South Tailwater Picnic Shelter sits among the stunning landscapes of Lake Red Rock in Iowa . With 35 campsites (RV-friendly up to 45 feet feet) , restrooms, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are Apr-oct when the weather is most comfortable .
🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.
🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
📸 Discover the Beauty of Lake Red Rock
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Apr, May, Sep
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
South Tailwater Picnic Shelter located in Knoxville Township, Iowa, offering 35 camping sites.
South Tailwater Picnic Shelter
A Rural campground in Iowa
Overview
Visitors Enjoy Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Biking and Viewing Wildlife. Wildlife Is Abundant Around the Lake.
South Tailwater Is Situated on the South Bank of the Des Moines River, Offering Scenic Views.
South Tailwater Picnic Shelter Is Located on the Des Moines River on the South End of Red Rock Dam Adjacent From the Visitor Center 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.
for More Information Regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, Click Here: Lake Red Rock Website
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.
South Tailwater Picnic Shelter Is a Conventional Open Shelter That Offers 20 Amp Electrical Service, Picnic Tables, an Outdoor Grill, 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. 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
Lake Red Rock Is Just 10 Minutes From Pella, Known for Its Dutch Heritage, and 15 Minutes From Knoxville, the Sprint Car Capital of the World. 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.
Managed by: Us Army Corps of EngineersSite Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 35
- Hookup Types: Electric (20amp)
- Max RV Length: 45 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: No
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: No
- 🛝 Playground: No
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address: 1090 County Highway T15
City: Knoxville Township, Iowa 50138.0
Coordinates: 41.364799, -92.985483
Area Type: Rural
Phone: (877) 444-6677
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Swimming|fishing|hiking|biking|picnic|electric|water|lake|river|trail|rv|shelter|visitor-center
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: Free
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS
Signal Quality: Fair
Total Stations: 8 stations
Nearest Market: DES MOINES/CEDAR RAPIDS
Notes: Signals FROM DES MOINES/CEDAR RAPIDS MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 18 stations (6 AM, 12 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: Country, Classic ROCK, NEWS/TALK
Local News: WHO 1040 Am
Market: DES MOINES
Notes: 6 AM, 12 FM Stations from Des Moines
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ Pella Co-op Electric
Distance: 3.4 miles away
Address: 2615 Washington St, Pella, IA
Network: non-networked
Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • J1772
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 10239231
- Managing Agency: Us Army Corps of Engineers
- Agency Email: recreation.gov
- Agency Website: https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Red-Rock/
- Parent Park: Lake Red Rock
- Park Website: /parks/lake-red-rock/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: Other
- Parks Post Name: lake-red-rock
- Parent Park Name: Lake Red Rock
- Correct Park Type Mapping: lake-red-rock
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 14.0
- States Covered: Iowa
- Managing Agencies: Us Army Corps of Engineers
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 130.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 160
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 130.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 160, 160.0
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: iowa
- Agency Slug: us-army-corps-of-engineers
- Park Type Slug: other
- Parent Park Slug: lake-red-rock
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: us-army-corps-of-engineers
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