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Acorn Valley Campground

Saylorville Lake, Iowa

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As of October 2026, Acorn Valley Campground is a campground in Iowa with 83 campsites. Acorn Valley Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Acorn Valley Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Acorn Valley Campground is located at 41.7378° N, 93.7236° W.

people allowed on 81 of 83 sites: 6
people allowed on the largest site: 30

Acorn Valley Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 1 (67 sites)Oct 2 (51 sites)

67 sites open on Oct 1 at Acorn Valley Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 02:52 UTC.

Stay and booking rules

Mid-stay changes allowed
Group bookings open: 6 Months
Maximum reservations at once: 10 reservations
Maximum stay: 14 nights
Military discount available

Published by Recreation.gov for Acorn Valley Campground, read on September 28, 2026.

Campsites at Acorn Valley Campground

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262735363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859606175767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100101

Standard 81
Group 1
Tent 1
Accessible 2
Hookups 29

What an RV fits

15–19 ft1 site
20–24 ft2 sites
25–29 ft1 site
30–34 ft2 sites
35–39 ft3 sites
40–44 ft3 sites
45–49 ft1 site
50–54 ft4 sites
55–59 ft5 sites
60–64 ft2 sites
65–69 ft2 sites
70–74 ft1 site

Amenities

restrooms
showers
potable water
dump station

At a glance: Setting: Valley · Access: Paved road.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking, wildlife.

All sites at Acorn Valley Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the ACORN VALLEY loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Max RV	Hookups	Access
001	Standard	6	72 ft	Electric	-
002	Standard	6	64 ft	Electric	-
003	Standard	6	43 ft	Electric	-
004	Standard	6	45 ft	Electric	-
005	Standard	6	27 ft	Electric	-
006	Standard	6	64 ft	Electric	-
007	Standard	6	22 ft	Electric	-
008	Standard	6	30 ft	Electric	-
009	Standard	6	41 ft	Electric	-
010	Standard	6	51 ft	Electric	-
011	Standard	6	57 ft	Electric	-
012	Standard	6	67 ft	Electric	-
013	Standard	6	36 ft	Electric	-
014	Standard	6	55 ft	Electric	-
015	Standard	6	30 ft	Electric	-
016	Standard	6	39 ft	Electric	-
017	Standard	6	41 ft	Electric	-
018	Standard	6	19 ft	Electric	-
019	Standard	6	55 ft	Electric	-
020	Standard	6	53 ft	Electric	Accessible
021	Standard	6	53 ft	Electric	-
022	Standard	6	59 ft	Electric	-
023	Standard	6	20 ft	Electric	-
024	Standard	6	66 ft	Electric	-
025	Standard	6	51 ft	Electric	-
026	Standard	6	37 ft	Electric	-
027	Standard	6	56 ft	Electric	-
035	Standard	6	-	-	-
036	Standard	6	-	-	-
037	Standard	6	-	-	-
038	Standard	6	-	-	-
039	Standard	6	-	-	-
040	Standard	6	-	-	-
041	Standard	6	-	-	-
042	Standard	6	-	-	-
043	Standard	6	-	-	-
044	Standard	6	-	-	-
045	Standard	6	-	-	-
046	Standard	6	-	-	-
047	Standard	6	-	-	-
048	Standard	6	-	-	-
049	Standard	6	-	-	-

Site	Type	Sleeps	Max RV	Hookups	Access
050	Standard	6	-	-	-
051	Standard	6	-	-	-
052	Standard	6	-	-	-
053	Standard	6	-	-	-
054	Standard	6	-	-	-
055	Standard	6	-	-	-
056	Standard	6	-	-	-
057	Standard	6	-	-	-
058	Standard	6	-	-	-
059	Standard	6	-	-	-
060	Standard	6	-	-	-
061	Standard	6	-	-	-
075	Standard	6	-	-	-
076	Standard	6	-	-	-
077	Standard	6	-	-	-
078	Standard	6	-	-	-
079	Standard	6	-	-	-
080	Standard	6	-	-	-
081	Standard	6	-	-	-
082	Standard	6	-	-	-
083	Standard	6	-	-	-
084	Standard	6	-	-	-
085	Standard	6	-	-	-
086	Standard	6	-	-	-
087	Standard	6	-	-	-
088	Standard	6	-	-	-
089	Standard	6	-	-	-
090	Standard	6	-	-	-
091	Standard	6	-	-	-
092	Standard	6	-	-	-
093	Standard	6	-	-	-
094	Standard	6	-	-	-
095	Standard	6	-	Electric, Water	-
096	Standard	6	-	-	-
097	Standard	6	-	-	-
098	Standard	6	-	-	-
099	Standard	6	-	-	-
100	Standard	6	-	-	-
101	Standard	6	-	-	-
Group 030	Group	30	-	-	-
Group/Youth Site, 102	Tent	24	-	Electric	Accessible

About Acorn Valley Campground

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.

