South Overlook (Ia)

1 review

1105 North HWY T15, Knoxville, Iowa 50138

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Lake Red Rock Project site

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Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Lake Red Rock Project site

Get Directions

South Overlook (Ia)

No fees available

Campsite Fees

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation; the $10.00 will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change...

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullake

"Reviewers are very positive about South Overlook, emphasizing its beautiful lake views and peaceful atmosphere. People enjoy using it as a launch point for Red Rock Lake, a place to relax in nature, and attending nearby events."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at South Overlook (Ia)

Each season paints South Overlook in different colors and brings new wildlife spectacles to witness. Spring and fall transform the lake into a bustling stopover for migrating waterfowl, with majestic American White Pelicans gliding across the water's surface. When winter's chill settles over the lake from November through March, bald eagles claim their perch along the shoreline, offering some of Iowa's most reliable eagle-watching opportunities.

Best

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips

About South Overlook (Ia)

Perched along the shores of Iowa's largest lake, South Overlook offers a perfect blend of water recreation and woodland exploration at Lake Red Rock. Whether you're launching a boat, casting a line, or pedaling through scenic trails, this lakeside destination delivers year-round adventure. Two well-equipped picnic shelters with electrical hookups and ample parking make it ideal for everything from family reunions to quiet afternoon getaways.

The described facility emphasizes picnic shelters and day-use recreation; no campsites, cabins or formal lodging are described in the provided content.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints South Overlook in different colors and brings new wildlife spectacles to witness. Spring and fall transform the lake into a bustling stopover for migrating waterfowl, with majestic American White Pelicans gliding across the water's surface. When winter's chill settles over the lake from November through March, bald eagles claim their perch along the shoreline, offering some of Iowa's most reliable eagle-watching opportunities.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering hardwoods create a natural canopy along the shoreline, framing stunning views of the lake's expansive waters below. The forest comes alive with wildlife throughout the year—watch for white-tailed deer browsing at dawn, wild turkeys strutting through clearings, and smaller woodland creatures scurrying among the leaf litter. The real showstoppers arrive with the changing seasons: elegant American White Pelicans stage their spring and fall migrations here, while bald eagles command the winter landscape, their white heads visible against bare branches as they survey the frozen lake for their next meal.

Geological RegionSituated along the Des Moines River corridor where Lake Red Rock's waters meet ancient hardwood forests, creating a rich transition zone between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems

Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

Recommended CampsitesReserve shelters in advance for planned events. If not reserved, shelters are available first-come, first-served.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Two reservable picnic shelters suitable for gatherings
shelter occupancy is permitted until dusk. Special event permits may be required for events open to the public, events greater than 100 people, amplified music, or when alcohol is available.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo reservable picnic shelters with 20 amp electrical outlets, nearby flush toilets, and a large parking lot for larger crowds.

Reservation Platformsrecreation.gov; phone 1-877-444-6777

Walk-in AvailabilityIf shelters are not reserved, they are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyA $10.00 service fee applies to changes or cancellations and will be deducted from refunds. Late cancellations may incur additional fees. Changes/cancellations handled via recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Amenities available

Flush toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to South Overlook enjoy a range of water- and land-based recreation including boating, water skiing, swimming, kayaking/canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking and wildlife viewing. Several miles of shoreline water trails and several miles of hiking/biking trails are available locally.

Hiking

Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area, including the 15-mile paved Volksweg Trail stretching west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area.

Fishing

Anglers can fish for crappie, largemouth and striped bass, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill.

Swimming

Lake Red Rock offers swimming opportunities and is noted for water recreation.

Biking

Several miles of trails support biking, including the paved 15-mile Volksweg Trail connecting to Pella and the Des Moines River/Cordova Recreation Area.

Boating

Lake Red Rock provides excellent boating and water skiing; miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline.

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife is abundant: migrating waterfowl including American White Pelican in spring and fall, bald eagles observable November through March, and common sightings of white-tailed deer, turkeys and other small animals.

Winter Activities

Bald eagle viewing November through March.

Water Sports

Water skiing; kayaking and canoeing on designated water trails.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

Weather at South Overlook (Ia)

°F

Dec 11

Thursday

Partly cloudy

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 82%

Wind: 13.1 mph

Partly cloudy

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Proximity to water featuresLocated on Lake Red Rock (on the Des Moines River) with shoreline access; offers boating, water skiing, swimming and designated water trails for kayaks and canoes.

Campground Map

1105 North HWY T15, Knoxville, Iowa 50138

Driving directionsFrom Pella, Iowa, follow county road T-15 southwest for 4 miles, then follow signs to South Overlook.

Accessible via North HWY T15 / county road T-15

Nearby places

Pella (10 miles)

Knoxville (15 miles)

Des Moines (approximately 1 hour)

Nearby supplies

Des Moines — approximately 1 hour (shopping and dining opportunities)

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0

1 reviews

Limited Reviews

South Overlook (Ia) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers are very positive about South Overlook, emphasizing its beautiful lake views and peaceful atmosphere. People enjoy using it as a launch point for Red Rock Lake, a place to relax in nature, and attending nearby events.

Review Summaries

Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors highlight the great view of the lake and the overall beauty of the natural setting. They also appreciate the peaceful, relaxing environment and the convenience of having a nearby picnic area...

Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Consider using the nearby picnic area as a convenient spot to change clothes before or after time on the lake. It’s also a good place to simply sit and enjoy the scenery, or time your visit to...

Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place to launch at Red Rock, and a picnic area is very close if you want to change before/after being on the lake." "Great place to just sit and enjoy the beauty of nature." "always a...

Based on 1 reviews