How much does camping cost at Elk Rock State Park?

Camping fees at Elk Rock State Park are $15 - $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elk Rock State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Elk Rock State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Elk Rock State Park?

Elk Rock State Park is open The campground is open year-round, but firewood sales and some amenities operate seasonally.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Elk Rock State Park?

Yes, Elk Rock State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Elk Rock State Park have?

Elk Rock State Park has 73 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elk Rock State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Elk Rock State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Elk Rock State Park?

Elk Rock State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elk Rock State Park?

Popular activities at Elk Rock State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elk Rock State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elk Rock State Park?

Fire policies at Elk Rock State Park: Fires are allowed with purchased firewood from on-site dispensers. Firewood sales operate Memorial Day through Labor Day.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.23

69 reviews

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

Top 23% in IASummer

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

823 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

73 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on ReserveAmerica Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

823 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

73 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on ReserveAmerica Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

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...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

6418426008

I manage this campground

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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

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.

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.

Weather at Elk Rock State Park

Best Time to Camp at Elk Rock State Park

Summer brings the best conditions for lake use, with highs in the mid-70s to low-90s°F and all facilities operating. Weekdays see lighter crowds than weekends, particularly during July and holiday periods. Humidity and thunderstorms are common. Spring and fall offer comfortable camping temperatures with wildflowers and fall color respectively, though some amenities may be closed. Winter sees occasional snow.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in IA

Best season for lake use, boating, fishing and equestrian activities; facilities fully operating.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, but firewood sales and some amenities operate seasonally.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Elk Rock State Park

Elk Rock State Park sits on the shores of Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest reservoir, offering a mix of traditional and equestrian camping. The park features dedicated horse facilities including stalls and riding arenas alongside standard campsites, with fees ranging from $15 to $35 per night. Spacious sites and access to trails, fishing, and water activities make it a popular summer destination, especially on weekends.

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 Significance

The nearby town of Pella hosts an annual Tulip Festival each May, celebrating its Dutch heritage with traditional costumes, wooden shoe dancing, and authentic pastries. Thousands of tulips bloom throughout the town during the festival.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions for lake use, with highs in the mid-70s to low-90s°F and all facilities operating. Weekdays see lighter crowds than weekends, particularly during July and holiday periods. Humidity and thunderstorms are common. Spring and fall offer comfortable camping temperatures with wildflowers and fall color respectively, though some amenities may be closed. Winter sees occasional snow.

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.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and ScenerySituated on the banks of Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest body of water, encompassing over 50,000 acres of public land with lush surroundings, trails, and opportunities to observe migratory birds[1][2][5][8].

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.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of Lake Red Rock and surrounding habitats.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are mentioned, although cabins are available within a 10-mile radius.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe park separates equestrian and standard camping areas. Non-electric sites run in the 80s and are notably larger than other options. Some tent campers hit gravel pads hidden under the surface, making staking difficult. Spacing and shade vary across the campground.

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

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

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

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

Total Campsites73 campsites

Recommended SitesNon-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 CampsitesNo specific site recommendations from campers; equestrian campground praised for horse stalls, hitching rails, and riding arena; non-equestrian area has electric and non-electric sites up to 80ft RV length with pull-throughs[1][2][3].

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Elk Rock State Park is located on Iowa's largest water body, Lake Red Rock, and provides a variety of amenities suitable for campers, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts. The non-equestrian campground offers electric and non-electric sites, a modern shower building, and a trailer dumping station. A self-dispensing firewood machine is available near the showers. The equestrian campground adds horse stalls, hitching rails, and a 100-foot by 200-foot riding arena to its offerings. Two different boat ramps provide access to the lake, with one being a six-lane ramp at the park entrance. Amenities include modern and vault-style restrooms, trash dumpsters, and water hydrants. User reviews comment on the spaciousness of campsites and the convenience of fire pits with swivel grills and picnic tables at each site, though some campers noted issues with cleanliness and maintenance of facilities.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Elk Rock State Park

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.

Hiking4.0/5

13 miles of color-coded multi-use trails traversing diverse habitats.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Two boat ramps, including a six-lane ramp at the park entrance, provide strong access.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Lake is a stopover for migratory species, incl. white pelicans and bald eagles.

Biking3.5/5

Multi-use trails (13 miles) are open to mountain biking with varying terrain.

Water Sports3.5/5

Lake access and boat ramps support paddling, though kayaking isn't highlighted.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Bird migrations (pelicans, eagles), lakeshore vistas and varied habitats offer photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

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.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed with purchased firewood from on-site dispensers. Firewood sales operate Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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

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

Water FeaturesLake Red Rock offers fishing and boating opportunities via two ramps.

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

Cell CoverageAT&T: Yes; Verizon: Yes; T-Mobile: None[1].

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

69 reviews

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 69 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 69 reviews.

Site 82Loved
Site 82 offers tall grass for privacy but is far from restrooms.
Site 85Mentioned
Site 85 is described as sizeable and good for star gazing.

What Campers Love

Proximity to Lake Red Rock for recreation; equestrian facilities including arena, stalls, and trails; modern amenities and year-round access to some utilities[1][2][3][5].

Based on 69 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...

Based on 69 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No camper tips available; note modern restrooms and showers close mid-October to mid-April, water hydrants and electricity year-round; campground closed November 1 to March 31[1][2].

Based on 69 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...

Based on 69 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...

Based on 69 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.

Based on 69 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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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...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · Premium adds 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

6418426008

Go if

Horse campers get the most out of this place: dedicated stalls, a full riding arena, and 13 miles of multi-use trail. Site 85 is a solid pick for tent campers wanting space and open sky.

Skip if

Arriving before Memorial Day weekend means potentially moldy shower walls and hosts who may not be fully set up yet. Tent campers on sites with buried gravel pads will fight every stake.

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