Established Camping
Acorn Valley
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Attention Campers! Beginning 2024, the Saylorville Lake Project's new Check-out time will be 12 pm. The new Check-in time will be 2 pm.
About
US Army Corps of Engineers
Saylorville Lake
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiFair
- VerizonGood
- AT&TPoor
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
GuidePeaceful
Clean campground with large lots, beautiful scenery, and very quiet. Would highly recommend
GuideSaylorville is an amazing area
The entire saylorville compound is an amazing place to be I especially liked this area for the access to the water
ScoutAwesome tent camping
This is a great place to camp! The whole place is super clean, especially the bath house. All the spots are nice and lots of exploring to do!
GuideGreen and praceful
Great find on our way through Iowa. Clean and spacious. Very quiet, just listen to the frogs at night.
GuideLovely!
I'm pretty particular about researching and reviewing campgrounds before I book, especially with the kids in tow. This campground 100% lived up to review expectations. Took the PUP, two kids, dog and grandma (first time in 20+ years) this past weekend. Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees (and some pretty bold raccoons around bonfire time ;) ). Upon arrival the host swiftly checked our reservation and sent us on our way after a few questions on where to obtain firewood. Sites were great, facilities were immaculate, playground and pond were awesome for keeping kids entertained. Just a short hike down Corydon to the lake, and a short drive to Jester Park for the natural playscape. Would def stay again!
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TravelerSuper clean and quiet
Campsites are well kept and clean. Bathrooms are immaculate and cleaned every day. Biggest downside is the resident raccoons. Come out every night to rummage through possible food options. Secure your food and they’re no problem unless you’re a light sleeper.
TravelerPeaceful, lots of riverbed area to explore
We’re big fans of Acorn Valley. It’s quiet and there is plenty of shade in the tent camping area. The tent sites lead to some small trails which end at the riverbed. Our boys love exploring here.
ScoutClean, Busy
This is a large campground & it's clean. It was really busy though. The shower/bath house was clean. There was a party near our tent that raged for quite some time. It's supposedly an alcohol-free campground (which bummed us out) but the tents near ours apparently didn't know or care.
LegendAcorn Valley is well maintained but closed after Labor Day
I tried to stay at Acorn Valley to find out it is closed after Labor Day. Bummer. I was able to get out and look around. It is clean and well maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. It is near the lake and a nice place to use as a home base for spending time at Saylorville Lake.
- (9) View All