How much does camping cost at Ivans?

Camping fees at Ivans are $20 - $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ivans first-come first-served or reservation?

Ivans 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ivans before I book?

Yes! Ivans has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ivans?

Ivans is open April 23 to October 08. 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 Ivans?

Yes, Ivans has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Ivans?

Fire policies at Ivans: We offer a limited supply of firewood at the campground. If you want to ensure you have firewood for your stay, please plan on bringing your own supply. Travelers entering Iowa are strongly encouraged to leave out-of-state firewood behind.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Ivans have?

Ivans has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ivans?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ivans. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ivans?

Ivans offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ivans?

Popular activities at Ivans include Hiking, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ivans

4.36

99 reviews

1125 198th Place, Knoxville, IA 50138

Top 1% in IASpring

B-Report Card

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Iowa Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Iowa Swimming Camping Iowa +8 more

Quick Facts

725 ft

Price

$20 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open season: April 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

725 ft

Price

$20 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open season: April 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Ivans

$20.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Electric 50 Amp: $24.00; Standard Electric Campsite: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

6418287522lakeredrock@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1125 198th Place, Knoxville, IA 50138

Ivans

1125 198th Place, Knoxville, IA 50138

Nearby places

Knoxville (15 minutes), Pella (10 minutes), Des Moines (1 hour)

Weather at Ivans

Current alerts(8)

Bounce houses and similar inflatable play equipment are not permitted.
Camping units are restricted to one wheeled unit and two tents, or three tents per site. A maximum of eight persons per campsite is allowed.
Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is 2:00 p.m.
Golf carts, UTVs, and ATVs are not permitted.

Best Time to Camp at Ivans

Best season: spring. Spring offers mild temperatures (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F) and the biggest wildlife spectacle: thousands of American White Pelicans moving up the Des Moines River, making birdwatching exceptional. Trails and riverbanks are lush with hardwood leaf-out and wildflowers, fishing is strong as river flows are lively after spring runoff, and crowds are generally lighter than summer weekends. Expect some muddy trails and higher river flows in early spring, so plan for wet- or Peak months: May, June, July, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in IA

Best season: thousands of American White Pelicans migrate up the Des Moines River — standout birding event.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 23 to October 08. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: April 24 - October 5 (reservable). Closed season: October 6 - April 23.

About Ivans

Ivans sits on the shore of Lake Red Rock near Knoxville, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. This small seasonal campground offers electric hookups, showers, and flush toilets for tent and RV campers who want clean facilities and quiet lakeside access. Spring brings thousands of American White Pelicans migrating up the Des Moines River, making it a standout season for birdwatching alongside hiking, biking, and boating.

Ivans Campground includes sites for RVs and tents, with 21 electric sites. It caters to both individual and family campers. There are no group camping options, cabins, or glamping accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers mild temperatures (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F) and the biggest wildlife spectacle: thousands of American White Pelicans moving up the Des Moines River, making birdwatching exceptional. Trails and riverbanks are lush with hardwood leaf-out and wildflowers, fishing is strong as river flows are lively after spring runoff, and crowds are generally lighter than summer weekends. Expect some muddy trails and higher river flows in early spring, so plan for wet- or Peak months: May, June, July, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation725 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMature hardwoods shade the campground at 725 feet elevation, creating dappled light across the sites. The Des Moines River flows just below the monumental Red Rock Dam, its banks lined with rocky outcroppings that serve as fishing perches and wildlife observation points. Thousands of American White Pelicans migrate up the river each spring, while bald eagles patrol the waters November through March. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys appear regularly at dawn and dusk.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of eight persons per campsite is allowed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible trails and parking. Some sites are level, making them suitable for individuals with mobility concerns.

Site SizeSites are described as small to moderately sized, with comments stating 'spots are way too small unless you are with a group,' and 'the site was very level, and its depth was very adequate for our pop-up.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are mixed. While some guests appreciated the spacing, such as 'neighbors weren’t right on top of each other,' others noted that sites are 'pretty close together.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose site #6 for river views. Sites are shaded, but some may lack sufficient space for larger RVs.

Best CampsitesSite #6 sits close to the river with direct views of the water. Reviewers note that neighbors aren't right on top of each other, though sites are still pretty close together overall.

Need help booking Ivans?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Ivans Campground, located near the Red Rock Dam and alongside the Des Moines River, offers 21 campsites. Amenities include 50-amp electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. Anglers appreciate the excellent river fishing access. The environment is shaded with mature hardwood forests, and wildlife is plentiful in the area.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Ivans

Ivans Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. It is also close to the Volksweg Trail, a 15-mile paved path for biking and walking.

Biking4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Thousands of migrating American White Pelicans in spring; bald eagles and deer commonly observed.

Hiking3.0/5

Several nearby trails including the 15-mile paved Volksweg; hiking available but not a core destination draw.

Boating3.0/5

Proximity to Des Moines River/Lake Red Rock supports boating access; facilities for launching not detailed.

Water Sports3.0/5

River/lake access suitable for kayaking, though no dedicated kayak facilities are mentioned.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Strong wildlife (pelicans, eagles), river/dam views and wooded sites offer varied photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Ivans

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From Booking Sources

4.4

99 reviews

Recommended

Ivans is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Ivans Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to recreational opportunities. Guests appreciate the shaded sites and easy access to fishing, hiking, and biking. However, lack of cell service and small site sizes are common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 99 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests highlight the cleanliness of the facilities, the quiet and relaxing environment, and the abundance of recreational activities. Many appreciate the friendly and helpful campground hosts.

Based on 99 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include the lack of a dump station, no individual water hookups, poor cell service, and small or closely spaced campsites. Some visitors also mentioned long grass and...

Based on 99 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #6 is frequently mentioned for its proximity to the river. However, some sites are noted for being small or less shaded than others.

Based on 99 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood to ensure availability. Plan for no cell service or internet connectivity. Dispose of trash off-site, as there are no dumpsters. "Kids bring your wheels" for biking trails,...

Based on 99 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors noted that bald eagle sightings are common from November through March. The campground is busiest during the spring and summer, particularly around events like the Pella Tulip Festival.

Based on 99 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Great little campground right on the river! Nice big shade trees on almost every site.' - Lance Martin. 'Nice restrooms. Great parking. Very relaxing. Love coming here.' - Matthew Whitt. 'The...

Based on 99 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible trails and level sites are appreciated. One guest stated, 'the site was very level, and its depth was very adequate for our pop-up.'

Based on 99 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground environment is generally accommodating for pet owners.

Based on 99 reviews

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Ivans

$20.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Electric 50 Amp: $24.00; Standard Electric Campsite: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

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 · paid plans add 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

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

6418287522lakeredrock@usace.army.mil

Go if

You want clean facilities and quiet lake access during pelican migration season without breaking the bank.

Skip if

You're bringing a large RV or need reliable cell service and on-site dump stations.

Nearby Campgrounds

1081 198th Place, Pella, IA 50219

Howell Station sits on the shores of Lake Red Rock near Pella, Iowa, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers electric hookups, modern facilities, and direct access to the Des Moines River valley's hardwood forests and lake recreation. Campers use the site as a base for biking the extensive trail network, fishing the lake, and watching migratory waterfowl along the shoreline.

Ivans

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Ivans

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Ivans

Planning Tips

About Ivans

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Amenities available

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Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Ivans

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Ivans?

Amenities available

Things to do at Ivans

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews