Overview North Overlook Campground 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…
Overview North Overlook Campground 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, largemouth and striped bass, walleye, 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 North Overlook offers 46 shady campsites with 50-amp electric hookups, along with 6 primitive tent sites without electricity. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. Younger campers love the park's playground, and the North Overlook Beach is located within 1/4 mile from the campground. Natural Features Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at North Overlook, 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. Contact Info For local information, please call (641) 628-1701 or call (641) 828-7522 for general information. Nearby Attractions Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo. Charges & Cancellations A $10.00 service fee will apply if you ch
Photos
North Overlook Booth — US Army Corps of EngineersNorth Overlook Campground — US Army Corps of EngineersNorth Overlook - Volksweg Trail — US Army Corps of EngineersCampers at North Overlook — US Army Corps of EngineersNorth Overlook Tent Sites — US Army Corps of Engineers
How to Get There
1007 Hwy T-15Pella, Iowa 50219From Pella, Iowa, take County Highway T-15 southwest for 3 miles, then follow signs to the campground.
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 NORTH OVERLOOK CAMP
Heading to NORTH OVERLOOK CAMP? 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 NORTH OVERLOOK CAMP?
No central reservation system listed for NORTH OVERLOOK CAMP. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233565) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to NORTH OVERLOOK CAMP?
1007 Hwy T-15Pella, Iowa 50219From Pella, Iowa, take County Highway T-15 southwest for 3 miles, then follow signs to the campground.
How do I contact NORTH OVERLOOK CAMP?
You can reach the park at phone: 641-828-7522 or email: [email protected].
