Lake Red Rock dominates the landscape near Knoxville, Iowa, creating diverse camping opportunities in the region's oak-hickory forests and rolling hills. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 725-760 feet, with camping seasons typically running April through October. Summer temperatures average 85°F during peak camping months, and the lake's 15,000+ acre surface creates cooling breezes throughout nearby campsites.
What to do
Fishing access: At Howell Station, visitors find excellent river and lake fishing opportunities. "Great fishing, bike trail right next to the campsite. Great views too. Dam is right there and you can fish," notes Jesse H. The campground provides convenient water access points for anglers.
Horseback riding trails: Equestrian Campground at Elk Rock State Park offers specialized facilities for those bringing horses. "We really enjoyed riding the trails here. Good facilities for our horses," reports Dorothy H. The park maintains dedicated bridle paths through woodland and lake-view areas.
Biking routes: Paved bike paths connect several recreation areas and provide scenic routes around Lake Red Rock. "There are some great paved paths to walk or bike," explains Tiffany K. about Howell Station. Most paths are relatively flat with occasional gentle slopes, making them suitable for casual cyclists.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Whitebreast Camp receives high marks for its well-designed layout. "Large sites and plenty of space between sites," notes Paul M. The campground's configuration allows for privacy while maintaining lake views from many locations.
Lakefront views: Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake offers spectacular water vistas. "Peaceful, beautiful, incredible... Very quiet with a beautiful view of three ponds and a sunset you will not want to miss," shares Evan G. The campground limits capacity to just six sites to preserve natural surroundings.
Shaded camping areas: Most campgrounds feature mature tree cover for natural cooling during summer months. "Lots of shade, quiet," notes Jeff O. about Whitebreast Campground. These shaded sites provide welcome relief during Iowa's hot summer afternoons and help keep tents and RVs cooler.
What you should know
Beach conditions vary: Lake beaches near Knoxville campgrounds can have inconsistent conditions depending on water levels. "The lake was great for kayaking, but the visit to Whitebreast beach knocked the campground scored down... As you made your way further down and into the water, there was muddy, wet clay and the beach floor was slimy and muddy," reports Molly L.
Reservation requirements: Wallashuck and other popular Lake Red Rock campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Little pricey for not having full hookups. Overall good place," notes Michael M. Reservations are strongly recommended between Memorial Day and Labor Day, especially for weekend stays.
Wildlife encounters: Ticks are common in grassy camping areas during warmer months. "I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van," warns Abby M. from Grant Park. Regular tick checks and appropriate repellents are essential when camping here.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Marion County Park offers excellent facilities for children. "There's a couple of parks onsite for kids- one with a zip line swing- plus a pond for fishing, areas to hike and bike," reports Adam. The historic village onsite provides educational opportunities during summer weekends.
Level site selection: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain that requires preparation. "The sites are somewhat unlevel so you'll likely need to block up tires," notes Adam about Marion County Park. Families with larger tents should bring leveling equipment or request more level sites when making reservations.
Convenience amenities: Some campgrounds offer better access to restrooms and water for family camping. "We were able to camp in a tent near RVs without feeling crowded. The restrooms, showers, and playground were all close by…great for camping with kids," shares Amanda H. about her stay at Wallashuck.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Roberts Creek West Campground provides developed RV sites, but preparation is needed. "Sites are fairly level with hard pack gravel," notes James P. about the East campground. Most RV sites in the area require at least minor leveling adjustments.
Tree clearance challenges: Several campgrounds have mature trees that may pose challenges for larger vehicles. "Be careful of low lying trees for taller campers," warns Camden O. about Roberts Creek. RVers with units exceeding 12 feet in height should verify site access before arrival.
Full hookup availability: Water and sewer connections are limited at some campgrounds. "They have done a great job in recent years updating sites a few at a time, adding pavement and full sewer hookups," explains Rodney S. about Marion County Park, noting its improvements for RV camping convenience.
