Cherry Glen Picnic
This is a day-use picnic area only; overnight camping is not permitted here. The adjacent Cherry Glen Campground is a separate facility. Open April through October with seasonal hours: April 7am-8pm, May through Labor Day 7am-9pm, after Labor Day through October 7am-8pm.
Heat Advisory issued August 30 at 8:44PM CDT until September 2 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 100-103 degrees. * WHERE...Portions of central and south central Iowa, including the Des Moines metro. * WHEN...From 1 PM Monday to 7 PM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While heat index values may not reach 105 degrees each day, the combination of the longevity of the heat and little or limited relief during the overnight periods with warm lows have prompted the multi-day Heat Advisory.
About
Cherry Glen Picnic Area is a day-use facility nestled on a compact 13-acre wooded ridge at Saylorville Lake, part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project stretching over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. This is not an overnight camping facility; the nearby Cherry Glen Campground is a separate site for those seeking camping accommodations. The picnic area features six group shelters, all equipped with electric hookups, along with flush toilets and a playground. Hiking trails connect to the broader Saylorville Lake trail system, including the 24-mile paved Neal Smith Trail. The adjacent Cherry Glen Boat Ramp provides access to the lake for boating, fishing, and water sports. Wildlife is abundant in the area, with white-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, and waterfowl commonly seen. The shaded ridge setting makes it a popular spot for family gatherings and group events.
Directions
From I-35, take Exit 92 in Ankeny and turn right on East 1st Street. Travel approximately 5 miles west to NW 94th Ave. Continue across HWY 415 approximately 0.5 miles to Cherry Glen Picnic Area on your right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (515) 276-4656 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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