How much does camping cost at Cherry Glen Campground?

Camping fees at Cherry Glen Campground range from $24-$26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cherry Glen Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cherry Glen Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cherry Glen Campground before I book?

Yes! Cherry Glen Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cherry Glen Campground?

Cherry Glen Campground is open April 15 - October 14. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cherry Glen Campground?

Yes, Cherry Glen Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Cherry Glen Campground?

Fire policies at Cherry Glen Campground: Campfires are allowed, but restrictions on external firewood exist to prevent pest spread.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Cherry Glen Campground?

Cell phone service at Cherry Glen Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Cherry Glen Campground have?

Cherry Glen Campground has 125 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cherry Glen Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cherry Glen Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cherry Glen Campground?

Cherry Glen Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Cherry Glen Campground

4.50

765 reviews

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131, USA

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping Iowa Best Campgrounds Iowa Boating Camping Iowa +1 more

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

$24 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

125 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Saylorville Lake Administration site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

$24 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

125 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Saylorville Lake Administration site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Cherry Glen Campground

$24.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Rates for individual campsites range from $24 to $26 during peak season. Additional fees may apply, including reservation service fees ($8 online, $9...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

515-964-8792

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.50

Top-Rated

Based on 765 reviews

63 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakefriendly

Some mention

noisereservation

"User reviews show a mix of positive and constructive feedback. Many visitors praise the campground's cleanliness, scenic views, and access to recreational activities. However, some cite issues such as uneven sites, noisy neighbors, and limited hookups."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131, USA

Cherry Glen Campground

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131, USA

Nearby places

Johnston: approximately 5 miles

Des Moines: within 15 minutes

Polk City: up the road from the campground

Nearby supplies

Des Moines and nearby small towns such as Polk City provide convenient access to groceries and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Cherry Glen Campground

Summer transforms Cherry Glen into an outdoor paradise, where crystal-clear skies stretch endlessly above and gentle breezes whisper through the canopy. The campground enjoys a reputation for reliably pleasant conditions, with dry weather patterns and moderate winds creating ideal camping conditions during peak season. These comfortable temperatures and minimal precipitation make it a favorite destination for families seeking dependable outdoor weather.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Top 10% in IA

Summer called an 'outdoor paradise' with peak water-sport and trail activity, but crowded.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 - October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open and reservable from April 15 to October 14 yearly. Closed during off-peak seasons.
Current Alerts: Boat ramp closures at 10 pm have been noted. Seasonal closures occur during off-peak periods.

About Cherry Glen Campground

Perched atop a scenic wooded ridge overlooking the expansive Saylorville Lake, Cherry Glen Campground invites outdoor enthusiasts into a 13-acre haven where adventure meets tranquility. This intimate retreat serves as your gateway to the celebrated Neal Smith Trail and the shimmering waters of Saylorville Lake, where days unfold with endless possibilities for water sports, trail exploration, cycling adventures, and prime fishing spots waiting to be discovered.

Cherry Glen Campground offers several camping options, including RV sites with electricity, tent camping sites, and group camping areas. While cabins and glamping options are not available, the campground's amenities cater to both casual and seasoned campers.

Historical Significance

While Cherry Glen's story may be written more in natural beauty than historical markers, this peaceful retreat stands as a testament to Iowa's commitment to preserving recreational spaces for generations of outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Cherry Glen into an outdoor paradise, where crystal-clear skies stretch endlessly above and gentle breezes whisper through the canopy. The campground enjoys a reputation for reliably pleasant conditions, with dry weather patterns and moderate winds creating ideal camping conditions during peak season. These comfortable temperatures and minimal precipitation make it a favorite destination for families seeking dependable outdoor weather.

ElevationThe campground's ridgetop location provides a naturally elevated vantage point, offering campers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape and lake vistas below.

Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of mature trees creates a living canopy overhead, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns across your campsite while providing welcome shade on warm afternoons. This wooded sanctuary pulses with wildlife—white-tailed deer emerge at dawn to graze in nearby clearings, wild turkeys parade through the underbrush, and diverse waterfowl paint the sky during their seasonal migrations. From your ridgetop perch, panoramic views of Saylorville Lake unfold like a watercolor painting, changing with each passing hour as light plays across the water's surface.

