125
Total Campsites
Campground
118
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
6
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About CHERRY GLEN CAMPGROUND
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 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. 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.
- 125 total campsites listed.
- 118 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 6 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: standard electric (125).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes CHERRY GLEN CAMPGROUND special
Cherry Glen Campground stretches along the wooded banks of Saylorville Lake, a 26,000-acre reservoir on the Des Moines River just north of Johnston, Iowa. The setting is a welcome surprise for anyone who thinks of Iowa strictly as flat farmland — the river valley here is lush with hardwood forests, rolling terrain, and a big, beautiful lake that draws boaters, anglers, and beachgoers from across central Iowa and beyond. The campground occupies a well-shaded peninsula that juts into the lake, giving many sites pleasant water views and easy access to the shoreline. A boat ramp nearby gets you onto the water quickly, and the lake rewards fishermen with healthy populations of walleye, channel catfish, and white bass. Swimming beaches, picnic areas, and hiking trails along the bluffs round out the recreation options. The Neal Smith Trail, a paved multi-use path, passes nearby and connects to greater Des Moines for those who enjoy long bike rides. Late spring through early fall is the sweet spot, with warm-water swimming from June through August and excellent fall color along the forested bluffs in October. The campground fills on summer weekends, so reservations are wise. Cherry Glen is an outstanding choice for Iowa families, weekend warriors from Des Moines, and anyone looking for a full-featured lakeside campground with boating, swimming, fishing, and trails all within easy reach.
Campsite Inventory
125 sites to choose from
STANDARD ELECTRIC
118
Reservable
6
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
ACCESSIBLE SITES
Accessible Sites
Accessibility
Accessibility, Yes
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
2:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Driveway entry
Back-In
Driveway surface
Gravel, Paved
Electricity Hookup
50 amp
Fire Pit
Yes
Max guests
6
Max vehicle length (ft)
28, 36, 37, 40
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Yes
Sewer Hookup
Yes
Shade
Full, Yes
Water Hookup
No
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
515-964-8792
Getting There
From I-35, take exit 90 to Ankeny Industrial Parkway. Continue onto Highway 160 west for 4.8 miles. The road turns into Highway 415. Continue for another 4 miles and follow signs into the campground.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to CHERRY GLEN CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for CHERRY GLEN CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for CHERRY GLEN CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at CHERRY GLEN CAMPGROUND?
CHERRY GLEN CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD ELECTRIC (125).
Where is CHERRY GLEN CAMPGROUND located?
CHERRY GLEN CAMPGROUND is in Iowa near JOHNSTON. Coordinates: 41.7314, -93.6800.
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