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Looking for the best Iowa walk-in camping? These remote campgrounds can be reached by walking in and offer the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a way you've never experienced before. Check out some of the best walk-in campsites in Iowa.

Iowa

The Best Walk-In Camping in Iowa

Looking for the best walk-in campgrounds near Saylorville Lake? With shorter distances than a backpacking trip, you can still experience peace and quiet with a walk-in campsite. Find the best information on walk-in camping near Saylorville Lake, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience.

Saylorville Lake

The Best Walk-In Camping Near Saylorville Lake, Iowa

## 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.

Acorn Valley

Bob Shetler Recreation Area is located in the tailwater area below the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting. Natural Features: Large shade trees dot the open grassy areas of the campground, which offers excellent views of the Des Moines River. Most campsites are within easy walking distance of the shore. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake. Recreation: Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for its excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find 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 67 family sites, all with electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. The campground also provides educational programs, group shelters and playgrounds. Nearby amenities include a visitor center, hiking trail, baseball field, volleyball courts and a disc golf course. Boat ramps and an accessible fishing dock are also close by. ACTIVITIES Biking Boating: Marina Fishing Hiking Hunting Water Sports: Water Skiing Swimming Site

Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

## Overview

Cherry Glen Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.   
  
The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.

## Recreation

Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for its excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find 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

This large campground offers 125 family sites, all with electric hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. Educational programs, group shelters, playgrounds, and a boat ramp all provide additional recreation opportunities for guests. Nearby amenities include a visitor center, hiking trail and a disc golf course. 

## Natural Features

Cherry Glen, the oldest and most popular campground on the lake, is nestled on a compact 13-acre wooded ridge. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

Cherry Glen Campground

Jester County Park

COE Saylorville Lake Acorn Valley

This recreation area is part of Saylorville Lake

Swede Point Park

Timberline Campground

Dallas County Fairgrounds

Yellow Banks County Park

Thomas Mitchell County Park

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Jacksonville. Jacksonville is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Jacksonville and user-submitted reviews.

Jacksonville

The Best Camping Near Jacksonville, Iowa

Des Moines is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Des Moines campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Des Moines

The Best Camping Near Des Moines, Iowa

Are you in need of a campground near Cedar Rapids, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Cedar Rapids

The Best Camping Near Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Davenport is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Davenport, reviewed by campers like you.

Davenport

The Best Camping Near Davenport, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Sioux City, IA? Sioux City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Sioux City, reviewed by campers like you.

Sioux City

The Best Camping Near Sioux City, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Waterloo, IA? Waterloo is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Waterloo, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Waterloo

The Best Camping Near Waterloo, Iowa

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Iowa City, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Iowa City, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Iowa City camping trip.

Iowa City

The Best Camping Near Iowa City, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA? Council Bluffs is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Council Bluffs

The Best Camping Near Council Bluffs, Iowa

Ames is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Ames is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Ames, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Ames

The Best Camping Near Ames, Iowa

Dubuque is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Dubuque campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Dubuque

The Best Camping Near Dubuque, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Lake Red Rock, IA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lake Red Rock is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Lake Red Rock

The Best Camping Near Lake Red Rock, Iowa

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Rathbun Lake. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Rathbun Lake. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Rathbun Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Rathbun Lake

The Best Camping Near Rathbun Lake, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Coralville Lake, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Coralville Lake camping trip.

Coralville Lake

The Best Camping Near Coralville Lake, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Saylorville Lake, IA? Saylorville Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

THE BEST Walk-In CAMPING NEARSaylorville Lake, Iowa

About Saylorville Lake Walk-In Camping

Top Saylorville Lake Walk-In Campgrounds