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Welcome to Lake Red Rock

Lake Red Rock is Iowa's largest lake with more than 13,000 acres of water and 35,000 acres of land for visitors to enjoy. Located on the Des Moines River just 45 miles southeast, and downriver, of the city of Des Moines, Iowa, the reservoir collects runoff and drainage from a 12,320 square-mile area in Iowa and southern Minnesota. This protects communities and agriculture lands downstream from the Red Rock Dam. The maximum flood control pool is 780 feet above sea level, over 33 miles long, and covers 65,500 acres. Other lake area benefits include numerous recreational opportunities and natural resources on the water and surrounding public lands.

Lake Red Rock Links

Father and Son with Fish
Father and Son with fish
Campers at Whitebreast Campground
Campers at Whitebreast Campground
North Tailwater Recreation Area Now Open to the Public
North Tailwater Recreation Area
The popular day use area is now open for fishing, picnicking and other day use activities. The section of the Volksweg Trail through this park has also reopened for hiking and biking.
Family sitting on bench watching river in South Tailwater
Family sitting on bench watching river in South Tailwater
Man walking dog on Volksweg Trail
Man Walking Dog on the Volksweg Trail
Fishermen in South Tailwater Rec. Area
Fishermen in South Tailwater Rec. Area
The South Tailwater Recreation Area is a popular spot for shoreline fishing.
Observation Deck at Red Rock Visitor Center
Observation Deck at Red Rock Visitor Center
The Red Rock Visitor Center is open Mon.-Fri. from 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Stop by the Red Rock Visitor Center to learn about lake area history and information about the parks.
Red Rock Visitor Center
The Red Rock Visitor Center is located on the south side of the Red Rock Dam. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Bikers on Volksweg Trail
Bikers on Volksweg Trail
Duck Hunter wearing a life jacket as he prepares his decoys for hunting
Be a Wise Man - Wear a Life Jacket
Duck Hunter wearing a life jacket
Lake Red Rock offers visitors great sunsets for photo ops!
Sunset at South Overlook
Lake Red Rock offers visitors amazing sunset views
Whitetail Deer
Whitetail Deer
Lake Red Rock is a wildlife watchers' paradise with opportunities to see deer, waterfowl, songbirds, and more.
North Overlook Campground - Sept. 2020
North Overlook Campground
The North Overlook Campground features a new six-plex family style restroom/shower house, playground, access to the 17-mile Volksweg paved bike trail, and much more! For campsite availability and to make reservations, please visit www.recreation.gov or call toll free 1-877-444-6777.
White pelicans and gulls sitting on sandbar along river
Pelicans and Gulls in the Tailwaters
Large flocks of white pelicans migrate through the Red Rock area in spring and fall, and they can often be seen in protected coves on the lake and along the river below the dam.
Scenic View of Lake Red Rock's Shoreline
Rocky Shoreline
Scenic View of Lake Red Rock's Shoreline
Bicycling on the 17-mile Volksweg paved trail offers scenic views of parks, prairies, woodlands, and beautiful views of Lake Red Rock.
Bicyclist on the Volksweg Trail
Bicycling the 17-mile Volksweg paved trail offers scenic views of parks, prairies, woodlands, and beautiful views of Lake Red Rock.

Latest News

Road Closure over Red Rock Dam June 25-26
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces a full road closure to Highway T15 across the Red Rock Dam June 25-26. The closure is necessary for the ongoing rehabilitation project...
Road Closure over Red Rock Dam June 9-11
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces a full road closure to Highway T15 across the Red Rock Dam June 9-11. The closure is necessary for the ongoing rehabilitation project...
Road Closure over Red Rock Dam June 3-5
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces a full road closure to Highway T15 across the Red Rock Dam June 3-5. The closure is necessary for the ongoing rehabilitation project...

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