Lake Red Rock

About Lake Red Rock

Lake Red Rock is a reservoir in southern and central Iowa created by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Marion County lake was built in the late 1950s and early 1960s at an estimated cost of $88 million and had an initial capacity of 1.5 million cubic feet per second.

After its completion in 1969, Lake Red Rock became one of the largest lakes in the United States and the second largest in Iowa.

Boating and fishing are the main activities on the lake, as well as a number of other recreational activities such as swimming, boating and canoeing. The construction of the RedRock Dam has provided protection for the area, which has experienced several major floods in the last hundred years. It measures 2 kilometers in diameter and 300 meters high and has a maximum capacity of 2500 cubic feet per second.

There is also a commercial marina on the lake, and several public boat ramps are located along the shore, making boat access convenient for all.

Sailing is a popular activity, and you can go there freely with a motorboat or just ride the waves. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy the size restrictions of the lake, such as kayaking, canoeing, paddling, kayaking, fishing, boating, swimming, snorkeling, rafting and much more.

Fishermen at Lake Red Rock have been spotted looking for cappie and white perch, but many anglers are lucky, especially on the Moines, where small, medium and large perches, as well as small and medium sized trout, are common.

The surrounding Lake Red Rock is surrounded by large areas of public land, including parks, campgrounds and recreation areas. About 35,000 hectares (35,000 acres) stretch from forests and wetlands to steep slopes and beaches and provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals.

Birding is a popular activity on the lake, and around it you can see ducks, seagulls and herons. Pelicans roam the area in spring and autumn and bald eagles are often found sleeping in the trees on the lake's banks.

There are several public beaches where you can relax, but nothing beats a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the lake. The best way to experience nature at Red Rock Lake is perhaps hiking, and Elk Rock State Park offers 13 miles of nature trails that can be explored on foot, by bike, or on horseback.

There are also plenty of camping opportunities in Elk Rock State Park, with a variety of campsites, as well as the option to camp on the lake for a few days or weeks.

The Army Corps of Engineers has five campsites on the lake, totaling 432, and the two parks run by the county offer even more camper opportunities. Elk Rock State Park also features a number of picnic areas as well as a variety of camping options. Lake Red Rock Campground, the largest campground in Iowa, has boat ramps leading to and from the lake, a picnic area with picnic tables, picnic benches, showers and playgrounds, and campfires and showers. Each campsite has its own toilet, shower, playground and a boat ramp leading to the lake.

Iowa's largest lake will impress any visitor, and nature lovers have a variety of ways to experience nature. Lake Red Rock offers many opportunities for those looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure, but it also hosts a number of nature campsites and picnic areas.