South Overlook (Ia)

Summary

South Overlook on Lake Red Rock offers activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, biking and wildlife watching. Anglers can find various fish species in the lake, while the Volksweg Trail provides 15 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Shelters are available with 20 amp electrical outlets, while bald eagles, white-tailed deer and other animals can be seen in the area. nearby attractions such as Des Moines, Iowa's capital and its various amenities, are an hour away.

Overview

South Overlook is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 miles from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 miles from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.

For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here:
Lake Red Rock Website

For a virtual tour of the area, click here:
Lake Red Rock - Virtual Tour 

Recreation

Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline. Anglers will find crappie,largemouth and striped bass, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill. Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area.

Facilities

South Overlook offers two reservable picnic shelters with 20 amp electrical outlets. Flush toilets are located nearby. A large parking lot will provide ample space for larger crowds.

If your event is open to the public, greater than 100 people, involves live or amplified music, or if alcohol will be available to attendees, you may need a special event permit. Click the link below to apply for an event permit:
Special Event Permit 

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

Shelter occupancy is permitted until dusk.

Natural Features

Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at South Overlook, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrate through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. White-tailed deer, turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake.

Nearby Attractions

Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.

Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.