Acorn Valley Campground

For Iowans seeking a tranquil and well-appointed outdoor retreat, Acorn Valley Campground in Johnston offers an inviting escape. Nestled amidst beautiful trees and praised by visitors for its clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere, Acorn Valley provides a fantastic base for enjoying the natural beauty of central Iowa. While it doesn't offer direct, immediate access to Saylorville Lake, some tent sites provide lovely overlooks, and the lake's extensive recreational opportunities are just a short drive away, making it a highly desirable destination for local residents.

Acorn Valley Campground is part of the larger Saylorville Lake project, a sprawling 26,000-acre area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that extends over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. This significant natural resource offers a wide array of outdoor activities, and Acorn Valley complements these by providing a comfortable and well-maintained camping experience. Real customer reviews consistently highlight the park's upkeep, noting it as a "well kept park, beautiful trees" and praising that "showers bathrooms are in good condition." This attention to detail ensures a pleasant stay for all visitors.

The campground thoughtfully provides a mix of camping options, with more tent sites available than RV sites with electric hookups, catering to a diverse range of preferences. Each site is equipped with "nice metal picnic tables & fire rings," enhancing the outdoor dining and campfire experience. For groups, there's even a "really large group camping area with covered pavilions," perfect for family reunions or organized events. At only $24 for a last-minute booking with an electric hookup, as one customer noted, Acorn Valley offers exceptional value for a quality camping experience in Iowa.

Acorn Valley Campground is conveniently located at NW Beaver Dr, Johnston, IA 50131, USA. This placement makes it incredibly accessible for residents of Des Moines and other surrounding communities, allowing for quick weekend getaways or longer, more leisurely vacations without the hassle of extensive travel. Its proximity to the Des Moines metropolitan area means that essential supplies, local attractions, and medical facilities are always within a reasonable driving distance.

Directions to Acorn Valley are straightforward. From I-35/80 north of Des Moines, take exit 131 toward Johnston/Saylorville Lake. Turn north onto Merle Hay Road and continue for approximately 2.8 miles. At the four-way stop, turn left onto Northwest Beaver Drive and continue for about 3.7 miles. Then, turn right onto Northwest Coryden Drive, and follow the signs directly into the campground. The roads leading to and within the campground are well-maintained, ensuring smooth access for all types of vehicles, from passenger cars pulling pop-up campers to large RVs.

While the campground is not directly on the immediate shoreline of Saylorville Lake, its location provides easy access to various lake recreation points. Some of the tent sites even offer scenic overlooks of the lake, providing that coveted connection to the water. Additionally, the campground is part of a network of trails and parks around Saylorville Lake, allowing for cycling, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits within minutes of your campsite.

• Electric Hookups: Many RV sites are equipped with electric hookups (typically 20/30/50 amp), providing essential power for recreational vehicles and other electrical needs.
• Potable Water: While individual site water hookups might be limited, potable water is readily available, often near the dump station or at central locations, ensuring campers have access to fresh drinking water.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available on-site for RVs, making waste disposal straightforward and hygienic for campers.
• Flush Toilets: Clean and well-maintained flush toilet facilities are provided throughout the campground, ensuring comfort and convenience for all visitors.
• Showers: Modern shower houses with hot water are available and are frequently praised by visitors for their cleanliness and good condition, allowing campers to refresh after a day of activities.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with sturdy metal picnic tables, providing a designated area for outdoor meals and gatherings.
• Fire Rings: Individual fire rings with grill grates are provided at each campsite, perfect for campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Group Camping Area: A notably "large group camping area with covered pavilions" is available, ideal for accommodating larger parties, family reunions, or organized youth groups.
• Youth Camping Area: There is a dedicated youth camping area (Site 102) designed for organized youth groups (e.g., Boy Scouts, 4-H) under 18, providing a more remote setting for tent camping with specific amenities like a covered shelter with electricity and water.
• Playground: A large playground, often equipped with rubber matting for safety, is available for children, offering a fun space for them to play.
• Online Reservations: Acorn Valley Campground utilizes an online reservation system (Recreation.gov), making it easy and convenient for campers to book their preferred sites in advance, as noted by customer reviews.

