Saylorville Lake | Acorn Valley
Type: GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC
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This site is listed as a group and youth camping site. If you are an organized youth group, please contact the Acorn Valley Fee Booth at (515) 276-0429 or Saylorville Lake Administration Office at (515) 276-4656. Youth groups may request the youth site rate of $35/night after registering on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Youth Group Definition: All groups reserving this campsite must be composed
of persons 17 years of age and under which is sponsored by and accompanied by
adult representatives of a formal organization, including but not limited to
Boy and Girl Scouts of America, religious organizations, YMCA and YWCA, 4-H,
and non-profit organizations. Proof of membership may be requested at
registration. Chaperoned Organized Youth Group DOES NOT include families of
individual members of a formal organization. Additional sites are available
for larger groups if needed. If there are additional questions to an
acceptable Youth Group Organization please contact the Saylorville Lake
Administration office at (515) 276-4656.
Sites 99-101 adjacent to the group site are also available if requested for
groups up to 42 people. Saylorville Lake must be contacted for the
additional sites.
Saylorville Lake Camping Guidelines
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.
This site contains 6 individual fire rings and 1 separate council fire ring.
A 16x20 covered shelter with electricity, running water, and group grill.
This site is located within 200 yards of a shower and restroom with lighted
trail access. Acorn Valley also has a small pond stocked with bluegill, bass,
and catfish. The youth site is designated for tents only. No camping party
shall occupy any camp area for more than 14 days out of any 28 day period.
Unattended camping equipment left beyond the 24 hour limit is subject to
impoundment. Violation of any Title 36 Section 327 of the Code of Federal
Regulations by any member of a camping party is cause for revocation of the
camping privilege and the entire camping party may be required to leave the
area.





