Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

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4 reviews
Use address 9125 NW Beave Drive, Johnston IA 50131

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Pets

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Walnut Ridge Recreation Area
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

64 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouslakestafffriendly

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing that Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is a beautiful, well-maintained park with a standout disc golf course and ample space for family activities. Visitors describe it as serene, spacious, and a place they plan to return to, with only a few minor facility-related drawbacks noted."

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About Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Nestled along the wooded ridges of sprawling Saylorville Lake, Walnut Ridge Recreation Area invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore 26,000 acres of natural playground. Whether you're casting a line into pristine waters, navigating the challenging 18-hole disc golf course, or hiking the scenic Neal Smith Trail beneath towering shade trees, this day-use facility delivers the perfect backdrop for adventure and relaxation.
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is presented as a day-use recreation area with picnic shelters and recreational facilities. The source does not describe overnight camping types or campsites.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on a dramatic wooded ridgeland overlooking Saylorville Lake's western shore, Walnut Ridge feels like a hidden sanctuary where nature takes center stage. Ancient shade trees form a verdant canopy overhead, creating cool retreats on warm summer days. The forest comes alive with movement—white-tailed deer browse quietly through the underbrush at dawn and dusk, while wild turkeys strut across clearings and pheasants burst from the tall grasses. Overhead, waterfowl trace patterns across the sky, and if you're patient and observant, you'll spot countless smaller creatures that call this diverse habitat home.
Geological RegionThe recreation area sits within the scenic Des Moines River Valley, where ancient glacial forces carved out the landscape that now cradles Saylorville Lake. Here on the west side, wooded ridgelands rise above the water, creating dramatic elevation changes and offering visitors stunning vantage points across the lake's expansive surface.
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Campsite details

Sites SizeDay-use area; group picnic shelters (3)
Total Campsitesnull campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDay-use layout with three group picnic shelters (water and electricity), flush toilets, a playground, hiking trails, and an 18-hole disc golf course. The paved Neal Smith Trail (24 miles) connects to nearby campgrounds and trail networks.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

The recreation area supports a variety of day-use activities: an 18-hole disc golf course, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking on the Neal Smith Trail, and wildlife viewing. The paved Neal Smith Trail connects to other park areas and is used for multiple non-motorized activities.
Hiking
Hiking trails are present within the area; the paved 24-mile Neal Smith Trail (a National Recreation Trail) is used for hiking, walking, jogging and connects to other park areas.
Fishing
Anglers fish for walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike in Saylorville Lake.
Swimming
Saylorville Lake provides swimming opportunities.
Biking
The 24-mile paved Neal Smith Trail is used for biking and connects campgrounds on the east side of the lake.
Boating
The lake offers boating and sailing opportunities.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant: white-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl and other small game are commonly found around the lake.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

17
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 83%
Wind: 7.3 mph
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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresLocated on the west side of Saylorville Lake with direct access to lake activities (boating, swimming, fishing).

Campground Map

Use address 9125 NW Beave Drive, Johnston IA 50131
Driving directionsFrom I-35/80 north of Des Moines, take Johnston/Saylorville Lake Exit (131). Go north on Merle Hay Rd for 2.7 miles, then turn left onto NW Beaver Drive for 3.1 miles. Recreation area is 0.3 miles ahead on the right.
Accessible from I-35/80 via Johnston/Saylorville Lake Exit (131); north on Merle Hay Rd 2.7 miles, then left onto NW Beaver Drive 3.1 miles.
Nearby places
Des Moines
Johnston

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
4 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing that Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is a beautiful, well-maintained park with a standout disc golf course and ample space for family activities. Visitors describe it as serene, spacious, and a place they plan to return to, with only a few minor facility-related drawbacks noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Users consistently praise the disc golf course as gorgeous, challenging, well-kept, and one of the best in the Des Moines area, with fun wooded and tunnel shots. The park is described as beautiful,...
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Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

The main recurring criticism is about limited facilities: one reviewer notes there is not much for bathrooms, and another mentions no water supply or garbage cans at their shelter. A single review...
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Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Expect a challenging disc golf course that plays both in and out of the woods, so plan for longer, more technical rounds. Bring your own water and be prepared to pack out your trash due to limited...
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Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

“My favorite disc golf course in the des moines area. Expect a challenge!” “This is a great space, the disc golf course is well kept. Not much for bathrooms, but lots of picnic and parking spots well...
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Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One Rec.gov review for Site 02 in the Walnut Ridge Recreation Area notes that the area around the shelter was very nice and spacious, with well-maintained grass and spacious, clean toilets. However,...
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Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One reviewer specifically highlights it as a “Great park to bring the kids and your dog,” indicating that pets are welcome and there is suitable space for dogs to enjoy the area alongside families.
Based on 4 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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