About This Park
Overview
Cherry Glen Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.
The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for its excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find 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
This large campground offers 125 family sites, all with electric hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station.
Educational programs, group shelters, playgrounds, and a boat ramp all provide additional recreation opportunities for guests.
Nearby amenities include a visitor center, hiking trail and a disc golf course.
Natural Features
Cherry Glen, the oldest and most popular campground on the lake, is nestled on a compact 13-acre wooded ridge.
Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.
Quick Information
- Type: RV Resort, State Park, Overnight Parking
- Network: Federal – Other
- Price Range: $15-35
- Rating: 4.5388994 / 5
Amenities
- ✓ Electric Hookup
- ✓ Pet Friendly
- ✓ Picnic Tables
- ✓ Grills/Fire Ring
- ✓ Fire Pit
Contact & Location
SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE
JOHNSTON, IA 50131
Phone: 515-964-8792
Book This Park
Electric hookups are available, though water and sewer are shared — a good balance of convenience and simplicity. At altitude, expect crisp mornings, quieter nights, and scenery that's hard to leave behind. Grills and fire rings on-site set the stage for classic campfire evenings.