About Walnut Ridge Recreation Area
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Playground
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Grill
On Site Services
- Disc Golf
- Playground
Water Access
- Lake Access
Reviews (11)
What Guests Are Saying
The Walnut Ridge Recreation Area offers excellent accessibility, making it suitable for gatherings, including those with wheelchair users. The site is well-equipped with electricity, water, and trash disposal, and is impeccably clean. Guests appreciate the attentive staff and amenities, making it a great choice for group cookouts.
What Guests Are Saying
The Walnut Ridge Recreation Area offers excellent accessibility, making it suitable for gatherings, including those with wheelchair users. The site is well-equipped with electricity, water, and trash disposal, and is impeccably clean. Guests appreciate the attentive staff and amenities, making it a great choice for group cookouts.
Review Summary
Sue Currier
May 19, 2018
Beautiful! Great place to gather
Location & Directions for Walnut Ridge Recreation Area
Saylorville Lake Administration Office, Johnston, IA 50131 United States
Elevation: 294 ft
Getting There
Use address 9125 NW Beave Drive, Johnston IA 50131. From I-35/80 north of Des Moines, take Johnston/Saylorville Lake Exit (131). Go north on Merle Hay Rd for 2.7 mi, then turn left onto NW Beaver Drive for 3.1 mi. Recreation area is 0.3 mi ahead o...
Use address 9125 NW Beave Drive, Johnston IA 50131. From I-35/80 north of Des Moines, take Johnston/Saylorville Lake Exit (131). Go north on Merle Hay Rd for 2.7 mi, then turn left onto NW Beaver Drive for 3.1 mi. Recreation area is 0.3 mi ahead on the right.
Highway access
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is accessible from I-35/80 via the Johnston/Saylorville Lake Exit (131), located approximately 2.7 miles away. Merle Hay Road connects directly to NW Beaver Drive, which leads to the recreation area.
Policies & Rules
General
- Special Event Permits are required for inflatable bounce houses and water features. Special Event Permits may be required for events that may impact nearby shelters, are open to the public, wedding events, company picnics etc. Please contact the Saylorville Lake Administration Office at 515-276-4656 to inquire.
- Shelters may be reserved up to 4 days in advance. If shelters are not reserved, they are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis.
- Playgrounds and restrooms near shelters are open to the public. Reservations apply only to picnic shelters not other amenities.
- Click here for more information.
- Click here for a virtual tour of the Saylorville Lake area.
- PICNIC AREA HOURS:Month of April 7am to 8pm.May through Labor Day 7am to 9pm .The day after Labor Day through October 7am to 8pm.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Explore Johnston, IA
Population: 24,384
Nearby city: Ankeny, IA
Approx. 6 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 833 ft
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