Cherry Glen Campground
Open for the 2026 season through mid-October. Reservations are required and available through Recreation.gov. Check-in is 2:00 PM; check-out is noon. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per 30-day period.
Flood Watch issued September 15 at 6:59AM CDT until September 16 at 5:00AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
...The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Flood Watch for the following rivers in Iowa... Raccoon River at Des Moines Fleur Dr affecting Polk County. * WHAT...Flooding is possible. * WHERE...Raccoon River at Des Moines Fleur Dr, or from Walnut Creek to the Des Moines River. * WHEN...From this evening to late tonight. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 6:47 AM CDT Tuesday the stage was 8.6 feet, and rising. - Forecast...Flood stage may be reached based on the latest forecast information. - Flood stage is 12.0 feet.
Flood Watch issued September 15 at 4:19AM CDT until September 15 at 12:00PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
...The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Flood Watch for the following rivers in Iowa... Walnut Creek at Des Moines 63rd St affecting Polk County. * WHAT...Flooding is possible. * WHERE...Walnut Creek at Des Moines 63rd St, or from 1 1/3 miles upstream of North Walnut Creek to the Raccoon River. * WHEN...From early this morning to this afternoon. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 4:01 AM CDT Tuesday the stage was 12.1 feet, and rising. - Forecast...Flood stage may be reached based on the latest forecast information. - Flood stage is 14.0 feet.
Flood Watch issued September 15 at 3:57AM CDT until September 16 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of southwestern, central, and northeastern Iowa. * WHEN...Through Wednesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Heavy rainfall is expected to continue through this morning before a lull in activity is forecast for this afternoon. However, heavy rainfall is forecast to move back into the area late Tuesday night into Wednesday.
About
Cherry Glen is the oldest and most popular campground on Saylorville Lake, nestled on a wooded 13-acre ridge above the Des Moines River Valley. The 26,000-acre Army Corps of Engineers reservoir offers excellent fishing for walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and northern pike, along with boating, sailing, water skiing, and swimming. All 125 family sites are Standard Electric with 50-amp service and gravel back-in driveways accommodating RVs and trailers up to 40 feet. Each site allows up to 8 occupants with either 3 tents or 1 RV plus 2 tents. Campfires are permitted and gathering fallen deadwood is allowed. The campground has flush restrooms, hot showers, potable water, a dump station, playgrounds, group shelters, and a boat ramp. The paved 24-mile Neal Smith Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail, connects Cherry Glen to Big Creek State Park and downtown Des Moines, ideal for biking, jogging, and inline skating. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and waterfowl are commonly spotted throughout the project lands.
Directions
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $26 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 93ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 93ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (515) 964-8792 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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