Elk Rock State Park

Star4.27
56 reviews
888 Hwy 14, Knoxville, Iowa, 50138, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

823 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Elk Rock State Park site

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Elk Rock State Park
$15.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on site type and season. Equestrian and non-equestrian sites are available. Firewood sales operate Memorial Day through Labor Day...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 56 reviews

336 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryspacioussites

"Reviews for Elk Rock State Park highlight its equestrian facilities, spacious campsites, and variety of activities. Cleanliness of facilities and site maintenance are areas of mixed feedback."

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Campground Map

888 Hwy 14, Knoxville, Iowa, 50138, United States

Elk Rock State Park

888 Hwy 14, Knoxville, Iowa, 50138, United States

Driving directionsThe address to the campground entrance is 888 HWY 14, Knoxville, IA 50138. From Hwy 92 in Knoxville, Elk Rock is six miles north on Hwy 14. From Interstate 80 at Newton, Elk Rock is about twenty miles south on Hwy 14.
Elk Rock State Park is easily accessible via major paved highways, including Hwy 14. The roads leading into the campground are in good condition, and no seasonal closures or challenging terrain are noted.
Nearby places
Knoxville (6 miles south), Pella (10 miles northeast), Newton (23 miles north), Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (22 miles west).
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, bait & tackle shops, camping supplies, and firewood are available within 10 miles. Fuel and boat rentals are located greater than 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Elk Rock State Park

Each season paints Elk Rock in distinct colors and moods. Summer brings warm days perfect for lakeside adventures, while winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland dusted with occasional snow. Spring awakens the prairie with wildflowers and migrating birds, and autumn creates a tapestry of golden grasses and crimson leaves—both seasons offering that sweet spot of comfortable camping weather.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer popular for fishing and equestrian activities; warm lakeside days.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers quiet, scenic views and good wildlife viewing per overview.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Early season (April) reviews note maintenance/cleanliness issues affecting visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year‑round; winter is quiet and scenic but amenities are limited/seasonal.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, but firewood sales and some amenities operate seasonally.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts provided.

About Elk Rock State Park

Nestled along Iowa's largest lake, Elk Rock State Park beckons adventurers with its unique blend of equestrian and traditional camping experiences. Horse enthusiasts will discover dedicated stalls and riding arenas, while all visitors can explore winding trails, cast lines into pristine waters, and spot magnificent wildlife. Whether you arrive on horseback or hiking boots, the park's modern facilities and diverse recreational offerings promise memorable outdoor escapes.
Elk Rock State Park provides equestrian camping facilities in addition to standard non-equestrian sites. Both types offer electric and non-electric options. The equestrian section includes horse stalls, hitching rails, and a riding arena. Group camping and RV accommodations are also available.
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Information not provided.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Elk Rock State Park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, biking, and boating. The park boasts 13 miles of multi-use trails that traverse diverse habitats, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing. Lake Red Rock supports activities like fishing for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Winter recreation, such as snowmobiling, is also available.
HikingThe park features 13 miles of multi-use trails, including the Red, Orange, and Yellow Trails, marked with color-coded stakes. The trails traverse woodlands and remnants of native prairie, offering various difficulty levels. Some reviews mention trail maps with inconsistencies.
FishingLake Red Rock provides opportunities to catch bluegill, crappie, large-mouth bass, and channel catfish. Some reviews highlight fruitful fishing experiences.
BikingThe multi-use trails are open to mountain biking, with varying terrain and scenic routes.
BoatingTwo boat ramps provide access to Lake Red Rock: a six-lane ramp at the park entrance and another near the park office. Canoeing and jet skiing are also possible.
Wildlife viewingThe lake is a significant stopover for migratory species, including white pelicans and bald eagles, during spring and fall. Campsite visitors also report birdwatching opportunities.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampsite surfaces (e.g., old gravel pads beneath dirt) made tent staking difficult for some campers. Low-hanging branches in equestrian areas may pose issues for RV roofs.
Active AlertsNo current alerts provided.

Weather at Elk Rock State Park

Reviews

4.3
56 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Elk Rock State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Elk Rock State Park highlight its equestrian facilities, spacious campsites, and variety of activities. Cleanliness of facilities and site maintenance are areas of mixed feedback.
Review Summaries
Based on 56 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the 'spacious campsites,' 'beautiful scenery,' and the equestrian trails. Fire pits with swivel grills and picnic tables were appreciated. The park's proximity to Knoxville and...
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Based on 56 reviews

Common Concerns

Cleanliness issues were reported in the early camping season, including dead bugs and moldy shower walls. Some campers found the distance to restrooms inconvenient and noted low-hanging tree branches...
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Based on 56 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a small boat for better fishing access on Lake Red Rock. Be prepared for hard ground when pitching tents. Check trail conditions if planning to hike or ride horses.
Based on 56 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Early in the camping season, facilities may be less maintained, as noted in April reviews. Summertime visits are popular for fishing and equestrian activities, while fall offers quiet and scenic...
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Based on 56 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The showers need attention. My husband swept the worms and bugs out of one of the showers himself.' - Julie Freeze 2. 'Clean campsites and easy to find.' - Marty Hogan 3. 'The staff member at the...
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Based on 56 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 82 offers tall grass for privacy but is far from restrooms. Site 85 is described as sizeable and good for star gazing.
Based on 56 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 56 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews or experiences mentioned about pets.
Based on 56 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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