Whitebreast Camp

4.40

356 reviews

971 Highway S71, Knoxville, IA 50138

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Iowa Boating Camping Iowa

Quick Facts

830 ft

Price

$20 - $288/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

132 campsites

Season

Open from April 24 t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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

830 ft

Price

$20 - $288/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

132 campsites

Season

Open from April 24 t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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

Whitebreast Camp

$20.00 - $288.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $20 to $288 depending on site type (standard electric or group). Additional service fees for reservations and cancellations apply....

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$288.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

641-828-7522

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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 356 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Whitebreast Camp are generally positive, highlighting its cleanliness, spacious sites, and friendly staff. Complaints include issues with water drainage, electricity, and trash disposal locations."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

971 Highway S71, Knoxville, IA 50138

Whitebreast Camp

971 Highway S71, Knoxville, IA 50138

Driving directionsFrom Knoxville, take County Highway T-15 northeast for 8 miles. Turn north onto County Highway S-71 and continue 2 miles, following signs to the campground.

The campground is accessible via paved roads and is located 10 minutes from Pella and 15 minutes from Knoxville. Roads are suitable for vehicles but parking or driving on grass is prohibited.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Nearest supplies in Knoxville and Pella, offering groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Firewood available for purchase on-site, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own supply to avoid transporting out-of-state wood.

Best Time to Camp at Whitebreast Camp

Experience the magic of changing seasons at Whitebreast, where spring arrives with crystalline skies and gentle breezes perfect for lakeside adventures. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for water activities, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that cool the evening air. Fall transforms the hardwood canopy into a spectacular tapestry of gold and crimson under crisp, clear skies. While winter's quiet beauty offers solitude seekers a peaceful retreat, visitors should note that snowy conditions may occasionally affect access to certain areas.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Warm, active summer with swimming/boating but reviewers note heat and bugs as downsides.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in IA

Fall is highly recommended in reviews; scenic foliage and pleasant weather enhance visits.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 3% in IA

Spring is highly recommended (tulip festival timing) and offers crisp skies and good wildlife viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Park closed for reservations Oct 5–Apr 23; winter activities are limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 24 to October 5.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 24 to October 5 during peak season. Closed for reservations from October 5 to April 23.

About Whitebreast Camp

Nestled along the sprawling shores of Lake Red Rock—Iowa's magnificent inland sea—Whitebreast Camp beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of waterfront adventure and woodland tranquility. Here, where pristine waters meet ancient hardwood forests, visitors discover a natural playground offering world-class boating, premier fishing, scenic hiking trails, and exhilarating biking paths that wind through some of Iowa's most breathtaking landscapes.

Whitebreast Camp caters to a variety of camping preferences, offering options for tent camping, RV camping, and group camping.

Historical SignificanceWhitebreast Camp serves as your gateway to two of Iowa's most distinctive communities. Just minutes away lies the charming town of Pella, where authentic Dutch windmills, tulip-lined streets, and Old World architecture transport visitors to the Netherlands. Meanwhile, nearby Knoxville pulses with the high-octane excitement of Sprint car racing, earning its reputation as the Sprint Car Capital of the World. This unique blend of European heritage and American motorsport tradition creates an unforgettable cultural backdrop for your camping adventure.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of changing seasons at Whitebreast, where spring arrives with crystalline skies and gentle breezes perfect for lakeside adventures. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for water activities, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that cool the evening air. Fall transforms the hardwood canopy into a spectacular tapestry of gold and crimson under crisp, clear skies. While winter's quiet beauty offers solitude seekers a peaceful retreat, visitors should note that snowy conditions may occasionally affect access to certain areas.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering hardwood forests create a natural cathedral at Whitebreast, their leafy canopies providing cool shade and framing spectacular vistas of Lake Red Rock's shimmering waters. This pristine ecosystem serves as a haven for remarkable wildlife—watch in awe as majestic bald eagles soar overhead, elegant white pelicans glide across the water, graceful deer emerge at twilight, and wild turkeys strut through the underbrush. Every sunrise and sunset paints the lake in breathtaking colors, creating picture-perfect moments that will long outlive your visit.

