Featured amenities
Showers
Playground
About Acorn Valley
Number of accommodations: 83
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
Playground
Water and Hygiene
- Showers
On Site Services
- Playground
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Rates, Sites & Availability
83 Sites Available
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Site Details
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83 Sites Available
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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.
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
Greg E
VerifiedJuly 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 096, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Very well kept area. Shower facilities were very clean. Only complaint is that there were very few trash receptacles around the campsite. Great Time!
Tom V
VerifiedJuly 5, 2022 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
We love this campground. Most of the RV sites are level and on gravel. It is a small campground which makes it feel like a neighborhood. Bathrooms are clean.
Jessica B
VerifiedJuly 5, 2022 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Womens bathroom was out of soap the whole time we were there. No way to adjust temperature in the showers. Only one shower. Bugs were aweful! Need better paths down to the lake.
George S
VerifiedJuly 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Nice campground
Jessica P
VerifiedJuly 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 092, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Great for road-trips
Julie F
VerifiedJune 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
This is a small quiet campground. We were on Site 14. It was shady and private. The bathrooms and showers were clean. We will return soon!
Mark R
VerifiedJune 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 019, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Great Campground. Easy to level. Easy travel to things in the area. Don’t miss Pella and Winterset!
Floyd L
VerifiedJune 8, 2022 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Had a good weekend except was very windy other than that great place to camp
Deb C
VerifiedJune 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 061, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Acorn Valley has extra long picnic tables which accommodate both a campstove and diners. Showers and toilets are kept clean and there is plenty of hot water. We had no problem with raccoons or loud neighbors. Site 61 is level, spacious, shady, private, and sheltered from strong winds which blew through while we were there. Dumpsters are provided for trash. Fire pit wasn’t overly loaded with ash but it was still early in the season (Memorial weekend). The water hydrant is near site #54 (approx.), so if your water jug is large you’ll have to carry the weight of the water a ways unless you bring a wagon - which is helpful for hauling gear to a walk-in site anyway. There are no hiking trails in the campground.
Terry S
VerifiedJune 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Pretty, quiet campground near Des Moines with easy access to nice beach area on lake.
Location Acorn Valley
Address:
Saylorville Lake Administration Office
Johnston, IA, 50131-1941
United States
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.
Acorn Valley is accessible from I-35/80 via exit 131, approximately 5 miles away. Merle Hay Road provides direct access north from the interstate.
Latitude & Longitude: 41.7378 / -93.7236
Elevation: 290 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
12PM
General
- Click here for more information about Saylorville Lake.
- Click here for a virtual tour of the Saylorville Lake area.
- 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. 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. 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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Last updated: June 3, 2026
