North Overlook Camp

4.07

209 reviews

1007 Highway T15, Pella, Iowa 50219

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

833 ft

Price

$14 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

833 ft

Price

$14 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

North Overlook Camp

$14.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season fees range from $14 per night for primitive tent sites without electricity to $20-$24 for sites with 50-amp electric hookups.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$24.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$14.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

641-828-7522

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What Campers Say

4.07

Satisfactory

Based on 209 reviews

99 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanshade

"User reviews generally praise the campground for its cleanliness, scenic views, and friendly hosts. Key complaints include mosquito prevalence, road noise, and limited accessibility for some activities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1007 Highway T15, Pella, Iowa 50219

North Overlook Camp

1007 Highway T15, Pella, Iowa 50219

Driving directionsFrom Pella, Iowa, take County Highway T-15 southwest for 3 miles, then follow signs to the campground.

The campground is easily accessible via paved roads from Pella, located 3 miles southwest along County Highway T-15. Roads are considered reliable year-round.

Nearby places

Pella (3 miles, approximately 10 minutes)

Knoxville (15 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Des Moines (approximately 60 miles, 1 hour drive).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are accessible in Pella, located 3 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at North Overlook Camp

Summer transforms North Overlook into an outdoor paradise, with warm sunshine and gentle breezes creating ideal conditions for every adventure imaginable. Long days invite extended hikes, lazy afternoons on the water, and starlit evenings around the campfire. As autumn approaches, the hardwood forests burst into spectacular color. While winter brings a crystalline beauty to the frozen landscape with light dustings of snow, the campground closes for the season, allowing nature to rest and renew.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season with warm weather and full access to lake activities; mosquitos noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open through Oct 5; late-summer/early-fall offers foliage and quieter conditions for visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens April 24; spring offers trails and lake access though early season may be cooler and buggy.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 5–Apr 23; winter camping not available onsite.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 24 to October 5 each year.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season runs from April 24 to October 5. Out-of-season reservations are unavailable.

About North Overlook Camp

Perched along the shores of Iowa's magnificent Lake Red Rock, North Overlook Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of waterfront serenity and woodland adventure. This hidden gem invites you to wake up to misty lake views, spend your days exploring miles of scenic trails, and end your evenings casting a line as the sun paints the water golden. Whether you're paddling across the state's largest lake, cycling through rolling hills, or simply relaxing at your campsite, North Overlook delivers the quintessential Iowa outdoor experience.

North Overlook Campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and primitive camping.

Historical SignificanceJust moments from your campsite lies the charming town of Pella, where Dutch windmills spin lazily against Iowa skies and tulips bloom in magnificent abundance. This living piece of Netherlands heritage comes alive during the world-famous Tulip Time Festival, when thousands of vibrant blooms transform the town into a photographer's dream. The proximity to Pella adds a delightful cultural dimension to your camping adventure, offering authentic Dutch bakeries, historic architecture, and warm Midwestern hospitality.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms North Overlook into an outdoor paradise, with warm sunshine and gentle breezes creating ideal conditions for every adventure imaginable. Long days invite extended hikes, lazy afternoons on the water, and starlit evenings around the campfire. As autumn approaches, the hardwood forests burst into spectacular color. While winter brings a crystalline beauty to the frozen landscape with light dustings of snow, the campground closes for the season, allowing nature to rest and renew.

Natural Features and SceneryNorth Overlook's stunning hardwood forests create a natural amphitheater around your camping experience, where towering oaks and maples filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The campground's crown jewel remains Lake Red Rock itself, stretching endlessly toward the horizon. Wildlife enthusiasts will discover a year-round spectacle here – majestic bald eagles soar overhead from November through March, while spring and fall bring remarkable migrations of American White Pelicans, their snow-white formations creating unforgettable moments against azure skies.

