North Overlook Shelter Parking Area
North Overlook Shelter Building

North Overlook Picnic Shelter

Closed — Closed for the season. The North Overlook area typically operates from late April through September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov when open.

High Wind Warning issued March 14 at 11:37AM CDT until March 16 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA

11:37 AM — 9:45 PM

* WHAT...North winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55-65 mph possible. * WHERE...Much of central Iowa. * WHEN...From 1 PM Sunday to 4 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. With snowfall, white-out conditions are expected at times.

Blizzard Warning issued March 14 at 11:34AM CDT until March 16 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA

11:34 AM — 9:45 PM

...BLIZZARD CONDITIONS SUNDAY INTO MONDAY MORNING... .A significant winter storm will impact parts of the Upper Midwest this weekend, mainly from Sunday through Monday morning. Widespread snow will fall across Iowa with higher amounts of 6+ inches possible north and east. Winds will gust 55-65+ mph, resulting in significant drifting of snow and visibility reductions. Travel will become very dangerous, if not impossible at times across parts of northern and eastern Iowa. Precipitation will begin as rain on Sunday morning and transition to a wintry mix, which may produce a light glaze of ice, before transitioning fully to snow. * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 to 65 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west central Iowa. * WHEN...From 1 PM Sunday to 7 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage and result in power outages.

About

North Overlook Picnic Shelter is a day-use facility located adjacent to North Overlook Campground on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. Positioned along the Des Moines River and surrounded by hardwood forests, the shelter provides a scenic setting for group gatherings and events just 10 minutes from Pella and 15 minutes from Knoxville. The conventional open shelter offers 20 amp electrical service, picnic tables, an outdoor grill, fire ring, water fountain, and nearby flush toilets. When not reserved, the shelter is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Occupancy is permitted until dusk, and this is a day-use area with no overnight camping allowed. Special event permits may be required for public events, gatherings over 100 people, or events involving live/amplified music or alcohol. Lake Red Rock offers exceptional recreation opportunities including boating, water skiing, swimming, and miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists. Anglers pursue crappie, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike, and bluegill. The 15-mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches from Pella to the Des Moines River and Cordova Recreation Area, perfect for hiking and biking. Wildlife viewing is outstanding, with American White Pelicans migrating through in spring and fall, bald eagles present November through March, and white-tailed deer and turkeys commonly observed. The facility is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Directions

From Pella, Iowa, take County Highway T-15 southwest for 3 miles, then follow signs to North Overlook Picnic Shelter. Address: 1007 Hwy T15, Knoxville, Iowa 50138.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store
Price $50

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (641) 828-7522

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

North Overlook Shelter Parking Area
North Overlook Shelter Building

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