Red Rock Dam

Red Rock Dam provides convenient water access to Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake, and the Des Moines River near Pella in Marion County. The boat ramp at North Overlook Campground (located 3 miles southwest of Pella on Highway T-15) offers easy launching for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats. This is an ideal put-in point for paddlers exploring the scenic Red Rock Water Trail, which extends from the southeast corner of Polk County down the Des Moines River to Red Rock Lake and the dam area.

The site is situated along a popular paddling corridor with multiple access points and nearby amenities. North Overlook Campground offers reservable campsites with facilities, making it suitable for multi-day paddling trips. Several other boat ramps and campgrounds are within 10 miles, including Elk Rock Campground and Roberts Creek East. The area is known for excellent boating conditions, scenic views, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

For current information about campground reservations, facilities, and boating conditions, contact North Overlook Campground at 641-828-7522. The local Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 4) offers free vessel safety checks and boating education for the area.

Overview
North Overlook Campground is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here: Lake Red...

Overview
North Overlook Campground is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here: Lake Red Rock Website Recreation
Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline.

Anglers will find crappie, largemouth and striped bass, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill.

Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation AreaFacilities
North Overlook offers 46 shady campsites with 50-amp electric hookups, along with 6 primitive tent sites without electricity. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. Younger campers love the park's playground, and the North Overlook Beach is located within 1/4 mile from the campground.
Natural Features
Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at North Overlook, offering shade and scenic views.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrates through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. White-tailed deer, turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (641) 628-1701 or call (641) 828-7522 for general information.Charges & Cancellations
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

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