Looking for the best campgrounds near Lake Red Rock, IA? Lake Red Rock is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Lake Red Rock, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"Our site had a great view of the lake, as well. The campgrounds are a drive away from the beach and most boat ramps. "
"Can walk down to the dock. We love to camp there every Fourth of July. It is a great place for all ages to enjoy."
$22 - $24 / night
"Howell Station is one out of five COE CG's that are around Lake Red Rock. CG is well kept, has a bike/walking path that borders the River and winds through the woods."
"We will be staying here every year, this is the best site we've stayed at in central Iowa. Great fishing, bike trail right next to the campsite. Great views too. Dam is right there and you can fish."
$20 - $24 / night
"Wallashuck in Pella, iowa is one of my favorite places to camp. It’s mostly quiet and peaceful. Plus town is close and has plenty to entertain or fill up supplies"
"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."
$25 - $120 / night
"The perfect drive up private campsite you will find in Iowa. Very quiet with a beautiful view of three ponds and a sunset you will not want to miss."
"Plus just 6 miles from our fav brewery in Iowa."
"Caveat: you cannot see the lake from the camping spots Camped site 26
Wooded county campground. Many of the spots at the West campground are paved. They all have electric."
"Easy in and around campground. A lot of space between sites. Sites are fairly level with hard pack gravel."
$20 - $288 / night
"Sits on the bank of Red Rock Lake which has great fishing."
"it has shaded camping areas, nice bathrooms, hiking trails, fishing, and a nice beach. I camp here every year!"
$16 - $72 / night
"There are lots of trails around the area. It’s also a great place if you like to go horse back riding with lots of trails that go near the water.
There are camp hosts to help answer questions."
"We really wnjoyed riding the trails here. Good facilities for our horses."
$14 - $24 / night
"Camping doesn't get much better than this in Iowa. The North Overlook site is part of a much larger group of COE campgrounds on Lake Red Rock."
"We camped out at site 82 which is a non-electric site and close to a Red Rock Lake shoreline. Spots are pretty close but they perfectly have grass tall enough to give you some privacy between spots."
"Plus, it’s on the outskirts of town so restaurants and grocery stores are nearby."
"Marion County is often overlooked by people in favor of the various Red Rock campgrounds that are nearby, but in my opinion, unless you have a boat, there is nothing that puts Red Rock above Marion County"
ScoutThis is a really nice campground. It’s run by friendly, helpful people. It’s well maintained, the bathrooms are clean, you’re not packed together like sardines, there’s a nice bike/walking trail around the park and (at least when we’ve visited) bald eagles, blue herons and pelicans line the river. It’s just a little over an hour from us so it’s easy to get to.
We’re trying parks all over Iowa and Howell has been one of our favorites.
LegendFollowing up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond
LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited
Happy Camping!
LegendFollowing up on my review from over a year and a half ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this county park campground gem in a very rural part of Iowa.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) EZ access and just a 20 minute / 9 mile drive due south from I-80 via Exit 201; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (4) The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond; (5) The hiking trails and bountiful fishing spots make this a simply wonderful campground; (6) Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you; (7) While basic, the bathhouses were in pretty good condition and very clean; (8) Kid’s playground is fantastic and nearly brand new; (9) Reasonably priced bundles of pre-cut firewood; and (10) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $
LOWLIGHTS: (1) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic in here, although you are so far out in the boondocks, it’s not really much of a concern; (2) The newly minted RV area slopes down to the lake, but as you park perpendicular, it shouldn’t be an issue; (3) Also, because the RV area is new, there’s no trees or brush, which creates a lack of privacy between sites; (4) Nearly all of the RV slots – save the few that are right next to the lake - have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings, at least in the tent camping areas, are worn-out and in pretty poor condition and should be replaced or refurbished; (7) The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don’t recommend swimming here
Happy Camping!
TravelerNice quiet spot. New concrete at the campsites. Pretty trails.
GuideThis is a casino campground. There are full hookups but no facilities. No trees, sites very close together. It’s essentially a parking lot with hookups.
It’s adjacent to a truck stop and right off the interstate.
If you are traveling I35 and it’s convenient for an overnight rest, it’s well worth the cost. Otherwise, unless the casino is your destination, find a more traditional campground
GuideClean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.
GuideWe stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.
ScoutWife and I met friends here in August 2025. This was the middle between us & them as we live in CO and they live in NY. The campground was very well maintained. Shower rooms & restrooms were very clean and all were functional. We really enjoyed the long weekend here. Be advised tho, we were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August. Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didnt expect the humidity to affect us as it did. Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees. Wife and I will likely return and see more of the Amana communities in the fall.
TravelerIowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know
Camping near Lake Red Rock, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique vibe.
Camping near Lake Red Rock, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds located at Lake Red Rock in Iowa?
Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake, features several campgrounds strategically positioned around its shores. North Overlook Camp is located on the lake's northern shore, offering direct beach access with shower facilities. On the western side, Howell Station sits along the river with scenic hiking and biking paths. Other campgrounds include Whitebreast on the southern shore with lake views, Wallashuck near Pella, and Roberts Creek West near Knoxville. Additionally, Elk Rock State Park on the south side contains both equestrian and non-equestrian camping areas. These Corps of Engineers (COE) managed campgrounds are positioned to provide varied recreational opportunities while maintaining the natural beauty of this expansive reservoir.
Are there cabins available for rent at Red Rock Lake in Iowa?
While traditional Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Lake Red Rock primarily offer tent and RV camping, cabin options do exist in the vicinity. Honey Creek Resort near Moravia provides comfortable cabin accommodations along with hotel-style lodging for those seeking more amenities. For a unique experience near the lake, private facilities like Kellogg RV Park offer alternative lodging options. The lake area continues to develop its accommodation offerings, with Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake reportedly adding a glamp site to complement their existing campsites. For those requiring cabin rentals, it's advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak summer season when availability becomes limited.
What camping amenities are available at Lake Red Rock?
Lake Red Rock campgrounds offer extensive amenities to enhance your camping experience. Whitebreast Campground features spacious sites with lake views, drinking water, and clean restroom facilities. For a more private experience, Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake provides tranquil camping with beautiful pond views and spectacular sunsets. Most Lake Red Rock campgrounds include standard amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. Many sites offer electrical hookups for RVs, while others maintain more primitive settings for tent campers. Shower facilities, boat ramps, swimming beaches, and hiking trails are accessible throughout the lake area. Some campgrounds feature playground equipment, dump stations, and camp stores for added convenience.
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