Access Site
IA
Cordova
Des Moines River - Lake Red Rock • Des Moines River • White Breast Creek
Source: iowa_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago
City: Otley, IA
County: Marion County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 41.42216247, -93.06699888
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Des Moines River near Pella, IA
3.9 mi away
English Creek near Knoxville, IA
5.3 mi away
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Des Moines River
1 run
There are no whitewater runs within 50 miles of this access site.
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Cordova access site provides a concrete boat ramp for launching onto Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake, near the small community of Otley in Marion County. This location offers convenient access for kayakers, canoeists, and boaters looking to explore the Des Moines River impoundment. The site is part of the broader Lake Red Rock recreation area and is positioned close to several other amenities, including nearby campgrounds like Whitebreast Camp and Roberts Creek East Campground within 10 miles.
Paddlers will find straightforward water access via the hard-surface ramp suitable for launching kayaks and canoes. The location serves as a gateway to one of Iowa's premier boating destinations, with the expansive waters of Lake Red Rock offering excellent opportunities for paddling, fishing, and exploration. The site's proximity to Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge adds value for those interested in wildlife viewing and nature-based recreation. For trip planning, paddlers should note that the nearest towns offering services are Pella (about 10 minutes away) and Knoxville (approximately 15 minutes away).
Paddlers will find straightforward water access via the hard-surface ramp suitable for launching kayaks and canoes. The location serves as a gateway to one of Iowa's premier boating destinations, with the expansive waters of Lake Red Rock offering excellent opportunities for paddling, fishing, and exploration. The site's proximity to Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge adds value for those interested in wildlife viewing and nature-based recreation. For trip planning, paddlers should note that the nearest towns offering services are Pella (about 10 minutes away) and Knoxville (approximately 15 minutes away).
Federal Facility Information
Free Access
This recreation area is part of Lake Red Rock
Nearby Recreation Areas
Lake Red Rock
Located within
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Located within
Nearby Boat Facilities
Elk Rock Campground and Boat Ramp
On-site
Amenities
restrooms