Lake Red Rock offers diverse glamping accommodations around Iowa's largest reservoir spanning 15,000 acres. The lake features over 100 miles of shoreline with multiple campgrounds providing upgraded camping experiences within minutes of water recreation. Summer temperatures range from 75-90°F, making May through September the peak camping season with occasional thunderstorms possible.
What to do
Fishing access: Eveland Access provides excellent river fishing opportunities. "Great camp grounds! New showers and toilets. Easy access. Not far from oskaloosa," notes Tim in his review of Eveland Access.
Lake activities: Rock Creek State Park rents various watercraft for lake exploration. "The marina contains all the toys you need for on the water fun," explains Cindy W. about Rock Creek State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer maintained trails around Lake Red Rock. At Yellow Banks County Park, "There is a hiking trail that will take you to indian burial mounds. There is also fishing and boating. They have a fun playground also," according to Derrick W.
Observatory visits: For stargazing enthusiasts, Ashton Wildwood Park offers a unique astronomy experience. "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable," shares Willy W.
What campers like
Peaceful settings: Many campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere at certain Lake Red Rock glamping sites. "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," mentions Lisa H. about Wallashuck Campground.
Spacious sites: Campers frequently note the generous site spacing at several campgrounds. At Thomas Mitchell County Park, Shannon G. describes, "The outer loop has a creek that flows behind the sites with large stairs to get down to it. Kids were having a blast in the water."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently highlighted in reviews. "Spectacularly clean and recently refurbished bathrooms & shower facilities," notes Stuart K. about Kellogg RV Park.
Nature access: Direct contact with wildlife and natural settings enhances the glamping experience. "There is also a historic village onsite that's open for tours on weekends during the summer. Plus, it's on the outskirts of town so restaurants and grocery stores are nearby," Adam says about his experience at Marion County Park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many popular sites require advance planning. At Yellow Banks County Park, Rodney S. advises, "The campground is well spaced out and it is almost always possible to get a walk up spot on the weekend even if you wait until Friday afternoon/evening."
Water conditions: Lake quality varies throughout the season. "Unfortunately, the amazing swimming beach with concession stand and changing rooms with showers is gone. Due to the large population of geese, ducks, and cranes, the water is not safe to swim in," Elisha L. notes about Rock Creek State Park.
Site variations: Some glamping areas offer better privacy than others. "Sites are well spaced, some have good views of the lake. Men's bathroom is clean, showers have good hot water but could use a deep cleaning," Tom observes at Wallashuck Campground.
Weather preparedness: Iowa camping conditions can change rapidly. At Jester County Park, campers mention the importance of shade during summer months, while spring visitors should prepare for potential flooding at several lakeside locations.
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Several campgrounds feature small water features perfect for children. "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available. The outer loop has a creek that flows behind the sites with large stairs to get down to it. Kids were having a blast in the water," notes Shannon G.
Playground access: Many glamping areas include play equipment. At Jester County Park, Larissa C. shares, "Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit. In addition to the water access ways, there is a sweet pond to fish in, several hiking trails, a brand new Nature Center, amphitheater, bison and bird viewing."
Site selection: Some areas are better suited for families than others. "The campsites are well spaced, could easily accommodate multiple tents," notes Topaz G. about Ashton Wildwood Park, making it ideal for family groups requiring multiple sleeping areas.
Educational opportunities: Several sites offer learning experiences alongside camping. "They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom," Willy W. says about the observatory at Ashton Wildwood Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Some sites require additional equipment. "The sites are somewhat unlevel so you'll likely need to block up tires (we've had to block one side of tires on two different past sites)," Adam mentions about Marion County Park.
Campsite accessibility: RV travelers note varying degrees of access across glamping options. "Very convenient to I-80, well-laid out. Most convenient, though, was setting up at the site and then walking to the co-located gas station and burgers for dinner," Greg I. says about Kellogg RV Park.
Hookup variations: Water and electrical services differ between locations. "Dry camped right on the water's edge for $6 a night, 2 weeks for $88! Electric sites are only 12. Their sites are 20/30/50 amp," explains Elisha L. about Rock Creek State Park.
Dump station quality: RV owners highlight infrastructure differences. "Only a downside was this site was near the main entry and exit road on the lower loop, which meant traffic in and out could prove to be a downside," notes Brent R. about Lake Ahquabi State Park.
