Featured amenities
Showers
Playground
Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates83 total sites
RV Sites
27 sites
Tent Sites
56 sites
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
Rates, Sites & Availability
83 Sites Available
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Site Details
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83 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (289)
What Guests Are Saying
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.
What Guests Are Saying
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.
Review Summary
Erica R
VerifiedJuly 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Well kept, state park just around the corner.
Cheryl N
VerifiedJuly 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Very nice campsites, well kept.
Shower and bathroom are kept up with and very clean.
I love camping here!!
Gary M
VerifiedAugust 1, 2021 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Tree limbs scraped on 5th wheel. Had to stop and trim in order to back into spot. It appears that many of the spots need tree limbs trimmed back at 13' level. Access road is several miles of gravel. Might not be back just due to the amount of dust on our rig to clean off.
Julie M
VerifiedAugust 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Site 21 is really great. This campground is spaced well and well kept. The only reason for 4 instead of 5 is the showers are annoying because you have to keep pushing the valve to keep the water running. 50 or 30 amp.
Shaun E
VerifiedAugust 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 049, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Camp grounds are well managed, bathrooms are kept in fine order. If you camp here just be prepared to battle the raccoons nightly, they have no chill and will not back down.
John A
VerifiedAugust 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Nice spot #25 with shade. Some small and slopes. Grass needed mowing.
Scott B
VerifiedAugust 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.
Olivia B
VerifiedAugust 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!
Jon M
VerifiedAugust 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Nice shaded sites and very clean facilities.
Serena H
VerifiedAugust 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.
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.
Elevation: 290 feet
5.1 mi drive to downtown Johnston (about 9 min)
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: September 8, 2026
