Cherry Glen Campground
Cherry Glen Campground is part of the Saylorville Lake Project in Ankeny, Iowa. The Saylorville Lake Project is over 26,000 acres along the Des Moines River Valley, and the Cherry Glen Campground lets visitors enjoy all of the recreation and camping opportunities that are offered on this lake.
Saylorville Lake is a reservoir that is managed by park rangers to conserve the diverse habitats found in the area that consist of river, woodland, wetland, and prairie animals and plants.
The campground itself has 125 sites with full electric hookups, so you can tent or bring your RV and still have access to full restroom and shower facilities and drinking water. Rates vary depending on your lodging preference and length of stay, but basic site rates start at $22 a night.
Amenities include access to a boat ramp and dump station, water, electricity, and sewer hookups, a playground, picnic tables on sites, and fire pits. Ankeny is slightly north of the big city of Des Moines, so you are away from the hustle and bustle but still close to main restaurants and shopping if you need something.
During your stay, you and Fido can enjoy the on-site hiking trail, the Neal Smith Trail, a paved 24-mile path that will take you through Cherry Glen. You will likely come across some of the abundant wildlife on this hike, such as white-tailed deer or turkey. Watch closely for snakes, though -- Iowa is home to four types of venomous snake species.
Pets must be on leashes six feet or less and are not allowed in the bathrooms or showers. You must pick up any pet waste and dispose of it properly.
Saylorville Lake is popular with tourists and residents because of the surplus of water activities that take place. Most of the year you can find people boating, skiing, swimming, and even windsurfing. It is also a favorite for those looking to fish.
Parts of the campground are used throughout the year for hunting, so be sure to check with the campground when you make your reservation if this is something you prefer to avoid.
