Fishing and swimming at Saylorville Lake draw most visitors to Acorn Valley, an Army Corps of Engineers campground set within the Saylorville Recreation Area outside Johnston, Iowa. Small trails from the tent sites lead down to the riverbed, giving kids and anglers direct access to the water without a long walk. The campground runs from early June through late August, so campers arriving after Labor Day will find the gates closed.
Sites here split into two distinct environments: outer ring spots ringed by trees with noticeable shade, and more open terrain closer to the playground and bathhouse. Tent campers consistently report that the tree cover makes a real difference on hot Iowa summer days. Raccoons are a known presence after dark. They come out reliably each night, so securing food before turning in is a practical necessity rather than an optional precaution.
Cleanliness is the most consistent thread running through the reviews. John F. notes that "bathrooms are immaculate and cleaned every day," and multiple reviewers echo the same observation across several years of visits. The campground has electric and water hookups with a maximum RV length of 82 feet, plus a dump station on site. A playground and small pond round out the amenities, and Walnut Ridge Recreation Area and Sandpiper Recreation Area are both within a short drive for campers who want to explore more of the lakeshore.
The campground does get busy, particularly on summer weekends. Late arrivals have occasionally disturbed quieter campers, and at least one reviewer noted noise from neighboring sites. This is a large campground, so site selection matters. Requesting an outer ring wooded site at the time of reservation tends to put more distance between you and the activity near the bathhouse. Reservations are available and worth booking early given the short season and weekend demand.
Description
Overview
Acorn Valley Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including camping, bicycling, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.
Recreation
Anglers enjoy the lake for its abundance of walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.
Facilities
The campground offers 29 family sites with electric hookups and 54 primitive walk-to tent sites. The campground also features 2 group tent camping areas; a youth group camping area with special restrictions to organized youth as well as a standard group area open to all visitors. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. Nearby facilities include picnic areas with group shelters, boat ramps, a marina and a fishing dock.
Natural Features
The mature Bur Oaks at the entrance to Acorn Valley beckon visitors to explore its 26 acres on the fringe of an upland timber stand. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsAcorn Valley is located in Iowa near Polk City
Directions
From I-35/80 north of Des Moines, Iowa, take exit 131 toward Johnston/Saylorville Lake. Turn north on Merle Hay Road and continue for 2.8 miles. At the four-way stop, turn left on Northwest Beaver Drive and continue for 3.7 miles. Turn right onto Northwest Coryden Drive and follow signs into the campground.
Address
SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
5600 NW 78TH AVENUE
Johnston, IA 50131-1941
Coordinates
41.7377778 N
93.7236111 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/1/26
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/1/26- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/1/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/1/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 20 min from Des Moines, IA
- 27 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 49 min from Waterloo, IA
- 1 hr 53 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
