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Access Site IA

Whitebreast Access

Des Moines River - Lake Red Rock Des Moines River White Breast Creek

Source: iowa_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

City: Pella, IA
County: Marion County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 41.38596190, -93.02419878
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Whitebreast Access provides a convenient boat ramp for launching onto Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake located on the Des Moines River. The facility is situated near Pella, about 10 minutes away, making it easily accessible for day trips or longer paddling adventures. The ramp is well-maintained and suitable for kayaks, canoes, and larger motorboats. This is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility managed as part of the Lake Red Rock Project.

The campground offers full amenities including flush toilets, showers, drinking water, and a dump station, along with 132 campsites with electric hookups for those planning overnight trips. A nearby beach provides swimming access, and the paved 15-mile Volksweg Trail connects west from Pella to the Des Moines River area. For paddlers seeking a larger water body with established facilities and nearby recreation, Whitebreast is a solid base. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov by calling 641-828-7522.
Federal Facility Information
641-828-7522 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Whitebreast Camp 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...

Overview
Whitebreast Camp 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, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, 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
This large campground offers 132 campsites and two group sites, all with either 30 or 50-amp electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station and boat ramp. Younger campers love the park's playgrounds, and the Whitebreast Beach is nearby. Two day use picnic shelters are also located within the Whitebreast Camp area. The Whitebreast Point shelter is a conventional open shelter and the Miner's Retreat shelter is a small enclosed shelter.
Natural Features
Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at Whitebreast, 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) 842-2969 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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