Access Site
IA
Red Rock Marina Ramp
Des Moines River - Lake Red Rock • Des Moines River
Source: iowa_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago
City: Pella, IA
County: Marion County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 41.39721340, -92.99527198
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Des Moines River near Pella, IA
1.6 mi away
English Creek near Knoxville, IA
4.5 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
Red Rock Marina Ramp provides convenient boat launch access to Lake Red Rock and the Des Moines River near Pella, Iowa. This is an excellent put-in point for kayakers and canoeists looking to explore Iowa's largest lake or paddle the Des Moines River. The ramp offers easy water access and is located at Elk Rock Campground and Boat Ramp, a federal recreation area that's part of the Lake Red Rock complex. The nearby marina also offers additional services including boat rentals, slip rentals, and dry storage if needed.
The area is well-positioned for outdoor recreation, sitting just 10 minutes from Pella and 15 minutes from Knoxville. Several campgrounds are within 10 miles of the launch, including North Overlook Camp and Whitebreast Camp (both reservable), making it easy to plan a multi-day paddling trip. In addition to paddling, the site is popular with anglers and provides good access to fish Des Moines River and Lake Red Rock waters.
The area is well-positioned for outdoor recreation, sitting just 10 minutes from Pella and 15 minutes from Knoxville. Several campgrounds are within 10 miles of the launch, including North Overlook Camp and Whitebreast Camp (both reservable), making it easy to plan a multi-day paddling trip. In addition to paddling, the site is popular with anglers and provides good access to fish Des Moines River and Lake Red Rock waters.
Federal Facility Information
Free Access
This recreation area is part of Lake Red Rock
Nearby Recreation Areas
Lake Red Rock
Located within
Nearby Boat Facilities
Elk Rock Campground and Boat Ramp
On-site
Amenities
restrooms