Geological RegionCarved by the ancient Des Moines River and now embraced by Iowa's largest lake, North Overlook occupies a remarkable geological canvas. The surrounding hardwood forests tell stories of centuries past, their roots anchored in rich river valley soil. Lake Red Rock itself stands as a testament to both natural forces and human ingenuity, creating a vast aquatic playground where the Des Moines River once meandered through prairie lands. This unique meeting of forest, river, and reservoir creates diverse ecosystems that support an incredible array of plant and animal life.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per campsite.

Groups

Group camping details are not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground layout includes 46 sites with electric hookups and 6 primitive tent sites. Sites are shaded and arranged in loops.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or via phone at 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations must be made in advance.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies prior to the check-in date. Late cancellations incur an additional fee of forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited based on user reviews. One review from 10/3/2020 mentioned difficulty finding fishing spots that were handicap/stroller accessible.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and shaded, with comments like "Loved how big our site was" (User review from 8/28/2020).

PrivacySites vary in privacy; some are close together while others offer more seclusion. A user from 9/18/2021 noted: "Some sites like #51 are very close to a busy road and sit right in the middle of two other campsites.

Total Campsites52 campsites

Recommended SitesFor quieter spots, avoid sites near the main road (e.g., site 51). Sites near the playground (e.g., 5) are ideal for families.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of recreational activities, taking advantage of its proximity to Lake Red Rock. Activities include swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. Wildlife viewing is also popular, with bald eagles and pelicans among the species observed.

HikingSeveral miles of trails are accessible from the campground, including the 15-mile paved Volksweg Trail stretching west from Pella to the Des Moines River. Reviews highlight the convenience of trail access, with one noting: "Access to the trails and beach was a great plus" (User review from 7/6/2022).

FishingFishing opportunities are abundant, with anglers targeting crappie, bass (largemouth and striped), walleye, catfish (channel and flathead), northern pike, and bluegill. However, some users reported challenges finding handicap-accessible fishing spots.

SwimmingSwimming is available at North Overlook Beach, located within a quarter mile of the campground. Some users mentioned that the beach's distance required a bit of walking.

BikingBike trails are easily accessible, with one review praising the ability to "jump on a bike and go for a relaxing ride" in two different directions (User review from 9/17/2021). The Volksweg Trail is a highlight for cyclists.

BoatingBoating is popular, with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and speed boating. Water skiing is also available, and the lake has designated water trails for paddlers.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with bald eagles observed from November through March and pelicans migrating in spring and fall. Deer, turkeys, and other small animals are commonly seen around the lake.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes can be problematic during late spring and summer months. Large ant hills are mentioned in user reviews for specific sites.

Fire PolicyFirewood is available in limited supply at the campground; campers are encouraged to bring their own due to potential shortages.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be found in nearby Pella, including hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is available, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated within 1/4 mile of North Overlook Beach at Lake Red Rock.

Camp HostHosts are praised for their friendliness and responsiveness, with many reviewers highlighting their helpfulness.

Weather at North Overlook Camp

Reviews

4.1

209 reviews

Satisfactory

North Overlook Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the campground for its cleanliness, scenic views, and friendly hosts. Key complaints include mosquito prevalence, road noise, and limited accessibility for some activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 209 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews consistently highlight clean facilities, spacious campsites, friendly staff, and convenient access to trails and the lake. Many users also appreciated the shaded sites and quiet atmosphere...

Based on 209 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include insufficient firewood supply, mosquito issues, cramped dump station access, and road noise. Accessibility challenges were also mentioned by some users.

Based on 209 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing your own firewood, preparing for mosquitoes, and exploring the nearby trails and lake. One reviewer suggested visiting during the Tulip Time Festival in Pella.

Based on 209 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention mosquito issues and high campground activity. Winter reviews are sparse, as the campground is closed from October 5 to April 23.

Based on 209 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Showers were roomier than many have in their own homes!" (7/16/2022). "Access to the trails and beach was a great plus" (7/6/2022). "Great paved, walking paths. We love this campground for the wide...

Based on 209 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #51 received mixed feedback for its proximity to a busy road and lack of privacy, while site #39 was praised for its scenic lakeview. Site #46 was noted for its large ant hills.

Based on 209 reviews