federalfederal

ACORN VALLEY

federal · JOHNSTON, IA

DirectionsCall
  • dump station< 0.1 mi
  • fuel station1.8 mi

USACE Staff · Data Source: Recreation.gov

About

Overview Acorn Valley Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including camping, bicycling, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting. Recreation Anglers enjoy the lake for its abundance of walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating. Facilities The campground offers 29 family sites with electric hookups and 54 primitive walk-to tent sites. The campground also features 2 group tent camping areas; a youth group camping area with special restrictions to organized youth as well as a standard group area open to all visitors. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. Nearby facilities include picnic areas with group shelters, boat ramps, a marina and a fishing dock. Natural Features The mature Bur Oaks at the entrance to Acorn Valley beckon visitors to explore its 26 acres on the fringe of an upland timber stand. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

Around this stay

Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.

  • dump station

    Dump station

    < 0.1 mi
  • fuel station

    Casey's General Store

    1.8 mi
  • grocery

    Fareway

    1.8 mi
  • potable water

    Potable water

    0.7 mi
  • attraction

    Big Creek Historical Museum

    2.4 mi
  • recreation site

    Boat launch

    1.0 mi

Contact & access

  • SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE · JOHNSTON, IA 50131-1941
  • 515-276-0429

Reservations & demand

May weekends are typically reserved about 17 days ahead.

Based on 189 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.

Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability.

Source and verification

Last verified: 10/11/2026

See the Sources tab for provenance detail.