Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Saylorville Lake - COE/Acorn Valley
Overview
Acorn Valley Campground offers a serene escape nestled within the lush landscapes of central Iowa. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this destination provides a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing proximity to modern conveniences. The park is characterized by its heavily wooded sites, providing ample shade and a sense of privacy that is often hard to find in more commercial RV resorts. This location is perfect for those who value quiet evenings and morning birdsong over neon signs and traffic noise.
Location & Surroundings
Located just north of Johnston, IA, the campground sits on the western shore of the sprawling Saylorville Lake. The surrounding terrain is a mix of mature hardwood forests and rolling hills, creating a scenic backdrop for any outdoor adventure. The park’s position within the Des Moines River valley ensures that visitors are never far from the soothing sounds of nature or the cooling breezes coming off the water. Despite its rustic feel, the park is only minutes away from the amenities of the greater Des Moines area.
Amenities & Park Features
The facility caters primarily to those who appreciate a traditional, nature-focused camping experience. It features electric hookup sites with 30- and 50-amp service, along with primitive spots for those looking to unplug completely. Visitors have access to essential facilities to ensure a comfortable stay, including:
- Flush toilets and hot showers that are cleaned regularly.
- A well-maintained playground for families with children.
- Convenient dump station and fresh water fill access for RVers.
- Spacious fire rings and picnic tables at every site for evening gatherings.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The highlight of the area is the Neal Smith Trail, a 26-mile multi-use paved trail that winds through prairies and woods, perfect for cycling and walking. Water enthusiasts can utilize nearby boat ramps to explore Saylorville Lake, which is famous for its fishing, kayaking, and boating opportunities. For those craving urban exploration, the vibrant downtown area of Des Moines is only a short drive away, offering the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, local museums, and a variety of regional dining options.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal choice for nature lovers and families who prioritize quiet evenings under a canopy of trees. It is particularly well-suited for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to stay in a protected natural habitat while remaining close to city services. Because of its generous site spacing and wooded environment, it is also a top pick for RVers seeking peace who want a restful stopover that feels worlds away from the busy interstate, making it a favorite for long-term travelers and weekend warriors alike.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Matt
It's a decent campground close to the metro. Seems to be fairly well cared for. Playground is fun for the kids. No real trails connected to the site other than a really small path around the pond or patch of goldenrod to walk around. We took the road down to the water. Not a very clear path (overgrown) down to the shore from the end of the road, but the shore was fun to skip rocks, find shells and do a little fishing. Some people were nightfishing for catfish. We caught a drum in the morning. There was a pretty loud group after quiet hours for some time and I never heard or saw the park host talk with them. Kids yelling on the playground until 1030 and then a loud movie on an outdoor projector after that. We didn't get a great sleep and it took away from the experience of camping and getting away to the outdoors.
Sean Smith
Nice place, booked last minute only $24. Electric hookup, nice bathroom/shower house. Some Parking spots are nestled into the woods and flat. Did the reservation online.
Colleen Duncan
Well kept park, beautiful trees, showers batrooms are in good condition. Nice metal picnic tables & fire rings at each site. There is a really large group camping area with covered pavilions. More tent camping available than RV sites with electric. But potable water is available at one end of dump station. Nice area - bear in mind there really is no access to Saylorville lake, but some of the tent sites do overlook the lake.
Precision Insulation and Coatings
This is a great campground. We like going here because it’s an alcohol free campground. No late night loud parties. This is a clean place. They have camping for tents and RV hook ups. The bathrooms and showers are well kept. There are places to fish around the campgrounds, and parks for the kids throughout. There are dumpsters for trash, you bring your own trash bags and utilize the dumpsters. It’s a beautiful quiet campground. Handicap accessible.
Mary Murtaugh
Secluded, clean, peaceful place! Large sites for groups. Bathhouse was clean. A volunteer puts reservation cards on posts, we didn’t have one. He showed up on day 2 with it. Snuck up behind me and frightened me. Other than that episode it was a wonderful time.