Elk Rock State Park

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

Quick Facts

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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Quick Facts

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Elk Rock State Park site

Get Directions

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...

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Reserve America

Provider

6418426008

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 0 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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Fees & Passes at Elk Rock State Park

$15 - $35/night

Campsite fees

Stay Limit: Information not provided.

Prices verified August 10, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Elk Rock State Park website.

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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

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.

Historical SignificanceJust beyond the park boundaries, the charming town of Pella preserves its rich Dutch heritage with pride. Each May, thousands of vibrant tulips burst into bloom during the celebrated Tulip Festival, transforming the town into a slice of Holland complete with traditional costumes, wooden shoe dancing, and authentic Dutch pastries.

Weather and SeasonsEach 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.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain follows the natural contours of Lake Red Rock's expansive shoreline. This massive reservoir dominates the landscape, creating varied topography that ranges from waterfront campsites to elevated overlooks offering panoramic views of Iowa's inland sea.

Natural Features and SceneryA living mosaic of ecosystems unfolds across the park, where ancient woodlands meet restored prairie grasslands at the water's edge. This diverse habitat serves as a crucial stopover for spectacular migratory birds—imagine witnessing hundreds of white pelicans gliding across the sunset or catching sight of a majestic bald eagle perched in a lakeside oak.

Geological RegionEncompassing more than 50,000 acres of public land surrounding Lake Red Rock, this vast recreational area represents one of Iowa's most significant conservation achievements. The landscape tells a story of transformation, where former farmland has been restored to native prairie, mature forests shelter hidden coves, and the massive reservoir creates endless opportunities for water-based adventures.

Campsite details

AccessibilityHandicap access is noted as being available in the facility description. However, specific details about the features are not provided.

Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with non-electric sites in particular being 'very large.'

Sites PrivacyMixed reviews on privacy: some sites have tall grass for natural privacy, while others are close together with limited shade.

Total Campsites0 campsites

Recommended CampsitesNon-electric sites in the 80s offer spacious layouts but may require creative tent staking. Pull-through sites are well-graveled and convenient for families.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Information not provided.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not detailed

Groups

No specific details on group camping limits or features.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutEquestrian and non-equestrian campgrounds are separated. Non-electric site numbers are in the 80s.

Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round, but firewood sales and some amenities operate seasonally.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve sites are available. No specifics on fill patterns.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Dump station

Firewood available

Flush toilets

Vault toilets

Electricity hookups

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.

Hiking

The 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.

Fishing

Lake Red Rock provides opportunities to catch bluegill, crappie, large-mouth bass, and channel catfish. Some reviews highlight fruitful fishing experiences.

Biking

The multi-use trails are open to mountain biking, with varying terrain and scenic routes.

Boating

Two 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 viewing

The 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

The trail system is open for snowmobiling during the winter. Additional details on other winter recreation activities are not provided.

Water Sports

Canoeing and jet skiing are supported on Lake Red Rock, with two boat ramps for easy access.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Fires are allowed with purchased firewood from on-site dispensers. Firewood sales operate Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Hazards

General hazardsCampsite 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

°F

Dec 7

Sunday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 67%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 13 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Clear sky

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Emergency Services

Knoxville, located 6 miles away, provides emergency services, including a hospital.

Good to know

Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site, but no information on recycling facilities is provided.

Proximity to water featuresLake Red Rock offers fishing and boating opportunities via two ramps.

Common complaintsMultiple user reviews cite unclean restrooms and showers during the early season. Tent staking issues were noted due to hidden gravel pads.

HostHosts are generally helpful but were reported arriving unprepared during early season.

Campground Map

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.

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Elk Rock State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews or experiences mentioned about pets.

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

0 review

Last updated August 10, 2025

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