Overview

Bob Shetler Recreation Area is located in the tailwater area below the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.

The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.

Recreation

Visitors enjoy Saylorville Lake for its excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike.

The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.

Facilities

The campground offers 67 camping sites, all with electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station.

Nearby amenities include a visitor center, hiking trail, volleyball courts and a disc golf course. Boat ramps and an accessible fishing dock are also close by.

Natural Features

Large shade trees dot the open grassy areas of the campground, which offers excellent views of the Des Moines River. Most campsites are within easy walking distance of the shore.

Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Water sports
• Swimming site

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Directions

From I-35, take exit 90 to Ankeny/Oralabor Road and go west for 4.8 miles. The road turns into Highway 415. Turn left onto 37th Street, then turn right onto Horseshoe Road. Turn right and drive across the Saylorville Lake Dam to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 42′ 6.0001″ N

Longitude 93° 41′ 7.0001″ W

Overview

Acorn Valley Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.

The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including camping, bicycling, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting. 

Recreation

Anglers enjoy the lake for its abundance of walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike.

The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.

Facilities

The campground offers 29 family sites with electric hookups and 54 primitive walk-to tent sites. The campground also features 2 group tent camping areas; a youth group camping area with special restrictions to organized youth as well as a standard group area open to all visitors. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station.

Nearby facilities include picnic areas with group shelters, boat ramps, a marina and a fishing dock.

Natural Features

The mature Bur Oaks at the entrance to Acorn Valley beckon visitors to explore its 26 acres on the fringe of an upland timber stand.

Wildlife is abundant throughout the area. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Interpretive programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Water sports
• Wildlife viewing
• Swimming site

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Directions

From I-35/80 north of Des Moines, Iowa, take exit 131 toward Johnston/Saylorville Lake. Turn north on Merle Hay Road and continue for 2.8 miles. At the four-way stop, turn left on Northwest Beaver Drive and continue for 3.7 miles. Turn right onto Northwest Coryden Drive and follow signs into the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 44′ 16.0001″ N

Longitude 93° 43′ 25.0000″ W

Overview

Miner’s Retreat Enclosed Shelter is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes 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 Lake Red Rock 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, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, 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

Miner’s Retreat is an enclosed shelter that offers 20 amp electrical service, air conditioning, electric baseboard heaters, refrigerator, electric stove, microwave, and flush toilets.

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 an event permit. Click the link below to apply for an event permit.
Special Event Permit 

Shelter occupancy is permitted until dusk.

Natural Features

Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lakeshore at Miner’s Retreat Enclosed Shelter, offering shade and scenic views.

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. 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.

Nearby Activities

• Camping

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Directions

From Knoxville, take County Highway T-15 northeast for 8 miles. Turn north onto County Highway S-71 and continue 2 miles, following signs to the campground.

971 Hwy S71
Knoxville, Iowa 50138

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 22′ 43.1602″ N

Longitude 93° 1′ 46.0402″ W

Overview

Whitebreast Point Shelter is a day use facility located within Whitebreast Campground. The shelter is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors to the area 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 Lake Red Rock 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

Whitebreast Point Shelter is a conventional open shelter that offers 20 amp electrical service, an outdoor grill, fire ring, water fountain and nearby vault toilets.

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 for a special event permit:

Special Event Permit

If shelter is not reserved, it is 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 lakeshore at Whitebreast, 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 addtional fees.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Fishing
• Wildlife viewing
• Day use area
• Birding

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Directions

971 Hwy S71
Knoxville, IA 50138

From Knoxville, take County Highway T-15 northeast for 8 miles. Turn north onto County Highway S-71 and continue 2 miles, following signs to the campground.
From Pella, take County Highway T-15 southwest for 7 miles. Turn north onto County Highway S-71 and continue 2 miles, following signs to the campground.
Shelter is located at the back of the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 23′ 35.7400″ N

Longitude 93° 2′ 21.4800″ W

Overview

North Overlook Picnic Shelter is located adjacent from North Overlook Campground on Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes 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 Lake Red Rock 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, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, 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

North Overlook Picnic Shelter is a conventional open shelter that offers 20 amp electrical service, picnic tables, an outdoor grill, fire ring, water fountain and nearby flush toilets. 

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 an event permit. Click the link below to apply for an event permit:
Special Event Permit

 

If shelter is not reserved, it is 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 North Overlook, offering shade and scenic views.
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. 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.com or by calling 1-877-444-6677. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Picnicking
• Birding

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Directions

1007 Hwy T15
Knoxville, Iowa 50138

From Pella, Iowa, take County Highway T-15 southwest for 3 miles, then follow signs to North Overlook Picnic Shelter.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 21′ 50.1199″ N

Longitude 92° 59′ 11.2600″ W

Overview

Fifield 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.

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 Lake Red Rock 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, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, 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

Fifield offers four reservable picnic shelters with 20 amp electrical outlets. Flush toilets are located nearby. Each shelter has a fire ring and an outdoor grill.

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 Fifield, 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. Whitetailed 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.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Picnicking
• Wildlife viewing
• Birding

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Directions

1672 HWY G28
Pella, Iowa 50219

From Pella, Iowa, follow county road G28 west for 6 miles, then follow signs to Fifield.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 25′ 0.4102″ N

Longitude 93° 1′ 47.8200″ W

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.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Hunting
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

1105 North HWY T15
Knoxville, Iowa 50138

From Pella, Iowa, follow county road T-15 southwest for 4 miles, then follow signs to South Overlook.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 21′ 59.0000″ N

Longitude 92° 59′ 22.7602″ W

This recreation area is part of Lake Red Rock

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 21′ 37.3702″ N

Longitude 92° 58′ 22.3181″ W

This recreation area is part of Lake Red Rock

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 25′ 44.7395″ N

Longitude 93° 5′ 11.4209″ W

This recreation area is part of Lake Red Rock

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Playground park specialized sport site

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 25′ 26.1037″ N

Longitude 93° 2′ 25.5624″ W