About MINER'S RETREAT ENCLOSED SHELTER (IA)
Overview Miner's Retreat Enclosed Shelter 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 AreaFacilities Miner's Retreat is an enclosed shelter that offers 20 amp electrical service, air conditioning, electric baseboard heaters, refrigerator, electric stove, microwave, and flush toilets. If your event is open to the public, greater than 100 people, involves live or amplified music, or if alcohol will be available to attendees, you may need an event permit. Click the link below to apply for an event permit.Special Event Permit Shelter occupancy is permitted until dusk. Natural Features Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lakeshore at Miner's Retreat Enclosed Shelter, 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.
How to Get There
971 Hwy S71 Knoxville, Iowa 50138 From 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to MINER'S RETREAT ENCLOSED SHELTER (IA)
Heading to MINER'S RETREAT ENCLOSED SHELTER (IA)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for MINER'S RETREAT ENCLOSED SHELTER (IA)?
No central reservation system listed for MINER'S RETREAT ENCLOSED SHELTER (IA). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251549) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to MINER'S RETREAT ENCLOSED SHELTER (IA)?
971 Hwy S71 Knoxville, Iowa 50138 From 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.
How do I contact MINER'S RETREAT ENCLOSED SHELTER (IA)?
You can reach the park at phone: 6418287522.
References & Official Resources
