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
Sharon C
VerifiedJuly 13, 2025 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Had a great time! Shower was clean and nice. Friendly camp host
Brenda S
VerifiedJuly 6, 2025 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Small but quaint little camp ground that you would not even know is tucked away in its location. Great walking areas and great parking area to bike.
BJ B
VerifiedJune 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 019, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Nice shady site. Level. Not very wide. Liked the sound of the water flowing over the dam.
Be aware you are near train tracks. Lots of people coming in and out of campground during day. Bugs come out at dusk!
For the price to no have dump station, flush toilets or showers is pricey.
Patti H
VerifiedJune 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Acorn is the best COE campground we have stayed at. It was green, mowed and well maintained. The showers, however old, were clean.. The one drawback was that it was not on the water so you had to drive a ways to get to water and hiking. It was close to town for shopping needs
Tom V
VerifiedJune 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
A nice small campground and the site is more private than the others, nestled in the trees. But sun beats down during the day. Clean restrooms. Ranger makes the rounds a couple times a day and hosts drive through checking who comes in/leaves.
Chandra R
VerifiedJune 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 056, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
This place is cool quiet and calm but the walk in tents sites have a lots of Ticks. We got a lots of tick bites and it still itches after a week.
Noble J
VerifiedJune 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 019, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
No sites have water, just a heads up. I should have paid attention to this and filled up my camper.
Russell T
VerifiedJune 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
The Rangers were TERRIFIC and very very helpful. KUDOS to them.
Stephanie R
VerifiedJune 16, 2025 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
This campground is a little hidden gem. We stayed in one of power/rv spots. Our spot was private and well maintaied. It was spacious enough to fit our small camper, truck and a pop up canopy. Plus another suv when we had visitors. Most of the spots there were similar. Spacious and private. There are also a ton of great non-electric tent sites as well. These sites would be great for groups as they are large and set back. Most non electric spots seem to be clustered together with two or three near each other. They are somewhat hike in style as they are a bit off the road. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained. There are also two nice playground areas. We live locally and will definitely make this a regular spot. If you are an out of towner there isn’t a lot to see and do at the campground itself. No hiking trails or points of interest. If you’re here for the lake I would look at one of the larger Saylorville campgrounds. This campground would be perfect for a local family with younger kids looking for an easy camping weekend.
Mike Y
VerifiedJune 13, 2025 • Stayed at: 022, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
What a beautiful quiet campground located close to the scenic Saylorville Lake. Very well maintained sites and very level.
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
