.

I would suggest looking for camp sites on the back side of the western loops because they have views of the lake. I would look at sites 111-116 and 72-78. These last six are also very close to a shower house.

The shower houses and bathrooms are clean and well maintained. This is a great place to consider camping if you are spending anytime at Saylorville Lake.

  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by Matt S., July 20, 2017
  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by Matt S., July 20, 2017
  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by Matt S., July 20, 2017
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2016

Great experience.

We stopped for a quick overnight while heading up north and were very happy with things. -Friendly staff -Clean bathroom & shower facilities -Campsites weren't overcrowded -Many activities located nearby

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2016

So clean

This site was really clean and it seems that its not used much. There is only 5 campsites that are grouped pretty close together each with a table and fire ring. There is only one restroom with warm showers. For firewood there is no hassle of buying it. It is scattered all over the floor. There is more firewood here than any other campsite I've been to. There is electric hookups here and is perfect for R.Vs. The neighbors were really nice and a RV camper invited me to his campfire.

  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by phillip L., July 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by phillip L., July 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Cherry Glen Campground by phillip L., July 30, 2016
  • (9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Cherry Glen Campground?

Cherry Glen Campground offers electric hookups (30/50 amp) but no water or sewer connections at the sites. The campground features clean bathrooms with warm showers, fire rings and picnic tables at each site, and plenty of shade from numerous trees. There are multiple playground areas for children and the campground is well-maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. The sites are generally spacious, though some are grouped close together. Campers can find firewood scattered throughout the area, and the campground provides good cell service for most carriers, though Verizon may have limited strength (1-2 bars in some areas).

Where is Cherry Glen Campground located on Saylorville Lake?

Cherry Glen Campground is situated on Saylorville Lake in central Iowa. The campground offers views of the lake, with some sites having better visibility after recent clearing of brush and trees. It's positioned in a location that balances proximity to the city while still providing a secluded outdoor experience. The campground is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers as one of the main camping areas serving Saylorville Lake.

How can I make reservations at Cherry Glen Campground?

Reservations for Cherry Glen Campground can be challenging to secure, especially during peak seasons, as this is a popular destination. The campground accepts advance reservations, though specific booking windows aren't mentioned. For last-minute trips, walk-up sites are sometimes available. National Parks pass holders receive a discount on camping fees (a tent site was noted at $11 with the pass). For the most current reservation information and availability, contact the campground directly or visit the Army Corps of Engineers reservation system online.

Are there hiking trails and recreational activities near Cherry Glen Campground?

Cherry Glen Campground offers excellent access to recreational activities. A paved trail near the campground is suitable for biking, walking, and strollers, though portions may occasionally be affected by lake flooding. The campground's proximity to Saylorville Lake provides opportunities for boating and water activities, which are especially popular on weekends. Children can enjoy the multiple playground areas within the campground. The surrounding area features various recreational facilities, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts. The entire Saylorville Lake region offers numerous recreational opportunities and additional trails to explore.