Acorn Valley
ACORN VALLEY
Part of 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.
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.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.
Important Notices
Click here for more information about Saylorville Lake.
Click here for a virtual tour of the Saylorville Lake area.
Saylorville Lake Campground Rules
Camping: Allowed only at designated campsites. Reservations must be made in advance before setting up camping equipment.
Campsite Registration: Campsites may only be registered to individuals 18 years or older, who must occupy the site for the full duration. Each campsite accommodates 1 family unit (up to 8 people) and allows either 3 tents OR 1 RV and 2 tents.
Check-out time: 12:00 p.m. (noon) Check-in time: 2:00 p.m.
Vacating & Registration: Campsites must be vacated or registration renewed by 12:00 p.m. on the due date. Camping is limited to 14 days within any 30-day period.
Parking: Reserving campsites by parking vehicles or leaving items is prohibited. All vehicles (including boats/trailers) must be parked at your campsite or in designated areas. No parking on grass, roadsides, or vacant sites. Please ensure your visitors follow parking rules.
Vehicle Operation: All vehicles (including mopeds and bicycles) must comply with Federal, State, and local laws. Stay on designated roads and use vehicles only for entering or exiting sites. UTVs, ATVs, and golf carts are not allowed in campgrounds or parks.
Quiet Hours: From 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Campgrounds are restricted to registered campers during these hours. Visitors must leave by 10:00 p.m. Gates remain open 24/7.
Trash Disposal: Use designated dumpsters only. Do not leave trash in fire rings, grills, or shower building cans. Remove all personal items and litter before departure. Recycling containers are available. Dumpsters are for trash generated on USACE property only.
Grey Water Disposal: Grey water (from dishes, baths, soap, grease, etc.) must be collected and disposed of properly. Do not drain it on campsites or use it to water vegetation. Improper disposal creates odors, health issues, and attracts animals.
Pets: Must be confined or leashed (6 feet or shorter) at all times. E-collars are not sufficient. Pets may not be left unattended and are not allowed in bathrooms or shower buildings. Pick up and dispose of waste properly.
Firewood: Not available for purchase on-site. You may gather only fallen deadwood. Do not cut or damage trees, vegetation, or natural features. Firewood may be brought from home or purchased from off-site vendors.
Pools & Water Games: Pools of any size or slip-n-slides and sprinklers are prohibited. Water tables are allowed.
Prohibited Items: Fireworks, explosives, loaded firearms, ammunition, bows, and other projectile devices are not allowed.
Smoking: Not allowed inside restrooms or shower buildings.
Grills & Picnic Tables: Do not place grills or hot materials on picnic tables—use attached grill guards. Site holders are responsible for any damage or replacements.
Yard Games: Games such as water balloons or egg toss are prohibited due to litter. Balloon pieces are non-biodegradable and harmful to pets and wildlife.
Pet Leashes & Hammocks: Do not tie leashes, ropes, or chains to trees or shrubs. Hammocks may be used only on trees 6 inches or more in diameter to avoid damage.
Alcoholic Beverages: Permitted for those 21 and older at all campgrounds.
Hangtags: Registered campers may receive hangtags for access to beach and boat ramp day-use areas. Hangtags must be properly displayed.
Golden Age/Access Passports: These and America the Beautiful Senior/Access Passes provide a 50% discount on recreation fees. The cardholder must present the card and ID during registration and be present for the stay. Fraudulent use is prohibited.
Washing Equipment: Washing of RVs, trailers, vehicles, or equipment is not allowed at campgrounds or day-use areas. Use local wash facilities instead.
Deliveries: Personal package deliveries (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, etc.) should be sent to your home, business, or a local postal facility. Saylorville Lake campgrounds, the Administration Building, and Visitor Center do not accept or hold deliveries.
Equipment & Vehicle Storage: Reserving extra campsites solely to store equipment or vehicles is not allowed. Use designated overflow or additional parking during your stay.
Water Spigots: Water spigots are for temporary use only to fill freshwater tanks. Do not use continuous hoses, Y-splitters, or attachments. Continuous hookups are only allowed at campsites with water service.
Available Activities
- SWIMMING SITE - Swimming
- WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
- WATER SPORTS - Water Skiing
- HUNTING - Hunting
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS - Educational Programs
- CAMPING - Camping
- BOATING - Marina
- BIKING - Mountain Biking
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.
Contact Information
Phone: 515-276-0429
SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE5600 NW 78TH AVENUE
JOHNSTON, IA 50131-1941
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 024, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 037, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 014, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 010, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 061, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 094, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 075, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 077, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 097, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 050, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 018, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 053, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 012, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 059, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 099, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 002, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 036, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 038, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 019, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 017, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 056, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 054, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 003, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 045, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 100, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 029, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 095, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 079, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 086, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 051, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 025, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 042, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 085, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 044, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 007, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 060, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 027, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 080, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 048, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 005, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 026, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 101, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 047, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 098, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 083, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 001, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 016, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 096, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 092, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 057, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 022, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 076, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 006, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 087, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 009, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 078, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 052, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 008, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 082, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 049, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 058, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 004, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site Group 030, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Group Walk To
- Site 089, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 091, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 055, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 081, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 084, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 039, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 035, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 046, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 023, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 011, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 040, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site Group/Youth Site, 102, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 028, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 020, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 041, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 013, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 088, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 093, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 090, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 015, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
- Site 043, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Walk To
- Site 021, Loop ACORN VALLEY , Type Standard Electric
