Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp

Star4.27
56 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

843 ft

Price

$22 - $24/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp
$22.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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

cleanspacioussites

"Elk Rock Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment score of 4.27. Positive aspects include spacious campsites, well-maintained gravel pads, and good equestrian trails. However, there are complaints about unclean restrooms and limited shade in certain areas."

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Campground Map

Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp

41.3974, -93.0893


Best Time to Camp at Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp

Experience nature's ever-changing canvas throughout the year. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and gentle breezes perfect for hiking. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and outdoor activities. Fall transforms the landscape into a tapestry of golden hues, while crisp air makes for perfect campfire weather. Winter offers its own magic with peaceful snow-covered vistas and cozy camping experiences for the adventurous soul.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Warm days support boating/fishing; reviewers note heat and limited shade in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers pleasant hiking, scenic color and typically fewer crowds.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflower blooms and gentle breezes ideal for hiking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Mentions of winter closures and delayed maintenance reduce winter appeal.

Planning Tips

    About Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp

    Discover your perfect outdoor escape where adventure meets tranquility. This hidden gem offers everything from peaceful morning hikes to starlit evenings around the campfire. Whether you're seeking solitude in nature or creating memories with loved ones, our campground provides the ideal basecamp for your wilderness experience. Wake up to birdsong, spend your days exploring scenic trails, and unwind as the sun sets over the landscape.
    The Elk Rock Campground supports both equestrian and non-equestrian camping, featuring spacious sites with pull-through access and gravel pads.
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    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Electricity hookups
    Flush toilets
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables

    Activities you can enjoy

    A wide range of recreational activities is available at Elk Rock Campground, including equestrian activities, fishing, hiking, biking, and boating. Several trails are marked with distinct color-coded stakes, and the campground offers direct access to Lake Red Rock for water-related activities.
    HikingThe park features three marked trail systems (red, orange, and yellow), which are color-coded with stakes. Reviewers noted that it took effort to piece together the trail maps, as they were inconsistent and incomplete.
    FishingFishing opportunities at Lake Red Rock include diverse species such as crappie and catfish. One user mentioned that fishing was fruitful during their visit.
    BikingBiking is a popular activity due to the nearby 15-mile paved Volksweg Trail, which stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River.
    BoatingThe campground offers a boat ramp with quick access to the lake. One user noted they would bring a small boat next time for better exploration.
    Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, with birds such as the American White Pelican and bald eagles, as well as white-tailed deer and turkeys.
    Winter Activities
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    Policies & Safety


    Weather at Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp

    Reviews

    4.3
    56 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Elk Rock Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment score of 4.27. Positive aspects include spacious campsites, well-maintained gravel pads, and good equestrian trails. However, there are complaints about unclean restrooms and limited shade in certain areas.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 56 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Reviewers appreciated the spacious campsites, pull-through accessibility, and clean gravel pads. The campground's equestrian trails and separation between sites were commonly highlighted as...
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    Based on 56 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Key complaints include unclean or poorly maintained restrooms, low-hanging tree branches potentially damaging RVs, and a lack of shade. Some users also noted the distance to the restrooms from...
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    Based on 56 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Campers recommend bringing your own firewood due to limited supply on-site. For equestrian campers, tying horses is necessary as there are no box stalls.
    Based on 56 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Early in the season, restroom cleanliness can be an issue due to delays in maintenance after winter closures. Summer visits often highlight the need for shade and the heat's impact on equestrian...
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    Based on 56 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    - 'For the first 12 days of our stay the bathrooms were not cleaned.' (Julie Freeze, 2022) - 'Great campsites in the non-electric loop (campsites numbered in the 80's). Plenty of room to spread out.'...
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    Based on 56 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Site 82 is praised for its grass privacy and ease of access to water spouts but noted for being far from restrooms. Non-electric sites in the 80s are described as spacious but may have hard ground...
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    Based on 56 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
    Based on 56 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    Pets are allowed, and no critical issues were noted regarding pet policies or experiences.
    Based on 56 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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