Within Lake Red Rock, North Overlook Camp operates as an Army Corps of Engineers facility from late April through September. The campground accommodates RVs up to 90 feet with electric hookups, though water and sewer connections at individual sites are not available. A dump station serves the facility.
Campers access Lake Red Rock's shoreline directly from the campground, with a beach area that includes shower facilities. The Volksweg trail runs through the property, connecting hikers and cyclists to the broader trail network. Sites vary significantly in shade coverage—RV spots sit within forested areas while tent sites occupy more open ground closer to the adjacent highway. For those exploring central Iowa's largest lake, pet-friendly campgrounds around Lake Red Rock provide additional options for extended stays.
Description
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 Area
Facilities
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.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (641) 628-1701 or call (641) 828-7522 for general information.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundNorth Overlook Camp is located in Iowa
Directions
1007 Hwy T-15Pella, Iowa 50219From Pella, Iowa, take County Highway T-15 southwest for 3 miles, then follow signs to the campground.
Address
1007 Highway T15
Pella, IA 50219
Coordinates
41.3802778 N
92.9697222 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/29/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/29/26
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/29/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/29/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 43 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 5 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 34 min from Iowa City, IA
- 1 hr 44 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