Geological RegionCarved into the storied landscape of the Des Moines River Valley, Cherry Glen Campground occupies a distinctive 13-acre wooded ridge that tells the geological story of Iowa's waterways. This compact natural oasis within the greater Saylorville Lake Project ecosystem creates a perfect harmony between forest and water, where the ancient river valley's rich biodiversity thrives. Here, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and countless waterfowl species have made their home, sharing this special corner of Iowa with those who seek connection with the natural world.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3PM

Check-out

Check-out by 12 PM

Stay Limit

14 nights per visit
14 nights total within a rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not provided

Groups

Group sites are equipped with electrical hookups and spacious layouts to accommodate multiple guests, although exact numerical limits were not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are primarily back-in, with a mix of small and spacious layouts. Some areas feature steep grades requiring leveling.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or via the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot specified; reservations are highly recommended during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyRefunds are subject to a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiting the first night's use fee.

AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets and showers are available. The campground also includes paved roads and parking areas, making movement easier for visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeReviews mention a mix of site sizes, including spacious ones suitable for large RVs (e.g., site 074 accommodating a 42' 5th wheel).

PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly across sites. Some sites are noted for their seclusion and views of the lake, while others are more clustered together, offering less privacy. Sites near playgrounds and high-traffic areas may experience reduced tranquility.

Total Campsites125 campsites

Recommended SitesBring leveling blocks for uneven sites. Avoid proximity to playgrounds if seeking quiet. Lake-view sites are highly sought after.

Need help booking Cherry Glen Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Cherry Glen Campground provides a diverse array of recreational activities. The campground's proximity to Saylorville Lake allows guests to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. Hiking and biking opportunities abound thanks to the paved Neal Smith Trail, which connects campgrounds on the lake's east side and is designated as a National Recreation Trail. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with frequent sightings of deer, turkeys, and waterfowl. Educational programs and playgrounds add to the family-friendly environment.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include poison ivy, uneven sites requiring leveling, and wildlife such as hornets at some locations.

Active AlertsBoat ramp closures at 10 pm have been noted. Seasonal closures occur during off-peak periods.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but restrictions on external firewood exist to prevent pest spread.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are not explicitly mentioned, but the nearest city, Johnston (5 miles away), likely offers police and medical facilities.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are consistently maintained, but there were no specific mentions of their locations or pickup schedules in the provided reviews.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Saylorville Lake, with close access to boat ramps. However, direct lake access from the campground is limited.

Camp HostHosts are generally described as friendly, although a few reviews mention aggressive behavior.

Weather at Cherry Glen Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

765 reviews

Top-Rated

Cherry Glen Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews show a mix of positive and constructive feedback. Many visitors praise the campground's cleanliness, scenic views, and access to recreational activities. However, some cite issues such as uneven sites, noisy neighbors, and limited hookups.

Review Summaries

Based on 765 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean shower and restroom facilities, scenic sites with lake views, proximity to bike trails, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds are frequently mentioned. 'Probably the cleanest bathrooms...

Based on 765 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include uneven campsites, lack of water and sewer hookups at individual sites, and noise from neighbors or nearby playgrounds. Some visitors also mentioned issues with aggressive hosts and...

Based on 765 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites. Avoid sites near the playground for more tranquility. Make reservations early for peak season. Consider sites like 074 or 109 for lake views.

Based on 765 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is highly used even during off-peak seasons. Summer months are noted for their busyness. Fall appears to offer quieter camping experiences with beautiful foliage.

Based on 765 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great place to camp, clean facilities, and nice views of Saylorville Lake.' 2. 'Bathrooms were very clean, but having to push the button for the shower was a pain.' 3. 'Highly recommend it for...

Based on 765 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 074 is praised for accommodating large RVs and offering lake views. Site 109 also receives positive mentions for its scenic appeal. Site 065 near the playground is noted for noise issues.

Based on 765 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible amenities include paved roads and flush toilets. Users with disabilities appreciated the clean and well-maintained facilities but noted occasional challenges such as narrow roads.

Based on 765 reviews