Cherry Glen Campground

Welcome to Cherry Glen Campground, your ideal destination for outdoor adventure and relaxation situated right along the beautiful Saylorville Lake in Polk City, Iowa. For Iowans seeking a convenient and scenic escape into nature, Cherry Glen offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the best of camping and lake activities. This well-maintained RV campground provides a clean, welcoming environment perfect for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking to unwind and explore the natural beauty of Central Iowa.

Cherry Glen is renowned for its picturesque setting and its direct access to the expansive Saylorville Lake, a prime spot for all sorts of water sports and fishing. While it’s a popular spot, especially during peak seasons, the dedicated campground hosts ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Cherry Glen provides a comfortable base for your outdoor pursuits.

Reviews from real customers consistently highlight the campground's appeal. Guests appreciate its cleanliness and the dedication of the on-site hosts. One reviewer noted, "Clean and well-maintained. Campground hosts on site." The extensive network of trails for walking and biking also receives high praise, along with the easy access to the boat dock, making it a dream for water enthusiasts. As one camper aptly put it, "Big lake so can paddle a kayak, use a jet ski or boat." It's important to remember, as another review reminds us, that "these sites are electric only. There are no water or sewer hook ups. They have dump stations and water hydrants are place around the property. Just be prepared." This transparency ensures that campers can plan accordingly for a fantastic experience at Cherry Glen.

Cherry Glen Campground boasts an enviable location at 4338 NW 94th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226, USA. This address places it directly on the shores of Saylorville Lake, a massive reservoir on the Des Moines River, just north of the state's capital. For Iowans, this means that a premier outdoor escape is conveniently within reach, minimizing travel time and maximizing enjoyment.

Polk City itself is a charming community, and its proximity to major roadways ensures easy accessibility from across Central Iowa and beyond. The campground is well-connected, allowing for a smooth drive whether you're coming from Des Moines, Ames, or other neighboring towns. This ease of access makes Cherry Glen an ideal spot for spontaneous weekend trips or planned longer vacations, as you won't spend excessive time on the road.

A significant highlight of Cherry Glen's location is its direct connection to Saylorville Lake. This isn't just a distant view; the campground offers close access to a boat dock, making it incredibly convenient for those who wish to launch their boats, jet skis, or kayaks directly onto the water. The expansive nature of Saylorville Lake provides ample room for various water activities, from leisurely paddling to exhilarating boating and jet skiing. This direct water access is a major draw for aquatic enthusiasts.

Beyond the lake, the surrounding area is a haven for outdoor lovers. The campground is integrated with numerous trails for walking and biking, allowing campers to explore the scenic landscapes, observe local wildlife, and enjoy fresh air. This combination of lakeside recreation and extensive land-based trails truly sets Cherry Glen apart as a highly accessible and engaging outdoor destination for residents of Iowa.

Cherry Glen Campground focuses on providing essential services that enhance the camping experience for RV and tent campers, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst nature. While it’s primarily an RV campground, it's important to note the specific hookup services available.

• Electric-Only Hookups: All campsites at Cherry Glen are equipped with electric hookups. This provides convenient power for RVs, ensuring you can run your appliances, air conditioning, and lights during your stay. Campers should be prepared for this type of hookup.
• Water Hydrants: While individual sites do not have water hookups, water hydrants are strategically placed around the property. These hydrants provide potable water for filling up fresh water tanks in RVs or for general use.
• Dump Stations: For the convenience of RV campers, Cherry Glen provides easily accessible dump stations. These facilities allow campers to empty their gray and black water tanks before departing, ensuring a clean and responsible camping experience.
• Clean Restrooms: The campground maintains clean and well-kept restroom facilities for all campers.
• Campground Hosts On-Site: Dedicated campground hosts are present on-site to assist campers, answer questions, and ensure the smooth operation of the campground. Their presence contributes to a friendly and well-managed environment.
• Online Booking System: Cherry Glen utilizes a convenient online booking system, allowing campers to easily reserve their sites in advance. This streamlines the check-in process and helps ensure availability, especially during busy periods.

Cherry Glen Campground offers a variety of features and highlights that make it a standout choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Iowa, particularly those drawn to lake recreation and trail exploration.

