Cherry Glen Recreation Area Near Saylorville Lake: A Perfect Family Camping Getaway
Just a short drive north of Des Moines, Cherry Glen Recreation Area is a hidden gem nestled along the eastern shore of Saylorville Lake. We love to find new camping spots with Poppy and this was the perfect way to kick-off the season! Whether you’re an experienced camper or just looking for a quick weekend escape into nature, this family-friendly spot offers the perfect blend of scenic views, outdoor fun, and easy access to nearby attractions.
About the Cherry Glen Campground
Located within the Saylorville Lake Project managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cherry Glen is one of the most popular and well-maintained campgrounds in central Iowa. Here’s why families love it:
- 125 Spacious Campsites: Each site includes electrical hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby access to water. Many sites are shaded and well-spaced, making it a comfortable stay for tents and RVs.
- Modern Restrooms & Showers: Clean and family-friendly facilities make it easy to extend your stay.
- Easy Online Reservations: Sites can be reserved in advance via Recreation.gov, especially recommended for busy summer weekends.
- Access to Saylorville Lake: With the lake just steps away, campers can enjoy early morning views, afternoon swims, or evening walks along the water.
What You Can Do at Cherry Glen
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities right within or near the campground. Here are some favorites:
- Biking & Hiking: The Neal Smith Trail runs through Cherry Glen and connects to miles of scenic paved paths perfect for a family bike ride or stroller-friendly walk.
- Lake Time: Saylorville Lake is ideal for boating, fishing, swimming, or just skipping rocks on the shoreline.
- Wildlife Watching: The surrounding woods and wetlands are home to deer, bald eagles, and all sorts of birds. Bring binoculars!
- Sunsets Over the Water: Evening views at Cherry Glen are absolutely stunning. Make s’mores by the fire and watch the sky change colors over the lake.
Nearby Family-Friendly Attractions
One of the perks of camping at Cherry Glen is being close to so many fun things to do in the area:
- Jester Park (10-minute drive): Explore bison and elk herds, natural playscapes, the Jester Park Nature Center, and equestrian trails.
- Big Creek State Park: Just across the lake, this spot offers a large beach, boat rentals, disc golf, and a huge accessible playground.
- Saylorville Dam and Visitor Center: A great educational stop with hands-on displays and lake overlook views.
- Polk City, Iowa: If you are looking to explore a small town in the heart of Iowa, head to Polk City. We spent an afternoon grabbing lunch from Papa’s Pizzeria and a local brew from Fender Brewing. They have the cutest park area on the square, and you can’t leave without a sweet treat from the creamery.
Why Families Love It
Cherry Glen offers the best of both worlds, a peaceful nature escape and easy access to fun family activities. It’s a great place to introduce little ones to camping or to unwind without needing to travel far. With wide-open space to roam, lake breezes to cool off, and plenty of nearby adventures, it’s easy to see why this is a go-to campground for many central Iowa families.
