Campground

South Overlook (Ia)

Lake Red Rock · Knoxville · Iowa — managed by US Army Corps of Engineers

South Overlook (Ia) campground
Photo: Recreation.gov · US Army Corps of Engineers

Campsites & amenities

Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.

Campsites
2
Electric sites
2
Group Shelter Electric

About this campground

Overview South Overlook is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 miles from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 miles 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  Features Octagon Shelter 7 - Picnic tables 2 - Standard electrical outlets 1 - 36” x 28” outdoor grill 88 - Paved parking stalls (shared with rectangle shelter) 1 - 6 foot diameter fire ring Water fountain Close to restroom Rectangle Shelter 5 - Picnic tables 2 - Standard electrical outlets 1 - 36” x 31” outdoor grill 88 - Paved parking stalls (shared with octagon shelter) Water fountain Lake view Close to restroom 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 Area. Facilities South Overlook offers two reservable picnic shelters with 20 amp electrical outlets. Flush toilets are located nearby. A large parking lot will provide ample space for larger crowds. If your event is open to the public, greater than 100 people, involves live or amplified music, or if alcohol will be available to attendees, you may need a special event permit. Click the link below to apply for an event permit: Special Event Permit  If shelters are not reserved, they are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelter occupancy is permitted until dusk. Natural Features Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at South Overlook, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrate 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.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.

Getting there

1105 North HWY T15 Knoxville, Iowa 50138 From Pella, Iowa, follow county road T-15 southwest for 4 miles, then follow signs to South Overlook.

Elevation
832 ft
Contact
641-828-7522

Activities

  • WILDLIFE VIEWING
  • BOATING
  • BIKING
  • HUNTING

Nearby federal campgrounds

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.