Sites arranged along one side of the road give Whitebreast Camp an unusually open layout, with campers consistently noting the generous spacing between sites. That single-sided arrangement means no one is directly behind you, which makes a real difference in a campground that fills up on summer weekends. Set on the bank of Lake Red Rock near Knoxville, this US Army Corps of Engineers facility runs from late April through late September, with electric and water hookups available for rigs up to 65 feet.
The tree cover is substantial. Several reviewers mention shaded spots and a well-maintained feel throughout, and Derrick W. describes it as "well maintained, lots of trees." Some sites have direct sightlines over the lake. A dock is accessible on foot from camp, which makes it a workable base for anglers fishing Lake Red Rock or paddlers launching kayaks. The lake itself gets consistent praise for kayaking, though the Whitebreast beach draws more mixed reactions: the sand at the top gives way to muddy clay further down, and at least one visitor reported losing shoes in the muck near the waterline.
Amenities are full-service. Drinking water, flush toilets, a dump station, and firewood for sale cover the basics, and pets are welcome throughout. For families with dogs, the wide site spacing provides room to move. Pet-friendly campgrounds around Lake Red Rock are worth comparing if this one books up, as the area has several Corps-managed options nearby, including Hickory Ridge to the west and Whitebreast Campground to the north.
Access carries a rough-road warning, so tow vehicles and low-clearance rigs should account for that before arrival. Reservations are available and make sense for Fourth of July weekend, which draws repeat visitors year after year. Whitebreast Camp works best for RV campers and tent campers who want hookups, lake access, and room between sites without sacrificing basic comforts.
Description
Overview
Whitebreast Camp 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, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, 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
This large campground offers 132 campsites and two group sites, all with either 30 or 50-amp electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station and boat ramp. Younger campers love the park's playgrounds, and the Whitebreast Beach is nearby. Two day use picnic shelters are also located within the Whitebreast Camp area. The Whitebreast Point shelter is a conventional open shelter and the Miner's Retreat shelter is a small enclosed shelter.
Natural Features
Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at Whitebreast, 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.
Nearby Attractions
Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (641) 842-2969 or call (641) 828-7522 for general information.
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
Map & DirectionsWhitebreast Camp is located in Iowa near Knoxville
Directions
971 Highway S71Knoxville, Iowa 50138From Knoxville, take County Highway T-15 northeast for 8 miles. Turn north onto County Highway S-71 and continue 2 miles, following signs to the campground.
Address
971 Highway S71
Knoxville, IA 50138
Coordinates
41.3641667 N
93.025 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 48 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 10 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 39 min from Iowa City, IA
- 1 hr 49 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
