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Camping near Lake Red Rock

412 Reviews

Lake Red Rock in Iowa offers multiple established campgrounds with a mix of amenities for various camping styles. Whitebreast Campground, North Overlook Camp, and Wallashuck provide electric hookups with water access, making them suitable for both tent and RV camping. Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake offers more secluded sites with primitive facilities across its 6 campsites. Marion County Park and Howell Station round out the options with additional amenities including shower facilities at select locations. Most campgrounds in the region sit along the shoreline of Lake Red Rock, providing water recreation opportunities.

The camping season at Lake Red Rock generally runs from April through October, with most campgrounds closing by late September or early October. Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends when lakeside sites fill quickly. Most established campgrounds provide drinking water, toilets, and trash service, while shower availability varies by location. Electric hookups are common, with many sites offering 50-amp service for larger RVs. Campgrounds like Whitebreast and Wallashuck include fire rings and picnic tables at individual sites. A review noted, "The campground itself is very nice. There is a lot of space between campsites, which is awesome! Our site had a great view of the lake."

The waterfront setting distinguishes Lake Red Rock camping, with several campgrounds offering direct lake access for fishing, boating, and water recreation. Sites at Whitebreast Campground receive consistently positive reviews for their spaciousness and proximity to the water. Campers particularly appreciate the shade coverage in many areas, with one reviewer mentioning "Lots of shade, quiet" as key benefits. Elk Rock State Park offers additional recreational opportunities with extensive trail systems, including equestrian-friendly areas. Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake provides a more private experience with its limited number of sites spread across the property, described by a visitor as "Peaceful, beautiful, incredible" with "spacious, tranquil, and private" sites. Proximity to nearby towns like Pella and Knoxville offers convenience for supplies and additional activities.

Map showing campgrounds near Lake Red Rock, IowaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Red Rock (108)

    1. Whitebreast Campground

    8 Reviews
    Lake Red Rock, IA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-7522

    "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."

    2. Howell Station

    7 Reviews
    Pella, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-7522

    $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."

    3. Wallashuck

    5 Reviews
    Pella, IA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-7522

    $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."

    4. Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake

    4 Reviews
    Lake Red Rock, IA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (530) 309-9885

    $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."

    5. Roberts Creek West Campground

    4 Reviews
    Otley, IA
    3 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Whitebreast Camp

    3 Reviews
    Knoxville, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-7522

    $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!"

    7. Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park

    4 Reviews
    Lake Red Rock, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 842-6008

    $14 - $66 / 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."

    8. North Overlook Camp

    3 Reviews
    Pella, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-7522

    $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."

    9. Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp — Lake Red Rock

    3 Reviews
    Otley, IA
    4 miles

    "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."

    10. Marion County Park

    2 Reviews
    Knoxville, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-2213

    "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"

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake Red Rock

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Recent Reviews near Lake Red Rock

412 Reviews of 108 Lake Red Rock Campgrounds

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Adventureland Campground

    Nice site

    After some confusion with booking (office hours are until 7pm, confirmation email said 9pm) we were able to get ahold of the operations manager at the park who helped us. Pull through paved 50 amp sites, with water and sewage. Picnic table for use. Within view of Adventureland so it was cool to see the rides lit up at night as we parked. Clean park. Will definitely stop by again when we aren’t just passing through!

  • Kent W.
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Howell Station

    One of our favorites

    This 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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following 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!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Campground Diamond In The Rough

    Following 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!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    lakeside casino resort and rv park

    Good for an overnight stop

    This 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

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Diamond lake

    Clean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Nice campground. Clean. Well kept.

    We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.

  • Clifton B.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Very nice campground off the beaten path

    Wife 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.

Guide to Lake Red Rock

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.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Enjoy the water at Diamond Lake County Park. One visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed being able to get out on the lake with our kayaks and canoes," highlighting the fun you can have on the water.
  • Fishing: Head to Whitebreast Campground for some fishing. A reviewer noted, "decent sized lake for fishing," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground. One camper shared, "Nice trails to walk around as well," perfect for those who love to hike.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Yellow Banks County Park. A visitor said, "Showers were warm and sites were either paved or good gravel," which adds to the overall comfort.
  • Spacious Sites: At Thomas Mitchell County Park, many enjoy the spaciousness. One camper remarked, "Very nice camping place very laid back and good people around," emphasizing the friendly atmosphere.
  • Beautiful Scenery: The views at Rock Creek State Park Campground are a hit. A reviewer noted, "Beautiful scenery with lake front camping," making it a picturesque spot for relaxation.

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, like Kellogg RV Park, have sites that fill up quickly. A visitor mentioned, "Even though there were several empty spaces turns out they were reserved," so it's wise to book ahead.
  • Noise Levels: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds, such as Newton KOA, are close to busy roads. One camper noted, "You’ll be hard pressed not to see or hear it during your entire stay."
  • Limited Shade: Campers at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground have mentioned the lack of shade. A review stated, "Limited shade options," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds for Kids: Check out Yellow Banks County Park for family-friendly amenities. A reviewer mentioned, "New playground for the kids," making it a great spot for families.
  • Safety Precautions: At Thomas Mitchell County Park, some campers have noted the importance of keeping an eye on belongings. One said, "Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night," so be cautious.
  • Group Camping: Consider Griffs Valley View RV Park for group camping. A visitor shared, "You can stay for a week a month or a day," making it flexible for family gatherings.

Tips from RVers:

  • Full Hookups Available: Many campgrounds, like Kellogg RV Park, offer full hookups. A reviewer noted, "The sites are mostly pull through with full service electric, water, and sewer," which is convenient for RV travelers.
  • Quiet Spots: For a peaceful stay, opt for sites at Griffs Valley View RV Park. One camper mentioned, "Quiet at night," which is perfect for restful evenings.
  • Easy Access: Newton KOA is conveniently located near the highway. A visitor said, "Easy in and out," making it a great stop for RVers on the go.

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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