• Well-Kept Park and Beautiful Trees: Visitors consistently praise Acorn Valley for its meticulous upkeep and the abundance of beautiful, mature trees, particularly Bur Oaks, which provide ample shade and enhance the natural beauty of the campground. This creates a serene and picturesque setting.
• Clean Facilities: A standout feature, as repeatedly mentioned in reviews, is the excellent condition and cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. This contributes significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
• Variety of Sites: Acorn Valley offers a good mix of camping options, with both RV sites equipped with electric hookups and a notable number of tent-only sites. This caters to different camping styles and preferences.
• Spacious Sites: Many sites, particularly the RV spots, are described as "spacious" and "nestled into the woods and flat," providing privacy and ample room for campers and their equipment.
• Affordable Rates: One customer highlighted a positive experience with a last-minute booking for only $24 with an electric hookup, indicating competitive and accessible pricing for quality amenities.
• Group Camping Facilities: The large group camping area with covered pavilions is a significant highlight, making it an excellent choice for larger gatherings and events.
• Youth Group Focus: The dedicated Youth Camping Area is a unique feature, providing a structured yet rustic experience for organized youth groups looking for primitive tent camping.
• Proximity to Saylorville Lake Recreation: While not directly lakeside, the campground is very close to Saylorville Lake, offering easy access to its vast recreational opportunities including boating, fishing (walleye, bass, catfish, crappie, etc.), swimming at designated beaches, and various water sports.
• Access to Neal Smith Trail: The paved Neal Smith Trail is nearby, offering miles of scenic pathways for biking, hiking, jogging, and in-line skating, connecting the campground to other areas around the lake and even to Des Moines.
• Wildlife Observation: The presence of mature trees and proximity to the lake means abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, and various waterfowl, providing opportunities for nature enthusiasts.

Acorn Valley Campground is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Saylorville Lake project. For direct inquiries and reservations, the following contact details are provided:

Address: NW Beaver Dr, Johnston, IA 50131, USA

Phone: (515) 276-0429

Mobile Phone: +1 515-276-0429

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the national reservation system:

Reservations: 877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov

The Saylorville Lake Administration Office can also provide general information:

Saylorville Lake Administration Office Phone: 515-276-4656

For those of us living in Iowa, Acorn Valley Campground in Johnston stands out as an exemplary local camping destination, perfectly balancing accessibility, comfort, and a genuine connection to nature. Its convenient location near Des Moines means that a refreshing outdoor escape is never far, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips or well-planned family vacations without the burden of long-distance travel. This local advantage is paramount for Iowans looking to maximize their leisure time.

The consistent praise from fellow campers about its "well kept park, beautiful trees," and the "good condition" of its showers and bathrooms, underscores the quality and care put into maintaining this site. We understand the importance of clean, reliable facilities, and Acorn Valley consistently delivers. The variety of campsites, from electric hookup RV spots to more secluded tent sites, ensures that every type of camper can find their ideal setup. The presence of metal picnic tables and fire rings at each site enhances the quintessential camping experience right here in Iowa.

While some note that there isn't direct immediate access to Saylorville Lake from every site, the fact that some tent sites offer overlooks and that lake access points are a very short drive away means all the incredible recreational opportunities of Saylorville Lake – from boating and fishing to swimming and water sports – are within easy reach. Furthermore, the availability of a "really large group camping area with covered pavilions" makes it an exceptional choice for larger family gatherings or community events, fostering that sense of togetherness that Iowans cherish.

The ease of online reservations and the clear pricing, as evidenced by a camper's $24 last-minute booking, add to the overall appeal. Acorn Valley Campground truly provides a high-quality, value-driven, and highly accessible camping experience right in our own backyard. It's a place where you can unwind, explore the beautiful central Iowa landscape, and create lasting memories with family and friends, reinforcing why it's a top choice for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Acorn Valley Campground

NW Beaver Dr, Johnston, IA 50131, USA