How much does camping cost at Acorn Valley?

Camping fees at Acorn Valley range from $14-$84/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Acorn Valley first-come first-served or reservation?

Acorn Valley accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Acorn Valley before I book?

Yes! Acorn Valley has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Acorn Valley?

Acorn Valley is open May 01 to October 14. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Acorn Valley?

Yes, Acorn Valley has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Acorn Valley have?

Acorn Valley has 83 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Acorn Valley?

Yes, pets are allowed at Acorn Valley. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Acorn Valley?

Acorn Valley offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Acorn Valley?

Popular activities at Acorn Valley include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Acorn Valley

4.09

348 reviews

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA 50131-1941, USA

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

945 ft

Price

$14 - $84/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Open from May 1st to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Saylorville Lake Administration Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

945 ft

Price

$14 - $84/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Open from May 1st to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Saylorville Lake Administration Office Official Website

Get Directions

Acorn Valley

$14.00 - $84.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP WALK TO-480021: $70.00; GROUP/YOUTH GROUP : $84.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-104115: $26.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00; WALK TO: $14.00. Plus...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$14.00

Group Site Fee$84.00

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

515-276-0429

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA 50131-1941, USA

Acorn Valley

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA 50131-1941, USA

Nearby places

Nearby cities include Des Moines (approximately 10 miles, 20-minute drive) and Ankeny (approximately 7 miles, 15-minute drive). Other notable areas such as Polk City are within close proximity.

Weather at Acorn Valley

Best Time to Camp at Acorn Valley

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable weather and the best scenery at Acorn Valley — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–70s°F from late September through early October, with cool nights in the 30s–50s°F that make campfires pleasant and reduce bugs. Upland Bur Oaks and mixed timber put on strong color, trails and overlooks are excellent for photography and wildlife viewing, and boating/fishing remain productive through the campground’s October 14 closing; crowds are noticeably lower than summer. Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is highlighted as the standout season: cool days, foliage color, fewer bugs and positive reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1st to October 14th annually.

About Acorn Valley

Acorn Valley sits on the shore of Saylorville Lake near Johnston, managed by the Saylorville Lake Administration Office. This large campground offers electric hookups, showers, and a mix of tent, RV, primitive, and group sites. Visitors fish, swim, boat, hike, and bike along the lake, and families appreciate the playground and spacious layout.

Acorn Valley Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, group camping, and primitive camping. Specialized youth group camping sites are available with restrictions.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable weather and the best scenery at Acorn Valley — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–70s°F from late September through early October, with cool nights in the 30s–50s°F that make campfires pleasant and reduce bugs. Upland Bur Oaks and mixed timber put on strong color, trails and overlooks are excellent for photography and wildlife viewing, and boating/fishing remain productive through the campground’s October 14 closing; crowds are noticeably lower than summer. Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation945 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient Bur Oaks and upland timber stands cover the campground and surrounding valley. The Des Moines River feeds Saylorville Lake, which stretches across the property. Electric sites sit under mature hardwoods. Primitive tent sites are grassy, 20-40 feet from parking. Wildlife sightings are common: white-tailed deer graze in clearings, and wild turkeys move through the timber in the mornings. Elevation is 945 feet.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo explicit mention of cultural or educational programs was found.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site type, specific family sites allow up to 8 guests.

Groups

The youth group camping area is restricted to organized youth groups and includes a shelter with power and water. Groups of up to 42 people can reserve adjacent sites if necessary.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground has accessible features including flush toilets, showers, and paved roads. One review mentioned, 'Bathrooms were clean and easily accessible to all electric sites.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and fairly flat for the electric sites. Tent sites are grassy and located 20-40 ft from parking.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some users noted spacious and well-separated spots, while others mentioned close proximity to neighbors.

Total Campsites83 campsites

Recommended SitesOuter ring sites offer greater privacy and shade. Site #14 is noted for its secluded location.

Best CampsitesSites #002, #014, #020, and #021 get high marks in reviews for their size and proximity to amenities. Privacy varies. Some sites are well-separated. Others are close to neighbors, especially on busy weekends.

Need help booking Acorn Valley?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Acorn Valley Campground offers a variety of amenities to enhance the camping experience. It includes 29 family sites with electric hookups, 54 primitive walk-to tent sites, and 2 group tent camping areas (one designated for youth groups). Facilities include showers, flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Nearby amenities include picnic areas with group shelters, boat ramps, a marina, and a fishing dock. User reviews highlighted the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities but mentioned issues such as a lack of soap in bathrooms and inadequate ventilation.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Acorn Valley Campground offers a variety of recreational activities suitable for families and individuals alike. Activities include hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife viewing, and biking. Access to the 24-mile Neal Smith Trail provides opportunities for biking, walking, jogging, and in-line skating.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Acorn Valley

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From Booking Sources

4.1

348 reviews

Satisfactory

Acorn Valley is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews reflect a wide range of sentiments about Acorn Valley Campground. Positive themes include clean facilities, spacious sites, and friendly staff, while negative reviews mention noise issues, raccoons, and proximity concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 348 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 348 reviews.

Site 025Loved
Site 025: Shade but grassy areas needed mowing.
Site 102Loved
Site 102: Excellent for youth groups with power and water available.
Site 019Issues noted
Site 019: Extremely close proximity to neighboring sites, leading to noise issues.

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, scenic location, friendly staff, kid-friendly amenities such as a playground, spacious sites, and well-maintained bathrooms.

Based on 348 reviews

Common Concerns

Raccoons overrunning campsites, noise from neighbors, lack of soap and proper ventilation in bathrooms, proximity of sites leading to privacy issues, and misleading information about lake access.

Based on 348 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs for busy weekends, secure food to avoid raccoons, double-check accessibility to swimming areas, and consider bringing a wagon for walk-to sites.

Based on 348 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months received mixed reviews due to high mosquito activity and raccoons. Fall reviews were largely positive with comments about quiet, clean facilities and pleasant weather.

Based on 348 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms were clean and showers were warm not hot of course but worked well.' (User: Steve G) 2. 'We had noisy neighbors and no ranger ever came by to tell them to quiet down.' (User: Deb L) 3....

Based on 348 reviews

Accessibility Features

One user appreciated the accessible restroom areas, noting, 'Bathrooms were clean and easily accessible to all electric sites.' No complaints specific to accessibility were noted.

Based on 348 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews on pet policies. Some users appreciated that dogs were kept quiet, while others reported issues with off-leash dogs.

Based on 348 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want full-service lakefront camping with boating, swimming, and kid-friendly facilities near Des Moines.

Skip if

You need quiet, private sites or plan to camp outside peak season months.

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Campgrounds

Saylorville Lake

Acorn Valley

About Saylorville Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Acorn Valley, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

The Saylorville Lake Project is 26,000 acres, which stretches for over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. A wide variety of recreational activities are available including fishing, picnic areas with group shelters, boat launches, an accessible fishing pier, river fishing, hunting, and a 24-mile paved, multipurpose trail used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking, and in-line skating.

Directions

2.4 miles and becomes Hwy 415. Continue on Hwy 415 N to the lake area.<br>OR<br>From I-35/80: Take Exit 127 to Highway 141 N. Take Highway 141 N approximately 6 miles to exit 148 which is NW Saylorville Drive or Hwy 415. NW Saylorville Drive will lead into the lake area.