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
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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
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.
Sharon C
VerifiedJuly 13, 2025 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: ACORN VALLEY
Had a great time! Shower was clean and nice. Friendly camp host
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.
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.
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
