Iowa / Marion County

Ivans

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from late April through early October on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations.

About

Ivans Recreation Area sits just below the Red Rock Dam and Lake on the south side of the Des Moines River, across from Howell Station Campground. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground offers 13 campsites nestled in hardwood forests along the riverbank, providing shade and scenic views. The campground is located just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Lake Red Rock is Iowa's largest lake and offers excellent opportunities for boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, and swimming. Miles of designated water trails are available for kayakers and canoeists along the shoreline. Anglers can fish for crappie, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike, and bluegill. The area features several miles of trails for hiking and biking, including access to the 15-mile paved Volksweg Trail that stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrates through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March, and white-tailed deer, turkeys, and other small animals are commonly seen around the lake. The campground provides shower facilities, playground equipment, and trail access.

Directions

The campground is located at 1125 198th Place, Knoxville, IA 50138. Access from Highway T15 by turning east onto Jewell Drive, then turning north on 198th Place.

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