Description

Acorn Valley Campground is located on the 26,000 acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches for over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The mature Bur Oaks at the entrance to Acorn Valley seem to beckon you to come explore, and exploring is just what this campground has to offer! Located on 26 acres on the fringe of the upland timber, 79 of the areas 108 campsites are walk-in tent sites. A short hike through the timber offers picturesque views of the 6,000 acre lake. A wide variety of recreational activities are available. These include fishing for walleye, wipers, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. Nearby facilities include picnic areas with group shelters, boat launches, accessible fishing pier, river fishing, hunting for white-tailed deer, turkey, pheasant, waterfowl, and other small game. The 24-mile paved, multipurpose Neal Smith Trail runs 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 (no motor vehicles allowed) and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking, and in-line skating.

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Services & Amenities:

Within Facility
Accessible Restroom Accessible Showers Comfort Station Dump Station Fishing Flush Toilet Garbage Service Gatehouse Grills	Hiking Trail Interpretive Programs Picnic Tables Playground Potable Water Recycling Center Reservoir Showers Telephone
Within 10 Miles
Baseball Field Boat Launch Ramp Boating Equestrian Area Firewood Fish Cleaning Station Fishing Dock Frisbee Golf Golf Group Shelter Hunting	Mountain Biking Nature Trails Public Marina Restroom Sailing Shooting Area Swimming Visitors Center Volleyball Water Skiing Wildlife Viewing

No alcohol. Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance. Boats or extra vehicles are allowed only if there is sufficient room on the campsite. Tents may be placed on the grass adjacent to campsite spur. Camper must be 18 and over to make reservation and must be present during stay. Park reserves the right to cancel reservations. No out-of-state firewood allowed.

Getting There:

Acorn Valley (IA)
5600 NW 78TH AVE
Johnston IA 50131-1941

From I35/80 north of Des Moines: Take Johnston/Saylorville Lake Exit (131) Go north on Merle Hay Rd through Johnston for 2.8 miles. At 4 way stop, tur turn left on Northwest Beaver Drive for 3.7 miles. At National Weather Service Building, turn right onto Northwest Coryden Drive and turn right into campground.