Cherry Glen Campground

Star4.50
765 reviews
SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131, USA
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

$24 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

125 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Saylorville Lake Administration site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cherry Glen Campground
$24.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Rates for individual campsites range from $24 to $26 during peak season. Additional fees may apply, including reservation service fees ($8 online, $9...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
515-964-8792
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What Campers Say

4.50

Top-Rated

Based on 765 reviews

63 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakefriendly

Some mention

noisereservation

"User reviews show a mix of positive and constructive feedback. Many visitors praise the campground's cleanliness, scenic views, and access to recreational activities. However, some cite issues such as uneven sites, noisy neighbors, and limited hookups."

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Campground Map

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

Cherry Glen Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom I-35, take exit 90 to Ankeny Industrial Parkway. Continue onto Highway 160 west for 4.8 miles. The road turns into Highway 415. Continue for another 4 miles and follow signs into the campground.
The campground is easily accessible via paved roads, with clear signage leading into the campground. Seasonal accessibility is not specified.
Nearby places
Johnston: approximately 5 miles
Des Moines: within 15 minutes
Polk City: up the road from the campground
Nearby supplies
Des Moines and nearby small towns such as Polk City provide convenient access to groceries and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Cherry Glen Campground

Summer transforms Cherry Glen into an outdoor paradise, where crystal-clear skies stretch endlessly above and gentle breezes whisper through the canopy. The campground enjoys a reputation for reliably pleasant conditions, with dry weather patterns and moderate winds creating ideal camping conditions during peak season. These comfortable temperatures and minimal precipitation make it a favorite destination for families seeking dependable outdoor weather.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 10% in IA

Peak season with excellent recreational access (boating, trails), though busier and noisier in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter season with attractive foliage and good trail use; reviewers note calmer fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from Apr 15; spring offers trail and water access though the season starts mid-spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed from Oct 15 to Apr 14, so winter stays are not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 15 - October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open and reservable from April 15 to October 14 yearly. Closed during off-peak seasons.
  • Current Alerts: Boat ramp closures at 10 pm have been noted. Seasonal closures occur during off-peak periods.

About Cherry Glen Campground

Perched atop a scenic wooded ridge overlooking the expansive Saylorville Lake, Cherry Glen Campground invites outdoor enthusiasts into a 13-acre haven where adventure meets tranquility. This intimate retreat serves as your gateway to the celebrated Neal Smith Trail and the shimmering waters of Saylorville Lake, where days unfold with endless possibilities for water sports, trail exploration, cycling adventures, and prime fishing spots waiting to be discovered.
Cherry Glen Campground offers several camping options, including RV sites with electricity, tent camping sites, and group camping areas. While cabins and glamping options are not available, the campground's amenities cater to both casual and seasoned campers.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3PM
Check-out
Check-out by 12 PM
Stay Limit
  • 14 nights per visit
  • 14 nights total within a rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Cherry Glen Campground provides a diverse array of recreational activities. The campground's proximity to Saylorville Lake allows guests to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. Hiking and biking opportunities abound thanks to the paved Neal Smith Trail, which connects campgrounds on the lake's east side and is designated as a National Recreation Trail. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with frequent sightings of deer, turkeys, and waterfowl. Educational programs and playgrounds add to the family-friendly environment.
HikingThe Neal Smith Trail offers 24 miles of paved pathways suitable for hiking, jogging, walking, and in-line skating. Reviews highlight its easy accessibility and well-maintained condition.
FishingFishing at Saylorville Lake is popular, with species such as walleye, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and northern pike available. Several reviews note the lake's proximity, making it convenient for anglers.
SwimmingSwimming facilities are available at Saylorville Lake, including a small beach area. One review mentioned enjoying sunset walks along the beach.
BikingThe Neal Smith Trail is highly rated for biking due to its paved surface and scenic routes connecting to Big Creek State Park and downtown Des Moines.
BoatingBoating is a prominent activity, with opportunities for sailing, water skiing, and windsurfing. However, one review mentioned issues with the boat ramp closing at 10 PM.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant, with deer, turkeys, and waterfowl commonly spotted. A review highlighted deer sightings near site 111.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include poison ivy, uneven sites requiring leveling, and wildlife such as hornets at some locations.
Active AlertsBoat ramp closures at 10 pm have been noted. Seasonal closures occur during off-peak periods.

Weather at Cherry Glen Campground

Reviews

4.5
765 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Cherry Glen Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews show a mix of positive and constructive feedback. Many visitors praise the campground's cleanliness, scenic views, and access to recreational activities. However, some cite issues such as uneven sites, noisy neighbors, and limited hookups.
Review Summaries
Based on 765 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean shower and restroom facilities, scenic sites with lake views, proximity to bike trails, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds are frequently mentioned. 'Probably the cleanest bathrooms...
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Based on 765 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include uneven campsites, lack of water and sewer hookups at individual sites, and noise from neighbors or nearby playgrounds. Some visitors also mentioned issues with aggressive hosts and...
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Based on 765 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites. Avoid sites near the playground for more tranquility. Make reservations early for peak season. Consider sites like 074 or 109 for lake views.
Based on 765 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is highly used even during off-peak seasons. Summer months are noted for their busyness. Fall appears to offer quieter camping experiences with beautiful foliage.
Based on 765 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great place to camp, clean facilities, and nice views of Saylorville Lake.' 2. 'Bathrooms were very clean, but having to push the button for the shower was a pain.' 3. 'Highly recommend it for...
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Based on 765 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 074 is praised for accommodating large RVs and offering lake views. Site 109 also receives positive mentions for its scenic appeal. Site 065 near the playground is noted for noise issues.
Based on 765 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible amenities include paved roads and flush toilets. Users with disabilities appreciated the clean and well-maintained facilities but noted occasional challenges such as narrow roads.
Based on 765 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews highlight pet-friendly policies but mention issues with unleashed dogs causing disturbances.
Based on 765 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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