Available sites
118 total sites
RV Sites
About Cherry Glen Campground
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Swimming
Year-round
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Spring
Boating
Summer
Boating
Swimming
Fall
Boating
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Rates, Sites & Availability
118 Sites Available
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Site Details
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118 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (704)
What Guests Are Saying
Cherry Glen Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and friendly staff, making it a pleasant place to camp. Guests appreciate the quiet, spacious sites and convenient access to bike trails and nearby attractions. Some minor concerns include limited privacy between sites and occasional noise from other campers, but overall, visitors look forward to returning.
What Guests Are Saying
Cherry Glen Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and friendly staff, making it a pleasant place to camp. Guests appreciate the quiet, spacious sites and convenient access to bike trails and nearby attractions. Some minor concerns include limited privacy between sites and occasional noise from other campers, but overall, visitors look forward to returning.
Review Summary
Shawn D
VerifiedMay 30, 2022 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: CHERRY GLEN
One of our favorite campgrounds when we visit the Des Moines area. Clean, well organized and very well kept. Nice people running everything. Trails, walking, the lake and Ankeny with all it offers are right there at your doorstep.
Gary J
VerifiedMay 31, 2022 • Stayed at: 052, Loop: CHERRY GLEN
Cherry Glenn is always fun, but don't plan on being by yourself as they have a lot of spots very close together. Only a select few are private enough to truly relax. Dogs barking and kids yelling and playing is the norm there so if that is what you are into it is a great time.
Nicole B
VerifiedJune 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 065, Loop: CHERRY GLEN
It was a beautiful spot and had a nice view of the lake, close to the showers and the playground. Our only negative experience was that because we were close to the playground there were some issues that made it a little less relaxing. We will probably not book so close to the playground next time. Bathrooms were very clean and everything was well maintained.
Paul N
VerifiedJune 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: CHERRY GLEN
Cherry Glen is an older but, very nice campground. Camp sites are well maintained and in good condition for being all gravel sites. The campground is filled with older, mature trees that provide plenty of shade. The bathrooms and shower facilities are also nice, clean, and well maintained. I also want to mention that the campsites are spaced apart well so you don't feel like you are right on top of your neighbors. In addition, the park ranger and camp hosts are very friendly and come around often to make sure everything is okay or
to check if there is anything you need. We have used Cherry Glen campground several times for many years and will come back again.
Karene C
VerifiedJune 12, 2022 • Stayed at: 078, Loop: CHERRY GLEN
We had a great time. Can't wait to come back.
Jon M
VerifiedJune 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 097, Loop: CHERRY GLEN
Great campground. Clean showers and nice shaded sites. Water access and adjacent recreation area has good bike and hiking trails.
Carole R
VerifiedJune 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 090, Loop: CHERRY GLEN
Beautiful campground, lots of shade, nice level sites, helpful and friendly hosts
Barbara T
VerifiedJune 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 056, Loop: CHERRY GLEN
Great camping experience. Everything was so well maintained and looked so nice.
Mark S
VerifiedJune 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 109, Loop: CHERRY GLEN
Go below the dam.
Donald S
VerifiedJune 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 104, Loop: CHERRY GLEN
The lake is a fun Place to go to watch the boats or the Sunsets.
Location & Directions for Cherry Glen Campground
Saylorville Lake Administration Office, Johnston, IA 50131 United States
Elevation: 285 ft
Getting There
From I-35, take exit 90 to Ankeny Industrial Parkway. Continue onto Highway 160 west for 4.8 mi. The road turns into Highway 415. Continue for another 4 mi and follow signs into the campground.
Highway access
Cherry Glen Campground is accessible from I-35 via exit 90. It is located approximately 4.8 miles from the exit on Highway 160, which turns into Highway 415.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
12PM
General
- Click here for more information
- 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.Quiet Hours: From 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Campgrounds are restricted to registered campers during these hours. Visitors must leave by 10:00 p.m. Gates remain open 24/7.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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: October 23, 2026
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Explore Johnston, IA
Population: 24,384
Nearby city: Ankeny, IA
Approx. 4 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 833 ft
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