OutReserve

Acorn Valley

Acorn Valley Recreation Area
Acorn Valley
Acorn Valley
Acorn Valley
Acorn Valley Campground Playground 2

Featured amenities

Showers
Showers
Playground
Playground

About Acorn Valley

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. 

Number of accommodations: 83

Campground Amenities

  • Showers
    Showers
  • Playground
    Playground

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on May 1

Sites & Availability

83 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 002, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 003, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 004, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 005, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 006, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 007, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 008, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 009, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 010, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 011, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 012, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 013, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 014, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 015, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 016, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 017, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 018, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 019, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 020, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 021, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 022, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 023, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 024, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 025, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 026, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 027, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
50 Amp · Electric Only
$26.00
/ per night
035, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
036, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
037, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
038, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
039, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
040, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
041, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
042, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
043, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
044, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
045, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
046, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
047, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
048, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
049, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
050, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
051, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
052, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
053, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
054, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
055, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
056, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
057, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
058, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
059, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
060, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
061, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
075, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
076, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
077, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
078, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
079, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
080, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
081, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
082, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
083, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
084, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
085, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
086, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
087, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
088, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
089, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
090, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
091, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
092, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
093, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
094, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
095, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
096, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
097, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
098, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
099, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
100, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
101, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$14.00
/ per night
Group 030, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
30 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$70.00
/ per night
Group/Youth Site, 102, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
24 guests · Campfire
Price not available

Reviews (245)

What Guests Are Saying

Acorn Valley Campground is praised for its beautiful, clean, and well-maintained sites, providing a peaceful and quiet atmosphere for campers. Many visitors appreciate the spaciousness of the sites and the friendly, attentive staff. However, some noted minor drawbacks, such as limited access to nearby water and occasional noise from incoming vehicles. Overall, it is regarded as a lovely spot for camping, especially for families.

Review Summary

4.5
245 reviews
5
66.5%
163
4
21.2%
52
3
7.3%
18
2
2.0%
5
1
2.9%
7

Joseph G

Verified

July 16, 2023 Stayed at: 041, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

5

Quiet
Clean

Patrick H

Verified

July 6, 2023 Stayed at: 008, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

4

Quiet and relaxing

Kim S

Verified

July 4, 2023 Stayed at: 006, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

5

Great place to stay by Des Moines. The bathroom and campground was very clean. Would stay here again.

Michael P

Verified

July 3, 2023 Stayed at: 090, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

5

I was very disappointed to discover that all of the saylorville lake campgrounds did not tie together, like I had been lead to believe. The website also claimed fishing and swimming access on site at acorn valley, this was likewise false. The only amenities offered onsite fore tent campers were shower houses. The closest place to swim was a 13 minute trip by vehicle and they wanted 5$ a day to park in the lot. If all you intend to do at your campsite is sleep tis great. I will for sure come back again, and bring my Jeep fore gettin round.

Kevin C

Verified

June 30, 2023 Stayed at: 007, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

5

This was a very pleasant camp ground with ample space between campsites. When we arrived, the sites were clean, grass was mown, and bathroom was clean. Was impressed that, during our stay, they cleaned the bathrooms twice a day. The playground appeared to have all the equipment in safe, working order (kids played there several times). All the other campers were polite and quiet during evening hours. I would stay there again.

Tami H

Verified

June 27, 2023 Stayed at: 004, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

5

Caretakers of property were pleasant and available.

RICHARD H

Verified

June 23, 2023 Stayed at: 016, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

5

The camp site was very clean and peaceful. Restrooms very clean.

TJ G

Verified

June 22, 2023 Stayed at: 011, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

5

Stayed for one night. Great clean place for the family

Matt H

Verified

June 19, 2023 Stayed at: 014, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

5

What a great site!!! A Hidden gem for sure. No mosquito or raccoon issues. Incredibly clean bathrooms and showers, and my son absolutely loves the playground. LOVE this spot!

Steve G

Verified

June 14, 2023 Stayed at: 098, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

4

Tent camping was good had tree cover and fairly flat.
Bathrooms were clean and showers were warm not hot of course but worked well.

Location Acorn Valley

Address:
Saylorville Lake Administration Office
Johnston, IA, 50131-1941
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 41.7378 / -93.7236

Elevation: 290 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

Click here for more information about Saylorville Lake.

General

Click here for a virtual tour of the Saylorville Lake area.

General

Saylorville Lake Campground RulesCamping: 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.

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