Searching for the best camping near Saylorville Lake, IA? Saylorville Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Saylorville Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$20 - $25 / night
"The view at campsite 4 was great overlooking Saylorville Lake. Great for families."
"The County has invested a lot of resources into this park making it a great place to stay when enjoying the fun at Saylorville Lake."
$20 - $336 / night
"The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."
"It is clean and well maintained with lots to do at Saylorville Lake. There are several Recreation areas nearby that don't allow camping, making Prairie Flower a perfect place to stay."
$22 - $26 / night
"Near Saylorville lake for all that stuff. Dump station and water fill in the back."
"We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced."
$24 - $26 / night
"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."
"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."
$14 - $84 / night
"Great find on our way through Iowa. Clean and spacious. Very quiet, just listen to the frogs at night."
"Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees (and some pretty bold raccoons around bonfire time ;) )."
$35 - $90 / night
"Has a cute pond and is adjacent to a bike and running trail. The main lodge has very clean restrooms and showers with hot water! Recommended"
"There is also a very nice bike trail right outside the park."
$17 - $35 / night
"One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."
"One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."
$25 - $38 / night
"There's a boat camp, a bird watching area, a playground, plany of park space with picnic tables and BBQ pits, hiking and biking trails, and even a lodge that I assume can be rented for events."
"Walnut Woods is conveniently located 25 minutes outside of downtown Des Moines. Sites are paved and mostly level, although we did have to throw a couple of blocks under one side of our TT tires."
$35 - $80 / night
"If you’re traveling through Des Moines, Iowa area; this is the place you will want to camp at!"
"The site we were on is sorta blacktop but the sides have crumbled and it has a slight tilt to it so stepping down out of the camper was tricky as your feet tend to slide in the loose rocks."
"We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that. Nothing fancy, but has plenty of sites, flush toilets and showers available."
"Nice little camp ground with easy access to the high trestle bike trail"
ScoutDawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!
They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.
The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.
TravelerWe stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.
TravelerIowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know
GuideJuly, 2017
Great place but not quiet at all. Short walk to the amusement park. We were there for most of the early summer so we got a season pass to the park which included the water park. They also have workcamper programs.
We especially loved the fireworks display on the 4th.
ScoutI stayed at site #13 with my two boys. We had a blast. I would highly recommend site #13. It had plenty of space for a large tent and canopy. It had a nice access spot for fishing. The new restroom/shower facility was very nice and clean. Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that. There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks. The campground manager was extremely helpful. He had firewood already staged for $7 and even came back on day two with more firewood for the same fee.
RangerGreat sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views.
GuideMade a quick trip here to de how the new puppy likes camping. Nice size campground, sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6’ hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site. Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks.
Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider.
A new bath house, community room, and “shop” is being built. Bath house & laundry are complete. Very nice and spotless.
The camp is quiet and well maintained.
GuideThis campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large trees that provide a lot of shade for the campground. There are play grounds for the kids. It is along a river for fishing and bird watching.
GuideWe looked at the other reviews and it talked about it being so close to the freeway, but we didn’t hear a sound. It was really in a good perimeter of trees and lots of shade and level camp spots. We thought this was a nice little spot and a great price.
Camping near Saylorville Lake, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something to offer.
Camping near Saylorville Lake, Iowa, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to friendly campgrounds. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to camp at Saylorville Lake in Iowa?
Camping costs at Saylorville Lake are quite reasonable. At Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground, sites are described as inexpensive and open to everyone. Cherry Glen Campground offers tent sites for approximately $11 with a discount available for National Parks pass holders. As Army Corps of Engineers properties, most campgrounds around Saylorville Lake provide similar pricing structures with discounts for pass holders. RV sites typically cost more than tent sites, but remain affordable compared to private campgrounds. Exact prices may vary by season, site type, and amenities, so checking the official reservation system for current rates is recommended.
What campgrounds are available at Saylorville Lake?
Saylorville Lake offers several well-maintained campgrounds managed primarily by the Army Corps of Engineers. The main options include Cherry Glen Campground and Prairie Flower Recreation Area, both featuring numerous sites with lake views. Additional campgrounds include Bob Shelter Recreation Area behind the dam, Acorn Valley (typically closed after Labor Day), and Jester County Park operated by the county. These campgrounds provide a mix of RV and tent sites, with varying levels of access to lake activities, trails, and facilities. Some areas get particularly busy during weekends and holidays when boaters frequent the lake, so weekday visits may offer a more peaceful experience.
When is the best time of year to camp at Saylorville Lake?
The best time to camp at Saylorville Lake is during weekdays from late spring through early fall. Jester County Park and other campgrounds are particularly pleasant during May-June and September-October when temperatures are moderate and crowds are thinner. Summer weekends tend to be very busy with boaters and recreational visitors. Some campgrounds like Acorn Valley close after Labor Day, so verify operational dates if planning a fall visit. Be aware that during peak summer months, Saylorville Lake can experience blue-green algae blooms from agricultural runoff, potentially limiting water activities. Spring offers beautiful scenery as nature awakens, while fall provides colorful foliage along the trails and lakeshores.
What amenities are offered at Cherry Glen campsite on Saylorville Lake?
Cherry Glen Campground offers a comprehensive set of amenities for campers. The facilities include clean, modern restrooms and plenty of shade throughout the campground. Sites are generally spacious, though some are closer together than others. Many campsites provide views of Saylorville Lake, enhancing the camping experience. The campground is well-managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and known for being clean and well-maintained. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs, with good cell service available throughout the area. For the best experience, consider requesting sites on the back side of the campground for more privacy, especially during weekends when the area becomes busy with boaters.
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