Established Camping
Acorn Valley
Acorn Valley, near Johnston, Iowa, is a clean and peaceful campground that’s perfect for families and nature lovers alike. With spacious sites and a well-maintained playground, it’s an ideal spot for kids to play while parents relax nearby.
The campground is known for its tranquil atmosphere, where visitors can unwind and enjoy the sounds of nature. Campers have praised the cleanliness of the facilities, including the bathrooms, which are kept in top shape. One happy camper noted, “The whole place is super clean, especially the bath house.”
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Acorn Valley offers access to beautiful riverbeds and trails for exploring. The nearby Saylorville Lake provides opportunities for fishing and hiking, making it a great base for outdoor adventures. Plus, the campground is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the fun.
While some campers mentioned the occasional late-night noise, the overall vibe is one of relaxation and enjoyment. Whether you’re setting up a tent or parking your RV, Acorn Valley is a solid choice for a memorable camping experience.
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.
Location
Acorn Valley is located in Iowa
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 Coverage
Verizon5GGood Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Detours Nearby
Greenhouse Camping
13 min away
Ashton Wildwood Park
30 min away
Drive Time
- 20 min from Des Moines
- 27 min from Ames
- 1 hr 49 min from Waterloo
- 1 hr 53 min from Cedar Rapids
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GGood Coverage
- 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
