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
No available sites
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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
Mike H
VerifiedAugust 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Nice clean and quiet
Deb L
VerifiedAugust 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 101, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
One night we had noisy neighbors and no ranger ever came by to tell them to quiet down. Otherwise, our stay was very good.
Bryce C
VerifiedAugust 7, 2020 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
The 2 electric sites we camped in were fairly spacious with both gravel and grass. Most sites are fairly flat. The shower house/restrooms were clean and easily accessible to all electric sites. There is lake access within a fairly short walk. We enjoyed walking our dog along the shoreline. We would stay at Acorn Valley again.
Kathy H
VerifiedJuly 24, 2020 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Great place to stay!
Angela H
VerifiedJuly 12, 2020 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
The mosquitos were overbearing. There were dogs off leash and bothersome. The showers weren't clean.
paul k
VerifiedJanuary 23, 2020 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Nice quite well kept camp ground
Jessica A
VerifiedJanuary 23, 2020 • Stayed at: 090, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
very quiet and the people were very personal-able
Lynn S
VerifiedJanuary 20, 2020 • Stayed at: 019, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Overall the campground was nice, it was clean, nice showers/restrooms. However about 10:30 Friday evening my wife and I were asleep in our camper and woke up to find someone standing in our camper. I shouted, the person left, nothing was stolen but we will probably never go back to Acorn Valley.
David K
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 043, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
I camp here every year when I come to Des Moines to attend meetings. The campsites are spacious and normally quiet. I really like the fact that there are lots of trees. One can really get away.
Thomas T
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Clean area and nice shower room
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