Rules and notices at Acorn Valley Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Acorn Valley Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Click here for more information about Saylorville Lake.

Click here for a virtual tour of the Saylorville Lake area.

Saylorville Lake Campground Rules

Camping: Allowed only at designated campsites. Reservations must be made in advance before setting up camping equipment.

Campsite Registration: Campsites may only be registered to individuals 18 years or older, who must occupy the site for the full duration. Each campsite accommodates 1 family unit (up to 8 people) and allows either 3 tents OR 1 RV and 2 tents.

Check-out time: 12:00 p.m. (noon) Check-in time: 2:00 p.m.

Vacating & Registration: Campsites must be vacated or registration renewed by 12:00 p.m. on the due date. Camping is limited to 14 days within any 30-day period.

Parking: Reserving campsites by parking vehicles or leaving items is prohibited. All vehicles (including boats/trailers) must be parked at your campsite or in designated areas. No parking on grass, roadsides, or vacant sites. Please ensure your visitors follow parking rules.

Vehicle Operation: All vehicles (including mopeds and bicycles) must comply with Federal, State, and local laws. Stay on designated roads and use vehicles only for entering or exiting sites. UTVs, ATVs, and golf carts are not allowed in campgrounds or parks.

Quiet Hours: From 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Campgrounds are restricted to registered campers during these hours. Visitors must leave by 10:00 p.m. Gates remain open 24/7.

Trash Disposal: Use designated dumpsters only. Do not leave trash in fire rings, grills, or shower building cans. Remove all personal items and litter before departure. Recycling containers are available. Dumpsters are for trash generated on USACE property only.

Grey Water Disposal: Grey water (from dishes, baths, soap, grease, etc.) must be collected and disposed of properly. Do not drain it on campsites or use it to water vegetation. Improper disposal creates odors, health issues, and attracts animals.

Pets: Must be confined or leashed (6 feet or shorter) at all times. E-collars are not sufficient. Pets may not be left unattended and are not allowed in bathrooms or shower buildings. Pick up and dispose of waste properly.

Firewood: Not available for purchase on-site. You may gather only fallen deadwood. Do not cut or damage trees, vegetation, or natural features. Firewood may be brought from home or purchased from off-site vendors.

Pools & Water Games: Pools of any size or slip-n-slides and sprinklers are prohibited. Water tables are allowed.

Prohibited Items: Fireworks, explosives, loaded firearms, ammunition, bows, and other projectile devices are not allowed.

Smoking: Not allowed inside restrooms or shower buildings.

Grills & Picnic Tables: Do not place grills or hot materials on picnic tables—use attached grill guards. Site holders are responsible for any damage or replacements.

Yard Games: Games such as water balloons or egg toss are prohibited due to litter. Balloon pieces are non-biodegradable and harmful to pets and wildlife.

Pet Leashes & Hammocks: Do not tie leashes, ropes, or chains to trees or shrubs. Hammocks may be used only on trees 6 inches or more in diameter to avoid damage.

Alcoholic Beverages: Permitted for those 21 and older at all campgrounds.

Hangtags: Registered campers may receive hangtags for access to beach and boat ramp day-use areas. Hangtags must be properly displayed.

Golden Age/Access Passports: These and America the Beautiful Senior/Access Passes provide a 50% discount on recreation fees. The cardholder must present the card and ID during registration and be present for the stay. Fraudulent use is prohibited.

Washing Equipment: Washing of RVs, trailers, vehicles, or equipment is not allowed at campgrounds or day-use areas. Use local wash facilities instead.

Deliveries: Personal package deliveries (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, etc.) should be sent to your home, business, or a local postal facility. Saylorville Lake campgrounds, the Administration Building, and Visitor Center do not accept or hold deliveries.

Equipment & Vehicle Storage: Reserving extra campsites solely to store equipment or vehicles is not allowed. Use designated overflow or additional parking during your stay.

Water Spigots: Water spigots are for temporary use only to fill freshwater tanks. Do not use continuous hoses, Y-splitters, or attachments. Continuous hookups are only allowed at campsites with water service.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Acorn Valley Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Acorn Valley Campground?

Acorn Valley Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 83 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Acorn Valley Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Acorn Valley Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Acorn Valley Campground have?

Acorn Valley Campground has 83 campsites.

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