Rock Creek State Park

Overview

Brochure InfoRock Creek State Park, located in the eastern corner of Jasper County, is a very popular park among campers, but also offers a number of day-use activities as well.Brochure Info - RecreationTrails There are 8.5 miles of multi-use, non-paved trails around the perimeter of the lake for hiking, biking, skiing, horseback riding and snowmobiling. There is a 5.5 miles bike trail along the park's east side that goes to the town of Grinnell. Lake Activities Rock Creek Lake is one of central Iowa's most popular lakes. Along the lake are several artificial jetties next to boat ramps. At the south boat ramp, there is universally accessible fishing as well as boat slips available to rent from April 15 to October 15. Anglers can catch crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye and channel catfish from the lake. There is a beach that offers unsupervised swimming. A park concession store offers snack food, boat rental, bait/tackle and firewood. The concession's number is 641-236-3876.Brochure Info - Facilities and RestrictionsCamping Rock Creek is one of central Iowa's camping hotspots and includes both electric and nonelectric campsites and campsites alongside the water. The campground has a modern restroom and shower building. There are no overnight accommodations for equestrian riders. Picnicking/Shelters Two picnic shelters are available at the park. One may be rented and the other may be used on a first-come, first-serve basis.Brochure Info - Nearby AttractionsThe Iowa Speedway outside of Newton and the Knoxville Raceway, approximately 30 miles south of Newton on Highway 14 host a number of racing events throughout the summer. Approximately 35 miles southwest, off Interstate 80, is the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center. The center offers a movie, interactive displays and bookstore/gift shop all related to the natural history of prairies and prairie restoration. The refuge has hiking trails and a drive-through bison/elk enclosure. NEARBY TOWNS Kellogg is three miles west and two miles south of the park. Newton is four miles south and ten miles west on Highway 6. Grinnell is seven miles east of Rock CreekKey InfoAttention Equestrian Riders: State regulations require horses, mules and donkeys being transported interstate (from one state to another) must have a current Certification of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and a negative Coggin's test (EIA). This paperwork must accompany the animal into the State of Iowa. Please refer to www.iowaagriculture.gov/animalindustry/horseadmissionregs.asp for more information. This law applies to equestrian camping, day-use and trail riding in any State owned Park or Forest. There are no overnight accommodations for equestrian riders. Concessions Roughly April 15 thru October 15; open daily (closed on Easter) Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend hours are Sunday 7 AM to 7 PM., Monday through Thursday 7 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday 7 AM to 9 PM. Boat rentals (pontoons, fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats), live bait, tackle, ice, firewood, fishing licenses, camping accessories, convenience store items, snacks.Important Information for Daily EntranceDirectionArriving on Interstate 80 take the Kellogg Exit number 173 to Hwy 224, take Hwy 224 north, through Kellogg, IA and approximately 6 miles then turn East on County Road F-27, go approximately 3 miles and then the third right turn south will be the campground entrance. Arriving on Hwy 30 take the Hwy 14 exit and head south on Hwy 14, Hwy 14 will go through the town of Laurel and T with County Road F-17 take F-17 east and turn south at Hwy 224 approximately 2 miles then at the intersection of 224 and County Road F-27 turn east, take Hwy F-27 approximately 3 miles and then turn south into the third entrance of the park off of County road F-27.Booking Window Product Info