Acorn Valley

Saylorville Lake Administration Office, Johnston, Iowa, United States
Check Availability
Acorn Valley Recreation Area
Acorn Valley Campground Playground 2
Acorn Valley
Acorn Valley Campground Comfort Station
Acorn Valley Recreation Area

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 mi up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including camping, bicycling, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting. 

Available sites

83 total sites
RV Sites 27 sites Check Availability Tent Sites 56 sites Check Availability

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

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers Showers
Playground Playground
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Showers
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Playground
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

83 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 35 ft wide
🚐 002, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 62 × 29 ft
🚐 003, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 26 ft wide
🚐 004, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 32 ft wide
🚐 005, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 22 ft wide
🚐 006, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 23 ft wide
🚐 007, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 008, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 009, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 010, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 011, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 012, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 013, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 014, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 015, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 016, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 017, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 018, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 019, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 020, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 021, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 022, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 023, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 024, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 025, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 026, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 027, Loop: ACORN VALLEY RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
⛺ 035, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 036, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 037, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 038, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Full shade
⛺ 039, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 040, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 041, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 042, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 043, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 044, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 045, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 046, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 047, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 048, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 049, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 050, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 051, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 052, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 053, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 054, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 055, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 056, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 057, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 058, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 059, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 060, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Full shade
⛺ 061, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 075, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Full shade
⛺ 076, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Full shade
⛺ 077, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Full shade
⛺ 078, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Full shade
⛺ 079, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Full shade
⛺ 080, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 081, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 082, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 083, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Full shade
⛺ 084, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 085, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 086, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Full shade
⛺ 087, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 088, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 089, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 090, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Full shade
⛺ 091, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 092, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 093, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 094, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 095, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 096, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 097, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Full shade
⛺ 098, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 099, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 100, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 101, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Group 030, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Group/Youth Site, 102, Loop: ACORN VALLEY Tent
Campfire · Full shade

Reviews

316 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Acorn Valley is a well-maintained, peaceful campground with clean facilities, friendly staff, and spacious sites, making it an excellent choice for families and those seeking a quiet getaway. Visitors appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms and the beautiful natural surroundings, with plenty of room for activities. While some sites may require leveling and noise from nearby activities can be an issue, overall, guests have had enjoyable experiences and are eager to return.

Based on guest feedback

4.5

Overall rating

Based on 316 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 69.6% (220)
4 stars 19.0% (60)
3 stars 7.0% (22)
2 stars 1.9% (6)
1 star 2.5% (8)

Showing 316 reviews

Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Newest First Oldest First

Jenny C

Verified

September 6, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

Nice quiet campground. Good area to take a walk. Site was pretty level and nice grassy areas.

Helpful

Carolyn T

Verified

September 4, 2021 Stayed at: 017, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

There was bad smell outside our camper. We told our hosts and they got rangers out there to check it out. Was a dead animal. They cleaned it up!
Great job! 😃👍

Helpful

Katherine W

Verified

August 31, 2021 Stayed at: 018, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

The campsites are very nice, spaced nicely and easy to back into. The bath house (critical for me) is nice and clean, but desperately needs ventilation. Location is close to Winterset and its covered bridges and John Wayne Museum. Also close to groceries and a WalMart.

Helpful

Oscar R

Verified

August 30, 2021 Stayed at: 092, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

Very celan and excelente facilities!! Greate place.

Helpful

Serena H

Verified

August 28, 2021 Stayed at: 025, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

Horrible horrible horrible! Never ever again. I brought my family here to spend a relaxing vacation, only to be harassed by the volunteer there, who then had the park ranger come and harass us like if that was not enough. All over my sweet dog who was off his leach for 30 seconds from when we first got there. My daughter was harassed by the volunteer when she was walking our dog. When I went to the front office to ask to be moved she pretty much told me to do an early departure. Horrible service, and treated like shit! The volunteer thinks she is boss up in there and doesn’t like people of color obviously.

Helpful

Olivia B

Verified

August 26, 2021 Stayed at: 006, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

Acorn Valley was a lovey, small campground. Our site had the playground right behind it for the kids, but the outer sites were very secluded. The shower house was also very nice and clean. We would stay again!

Helpful

Jon M

Verified

August 26, 2021 Stayed at: 012, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

Nice shaded sites and very clean facilities.

Helpful

Scott B

Verified

August 24, 2021 Stayed at: 022, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

No privacy between our site and the next. However, this was probably one of the cleanest campgrounds we’ve ever stayed at.

Helpful

John A

Verified

August 19, 2021 Stayed at: 025, Loop: ACORN VALLEY

Nice spot #25 with shade. Some small and slopes. Grass needed mowing.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Acorn Valley

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

Elevation: 290 ft

Getting There

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 mi. At the four-way stop, turn left on Northwest Beaver Drive and continue for 3.7 mi. Turn right onto Northw...

Nearest town

Johnston, IA - 5.1 mi

About 9 min to downtown

Highway access

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.

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: October 22, 2026

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Explore Johnston, IA

Population: 24,384

Nearby city: Ankeny, IA

Approx. 6 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 833 ft

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