How much does camping cost at Cherry Glen Campground?

Camping fees at Cherry Glen Campground range from $24-$26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cherry Glen Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cherry Glen Campground 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 Cherry Glen Campground before I book?

Yes! Cherry Glen Campground has 3 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 Cherry Glen Campground?

Cherry Glen Campground is open April 15 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 Cherry Glen Campground?

Yes, Cherry Glen Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Cherry Glen Campground?

Cell phone service at Cherry Glen Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Cherry Glen Campground have?

Cherry Glen Campground has 125 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cherry Glen Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cherry Glen Campground. 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 Cherry Glen Campground?

Cherry Glen Campground 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 Cherry Glen Campground?

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

Cherry Glen Campground

4.50

765 reviews

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

Top 16% in IASummer

Scenic ViewsStargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping Iowa Best Campgrounds Iowa Boating Camping Iowa +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

$24 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

125 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Saylorville Lake Administration Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

$24 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

125 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Saylorville Lake Administration Official Website

Get Directions

Cherry Glen Campground

$24.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

50 Amp & Paved: $26.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-50 amp with sewer: $26.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-50 amp: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

515-964-8792

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Johnston: approximately 5 miles

Des Moines: within 15 minutes

Polk City: up the road from the campground

Weather at Cherry Glen Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cherry Glen Campground

Best season: summer. Summer delivers long, warm days ideal for the lake- and trail-focused experience at Cherry Glen — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to upper-80s °F (24–32°C) with cool nights around 55–65°F (13–18°C). This is when boating, swimming, shore and pier fishing, and biking the Neal Smith Trail are at their peak and the canopy provides welcome shade for campsite comfort. Weekends in July and August are the busiest, so reservations are recommended for prime sites and holiday weekends. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in IA

Best conditions and full access to lake/trail activities; busiest peak months July–Aug.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open and reservable from April 15 to October 14 yearly. Closed during off-peak seasons.

About Cherry Glen Campground

Cherry Glen Campground sits on the shore of Saylorville Lake near Johnston, Iowa, operated by Saylorville Lake Administration. The campground offers electric hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station across tent sites, RV sites, and group areas. Campers fish from the shore and pier, swim in the lake, bike the adjacent Neal Smith Trail, and watch wildlife from shaded sites under a mature canopy.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers long, warm days ideal for the lake- and trail-focused experience at Cherry Glen — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to upper-80s °F (24–32°C) with cool nights around 55–65°F (13–18°C). This is when boating, swimming, shore and pier fishing, and biking the Neal Smith Trail are at their peak and the canopy provides welcome shade for campsite comfort. Weekends in July and August are the busiest, so reservations are recommended for prime sites and holiday weekends. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation938 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMature hardwoods create a dense canopy across the ridgetop, filtering sunlight onto campsites below. The campground sits at 938 feet elevation in the Des Moines River Valley, with select sites offering views across Saylorville Lake. White-tailed deer move through the understory at dawn and dusk, while wild turkeys forage near camp loops. Waterfowl congregate along the shoreline during migration seasons. The forest canopy provides significant shade during summer months, helping moderate campsite temperatures.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges within Cherry Glen Campground. Visitors primarily utilize RVs, tents, and campers for lodging.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs are occasionally hosted at Cherry Glen, though specific details about topics and schedules were not provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights per visit
14 nights total within a rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not provided

Groups

Group sites are equipped with electrical hookups and spacious layouts to accommodate multiple guests, although exact numerical limits were not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or via the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets and showers are available. The campground also includes paved roads and parking areas, making movement easier for visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeReviews mention a mix of site sizes, including spacious ones suitable for large RVs (e.g., site 074 accommodating a 42' 5th wheel).

PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly across sites. Some sites are noted for their seclusion and views of the lake, while others are more clustered together, offering less privacy. Sites near playgrounds and high-traffic areas may experience reduced tranquility.

Total Campsites125 campsites

Recommended SitesBring leveling blocks for uneven sites. Avoid proximity to playgrounds if seeking quiet. Lake-view sites are highly sought after.

Best CampsitesSite 074 accommodates large rigs (tested with a 42-foot fifth wheel) and offers good lake access. Site 109 has reliable cell coverage and water views. Southwest-facing sites generally provide better lake vistas. Avoid sites near the playground if you prefer quiet.

Need help booking Cherry Glen Campground?

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

Cherry Glen Campground offers a vast range of facilities and amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for visitors. It features 125 family sites, each equipped with electric hookups. The campground also provides accessible flush toilets, clean shower facilities, potable water, and a dump station. Educational programs, group shelters, playgrounds, and a boat ramp enhance recreational opportunities. Visitors appreciate its proximity to a visitor center, a hiking trail, and a disc golf course. Reviews frequently describe the restrooms and showers as clean and well-maintained, with users noting amenities such as fire pits and picnic tables available at most sites.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are consistently maintained, but there were no specific mentions of their locations or pickup schedules in the provided reviews.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available, but coverage might vary. One review specifically noted issues with internet connectivity at site 040. Other users praised the availability of coverage at certain spots like site 109.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.5

765 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 765 reviews.

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

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want lake recreation, well-maintained restrooms, and easy access to biking trails in a family-friendly setting.

Skip if

You need full hookups with water and sewer at your site or prefer a quieter campground with fewer large groups.

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Campgrounds

Saylorville Lake

Cherry Glen Campground

About Saylorville Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Cherry Glen Campground, 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.