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
Nancy M
VerifiedAugust 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
very nice park. small but nice. thunderstorm took out all electricty one night. so they moved us to Bob shetler park until electricity was repaired. We opted to stay there as our site #7 at Acorn was all but impossible to get backed ibto because the road was too narrow, and the pad was too steep. at least the Rangers took care of us by finding us another campground,
Julie S
VerifiedAugust 11, 2025 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Upon arrival electricity was not working and lasted into the next day. Would have loved someone to call and inform, that way we could have brought a generator for the time being.
Martin S
VerifiedAugust 4, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Nice quiet park
James W
VerifiedJuly 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
We were just passing through on this trip and did not unhook. That said, the site was level which allowed us to set up for the evening and prep to leave with ease.
David C
VerifiedJuly 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
This was our favorite spot for the whole vacation. Spot number 5, it was very private. It was very shady, and it was just a wonderful little campground. The next time we come to iowa to visit family?We're planning on using this campground and that spot in particular,.
Ashley L
VerifiedJuly 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 020, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Nice camping area. Bath house was good. One large shower stall with two shower heads. There is no alcohol allowed here which is unfortunate. Playground is well kept. Hosts were friendly!!
Melisa K
VerifiedJuly 18, 2025 • Stayed at: 038, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Shower house near camp site was great to have available. It was quiet and other campers were respectful and and polite. It was a good time with hosts or ground keepers that were kind and even offered free firewood when they had it. No complaints simply. Thankful for the area campground and their efforts to keep it nice and a good stay.
Nick B
VerifiedJuly 15, 2025 • Stayed at: 081, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
As a primary tent camper, it was so nice to have so many choices for sites. It was great to have short walk-in sites, you could use your car/truck storage and still be in the woods.
Quinn P
VerifiedJuly 15, 2025 • Stayed at: 098, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Good overall been here multiple times just had an encounter with a bunch of daddy long leg spiders at night time.
Brian E
VerifiedJuly 13, 2025 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Large spacious sites. Good location, close to interstate. Clean restrooms. Great stop for me when traveling.
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
