Iowa / Marion County

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.

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