Geological RegionWhitebreast Camp occupies a stunning position where the historic Des Moines River has carved its path through Iowa's heartland, creating the spectacular Lake Red Rock reservoir. Dense hardwood forests blanket the shoreline, their roots anchored in rich river valley soil that has nurtured this ecosystem for centuries. From elevated viewpoints throughout the camp, panoramic vistas reveal the lake's vast expanse, while the surrounding wetlands and woodlands attract an incredible diversity of wildlife, including magnificent bald eagles and countless species of waterfowl that make this region a premier destination for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike.

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 of 14 consecutive nights allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of eight persons per campsite.

Groups

The campground includes two group sites equipped with 30 or 50-amp electric hookups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground includes 132 campsites and two group sites with electric hookups. Sites are organized into loops (e.g., COAL, MEAD, PONC).

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov via website or contact center at 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not permitted; reservations must be made in advance.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies with forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations. Reservations can be modified through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible facilities, such as handicap showers. However, there are some concerns about the steepness of trails to certain areas, like the beach.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious, with roomy locations that accommodate campers comfortably.

PrivacySeveral reviews highlight the privacy of the campsites due to their spacing and tree coverage.

Total Campsites132 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with lake views for sunsets (e.g., site 068, loop COAL). Avoid sites with reported drainage issues (e.g., site 049).

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Whitebreast Camp offers a rich recreational experience. Activities include fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Volksweg Trail provides additional hiking and biking opportunities.

HikingSeveral miles of trails are available for hiking and biking, such as the Volksweg Trail which stretches 15 miles west from Pella to the Des Moines River.

FishingFishing opportunities abound with species like crappie, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike, and bluegill.

SwimmingSwimming areas are available, including the Whitebreast Beach. However, some reviewers noted issues like bird droppings affecting the usability of the beach.

BikingThe 15-mile paved Volksweg Trail is ideal for biking, offering scenic views and a connection to nearby areas.

BoatingBoating opportunities are excellent, with facilities like a boat ramp available. Activities include kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing.

Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, including waterfowl like the American White Pelican, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and turkeys. Seasonal migrations add to the viewing experience.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsStanding water and drainage issues reported at some sites. Wildlife, including spiders and raccoons, may pose minor nuisances.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire pits. Firewood available for purchase on-site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are None explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services available in Knoxville, including hospitals and police stations. Rangers are accessible on-site or through provided phone contacts.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are located outside the campground entrance, which some reviewers found inconvenient.

Water FeaturesLocated on Lake Red Rock with close access to the Whitebreast Beach and boat ramp.

Camp HostHosts and volunteers frequently praised for friendliness and cleanliness. Hosts also assist with reservations and maintenance.

Weather at Whitebreast Camp

Reviews

4.4

356 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews for Whitebreast Camp are generally positive, highlighting its cleanliness, spacious sites, and friendly staff. Complaints include issues with water drainage, electricity, and trash disposal locations.

Review Summaries

Based on 356 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean showers and restrooms, spacious sites, beautiful lake views, and helpful staff. The proximity to attractions like Pella and Knoxville is frequently appreciated.

Based on 356 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include standing water issues at campsites, unlevel gravel areas, inconvenience of trash dumpster locations, and electricity malfunctions. Some reviewers also noted issues with...

Based on 356 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing firewood due to limited supply, choosing campsites with lake views, and visiting nearby attractions such as Pella's Dutch bakery.

Based on 356 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are highly recommended, particularly during the tulip festival in Pella. Summer brings bugs and heat, while winter activities are limited.

Based on 356 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great flat space near Lake Red Rock. Water spigots in several places, and picnic tables and even garbage cans in the camp." - Sarah Howk "The sites are spacious and have great lake views." - Kathy D...

Based on 356 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 68 is noted for its beautiful views but has complaints about fire pit location. Site 85 has issues with broken concrete. Sites in the Coal Ridge loop are frequently praised for their quietness...

Based on 356 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible facilities are appreciated, but some users find the lack of ventilation in bathrooms problematic, and trails to the beach are too steep for those with mobility challenges.

Based on 356 reviews