Boating At Lake Red Rock In Iowa

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Lake Red Rock, located in south-central Iowa, is the state's largest lake and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities in a scenic setting. Situated near the town of Pella, the lake attracts visitors from all over the region.

Boating is one of the main attractions at Lake Red Rock, and the lake boasts multiple marinas that provide boaters with convenient amenities and services. Whether you're an experienced boater or a beginner, Lake Red Rock offers a variety of boating experiences, from leisurely cruises to thrilling water sports like water skiing and tubing.

With its expansive size and calm waters, Lake Red Rock is also a favorite spot for popular water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. The lake's calm and clear waters make it an inviting place to explore and enjoy water-based activities with family and friends.

For those who don't own boats, Lake Red Rock offers rental boats, providing an accessible option for everyone to get out on the water and enjoy the lake's beauty. Rental options typically include pontoons, fishing boats, and other types, allowing visitors to choose the boat that suits their preferences and needs.

Anglers will find plenty to love about Lake Red Rock as well, as the lake is known for its excellent fishing. The lake is well-stocked with a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, crappie, and more, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts of all levels.

Surrounding Lake Red Rock are various attractions and recreational areas, providing visitors with ample opportunities to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The nearby cities of Pella and Knoxville offer charming downtowns, local restaurants, and cultural attractions to complement the lake experience.

While camping directly on the shores of Lake Red Rock is not allowed, there are several campgrounds and parks nearby where visitors can set up camp and immerse themselves in nature after a day of boating and fishing, adding to the allure of Lake Red Rock as an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.

Boating, camping and fishing at Lake Red Rock

Come enjoy the boating lifestyle at Lake Red Rock using your boat or one of the rental boats available at the lake. Half a dozen boat launch ramps provide public access for launching bass boats, pontoons, pleasure boats, kayaks and canoes. There are no restrictions on boats and motors. Camping and lodging are available both at the lake and at close by locations. Convenience stores, restaurants, bait and tackle and a marina are also very convenient. Known for quality wiper (hybrid striped bass) fishing, the lake also has healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, hybrid stripers and northern pike. This 15,200-acre lake in central Iowa is 3 miles west of Pella. Over 75 miles of shoreline await anglers and vacationers. Fishing enthusiasts who prefer to fish from shore can find access via the parks, campgrounds and public access roads around the lake. The lake is a good ice fishing destination during winter.

Lake Red Rock Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Camping

Roberts Creek West Campground - 641 627-5507

Wallashuck Campground - 641 828-7522

Elk Rock State Park Campground - 641 842-6008

North Overlook Campground - 641 828-7522

Red Rock Dam Campground - 641 828-7522

Howell Station Campground - 641 828-7522

Ivan's Recreation Area Campground - 641 828-7522

R V's Full Facility Campground - 641 842-3055

Marion County Park Campground - 641 828-2214

Lake Red Rock Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Lake Red Rock include largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, white bass, hybrid striped bass and northern pike.

Largemouth bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye White Bass Hybrid Striped Bass Northern pike