• Prime Saylorville Lake Access: The most significant highlight is its direct and close access to Saylorville Lake. This allows campers to easily enjoy a wide range of water activities, including boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and fishing on the expansive lake. The convenience of a nearby boat dock is a major plus for those bringing their watercraft.
• Extensive Walking and Biking Trails: The campground is integrated with numerous trails, providing ample opportunities for walking, hiking, and biking. These trails offer scenic routes through the natural landscape surrounding the lake, perfect for exercise, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the fresh air.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistent feedback from visitors emphasizes the cleanliness and excellent maintenance of the campground. This includes the campsites, restrooms, and common areas, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay for all.
• Dedicated Campground Hosts: The presence of on-site campground hosts is a significant feature. These individuals provide a helpful and welcoming presence, assisting campers with their needs and contributing to a well-organized and friendly atmosphere.
• Spacious RV Sites: While specific site dimensions vary, Cherry Glen provides comfortable RV sites that accommodate various sizes of recreational vehicles. The sites are designed to offer adequate space for a relaxing camping experience.
• Easy Check-in/Check-out Process: The campground operates with a smooth and efficient check-in and check-out procedure. For those who have booked online, the process is particularly simple, mirroring a hotel-like experience where you can proceed directly to your site after the designated check-in time (after 2 PM) and check out by noon.
• Popular for Various Water Sports: Given its location on Saylorville Lake, the campground is a hub for a wide array of water sports. Whether you prefer the tranquility of kayaking, the speed of a jet ski, or a leisurely boat ride, the large lake offers ample opportunities.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Cherry Glen is well-suited for families, offering a safe and engaging environment for children and adults to enjoy the outdoors together. The variety of activities ensures there's something for everyone.

As a popular campground managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and often part of the federal recreation fee system, Cherry Glen Campground primarily operates on a standard fee structure for its campsites. Direct "promotions" in the traditional commercial sense, like discounts for specific dates, are generally not offered directly by the campground.

However, it's important for Iowans to be aware of potential ways to save on camping fees that apply to many federal campgrounds:

• America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series: Certain passes, such as the Senior Pass or Access Pass, can provide discounts on individual campsites at federal recreation sites like Cherry Glen. While these are not exclusive to Cherry Glen, they offer significant savings for eligible individuals.
• Booking in Advance: While not a discount, booking your site well in advance, especially during peak seasons (as indicated by reviews, "Busy this time of year, so gotta book in advance"), ensures you secure a spot and avoid last-minute availability issues or potential higher prices for alternative accommodations.
• Seasonal Rates: While specific public data isn't available for Cherry Glen, some campgrounds may have varying rates based on the season (e.g., lower rates in off-peak months). It's always advisable to check the official recreation.gov website (which handles bookings for most USACE campgrounds) for the most current pricing.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing and availability, including any applicable federal pass discounts, visitors should consult the official recreation.gov website or contact the campground directly using the provided contact information.

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about Cherry Glen Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 4338 NW 94th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226, USA
• Phone: (515) 964-8792
• Mobile Phone: +1 515-964-8792

It is recommended to use the phone number for direct communication, especially for specific questions that may not be easily answered through online booking portals. For reservations, visiting recreation.gov is generally the most efficient method, but the campground phone number can provide assistance with unique situations or local information.

For Iowans seeking an accessible, engaging, and well-equipped outdoor escape, Cherry Glen Campground on Saylorville Lake is an exceptionally suitable destination. Its prime location in Polk City means that a fantastic camping experience is just a short drive away from many Central Iowa communities, minimizing travel time and maximizing precious leisure hours. This convenience makes it ideal for spontaneous weekend getaways or even midweek escapes after work, allowing locals to easily tap into the therapeutic benefits of nature without extensive planning.

What truly sets Cherry Glen apart for local users is its direct integration with Saylorville Lake. This isn't just a distant body of water; it's an expansive playground for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and fishing – activities that many Iowans cherish. The easy access to a boat dock is a significant advantage, meaning locals don't have to haul their watercraft far, making their recreational pursuits seamless and enjoyable. The extensive network of walking and biking trails also caters to active Iowans who appreciate opportunities for exercise and exploring the scenic beauty of their home state.

Furthermore, the campground's reputation for cleanliness and the helpful presence of on-site campground hosts contribute to a comfortable and stress-free experience. Knowing that facilities are well-maintained and assistance is readily available adds peace of mind, allowing Iowans to truly relax and enjoy their time outdoors. While the "electric-only" sites require some preparation, the readily available water hydrants and dump stations demonstrate a thoughtful approach to camper needs.

In essence, Cherry Glen Campground offers a quintessential Iowa outdoor experience—combining the natural beauty of Saylorville Lake with convenient amenities and a family-friendly atmosphere. It provides a local escape that feels like a true vacation, making it an excellent choice for Iowans looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy water sports, and create lasting memories without venturing far from home.