Rock Island District / Missions / Recreation / Saylorville Lake / Recreation / Camping

Saylorville Lake

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Camping at Saylorville Lake

With four diverse campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect setting for your next adventure. Enjoy the peaceful shade of upland hardwoods at Acorn Valley and Cherry Glen, the expansive views of the prairie at Prairie Flower, or the tranquil riverside setting of Bob Shetler.

We welcome both RVs and tents at all campgrounds. Acorn Valley provides a more rustic experience with tent-only sites, and a dedicated area for youth groups like Scouts. For larger groups, Prairie Flower campground’s wagon-wheel style group loops make it easy to camp together and stay connected.

Plan ahead! Reservations for campsites and shelters are required and can be made up to 180 days in advance. Click the images below to explore each campground and secure your spot today!

Reservation Information

  1. Advance reservations are required and help ensure you have a site for your upcoming camping experience.
  2. Reservations can be made:
    • By calling Recreation.gov toll free at 1-877-444-6777
    • By going online to: www.recreation.gov
  3. Same day reservation window. Allows you to make a reservation to camp the same day. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m.
  4. Registered campers do not need to check in. If you have a reservation, proceed to your site.

Saylorville Lake Camping Guidelines

  1. Camping: Camping is allowed only at designated campsites. Reservations must be made in advance before setting up any camping equipment.
  2. Campsite Registration: Campsites may only be registered to individuals who are 18 years of age or older, and they must occupy the site for the full duration of the reservation. Each registered campsite accommodates 1 family unit (up to 8 people) and allows either 3 tents OR 1 wheeled RV and 2 tents.
  3. Check-out time is 12:00 p.m. (noon)
  4. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. 
  5. Campsite Vacating and Registration: Campsites must be vacated, or registration renewed by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the due date. Camping is limited to 14 days within any 30-day period.
  6. Parking: Parking vehicles or placing other items on a campsite to reserve it is prohibited. All vehicles, including boats and utility trailers, must be parked at your registered campsite or in designated parking areas. Parking is not allowed on the grass, along roadsides, or on vacant campsites. Please ensure that your visitors are informed of and follow the parking rules.
  7. Vehicle Operation: All vehicle operation (including mopeds and bicycles) must comply with Federal, State, and local laws. Vehicles should remain on designated roadways and may only be used to enter or exit the area, individual sites, or facilities. UTVs, ATVs, and golf carts are not permitted within Saylorville Lake campgrounds or parks.
  8. Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. Campgrounds are restricted to registered campers during these hours. Please ensure visitors depart by 10:00 p.m. Campground gates are open 24 hours a day.
  9. Trash Disposal: Dispose of all trash in designated dumpsters. Placing campsite trash in fire rings, grills, or shower building trashcans is prohibited. Before departing, remove all personal property and properly dispose of any litter. Recycling containers are available in all campgrounds. Dumpsters are for trash generated on USACE property only.
  10. Grey Water Disposal: "Grey water" (wastewater from dishes, baths, or containing soap or grease) must be collected and disposed of properly. Improper disposal can attract insects, animals, cause unpleasant odors, and create unhealthy conditions. Do not drain grey water on campsites or use it to water vegetation.
  11. Pets: Pets must be confined or on a 6-foot (or shorter) leash at all times. E-collars are not sufficient for controlling pets. Unattended pets may be removed and impounded. Pets are not allowed in bathrooms or shower buildings. Always pick up and properly dispose of pet waste.
  12. Firewood: Firewood is not available for purchase at any Saylorville Lake campground. Visitors may gather only fallen deadwood for use as firewood. Do not cut, damage, or deface standing trees, live vegetation, or any natural features. Firewood may be brought from home or purchased from local off-site vendors.
  13. Pools and Water Games: Pools of any size or depth are prohibited, including slip-n-slides and sprinklers. Water tables are allowed.
  14. Prohibited Items: The possession of fireworks, explosives, loaded firearms, ammunition, bows, or other projectile devices is prohibited.
  15. Smoking: Smoking inside restrooms and shower buildings is prohibited.
  16. Grills and Picnic Tables: Do not place grills or hot materials on picnic tables, as this can damage the tables. Use the grill guards attached to the tables. The registered site holder will be responsible for any damages and replacement.
  17. Yard Games: Yard games such as water balloons or egg toss are prohibited due to litter concerns. Balloon pieces are non-biodegradable and pose a hazard to pets and wildlife.
  18. Pet Leashes and Hammocks: Do not attach pet leashes, ropes, or chains to trees or shrubs. Hammocks are allowed only on trees with a diameter of 6 inches or more. Smaller trees cannot support hammocks and may be damaged.
  19. Alcoholic Beverages: The possession of alcoholic beverages is permitted for persons 21 and over at all campgrounds.
  20. Hangtags: Registered campers may receive hangtags for access to beach and boat ramp day-use areas. Hangtags must be displayed properly.
  21. Golden Age/Access Passports: Golden Age/Access Passports and America the Beautiful Senior/Access Passes offer a 50% discount on recreation use fees. The cardholder must present the passport along with valid ID when registering and be present during the entire stay. Fraudulent use of these cards is prohibited.
  22. Washing Equipment: Washing of RVs, trailers, vehicles, or any other equipment is not permitted at campgrounds or day use areas. Please utilize local vehicle wash facilities in the surrounding communities.
  23. Deliveries: Personal package deliveries (e.g., Amazon, FedEx, UPS) should be sent to your home, business, or a local postal facility. Saylorville Lake campgrounds, the Administration Building, and the Visitor Center are not responsible for receiving or holding deliveries.
  24. Equipment and Vehicle Storage: Visitors are not permitted to reserve extra campsites solely for the purpose of storing boats, vehicles, or other equipment. During their stay, campers may use designated overflow or additional parking areas within the campground to store such items.
  25. Water Spigots: Water spigots located throughout the campground are for temporary use only to fill freshwater tanks as needed. The continuous use of hoses, Y-splitters, or any other attachments on water spigots is not permitted. Continuous water hookups are only allowed at campsites that include water service.