Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp
4.2756 reviewsElk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp
$22.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
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About this campground
Discover your perfect outdoor escape where adventure meets tranquility. This hidden gem offers everything from peaceful morning hikes to starlit evenings around the campfire. Whether you're seeking solitude in nature or creating memories with loved ones, our campground provides the ideal basecamp for your wilderness experience. Wake up to birdsong, spend your days exploring scenic trails, and unwind as the sun sets over the landscape.
The Elk Rock Campground supports both equestrian and non-equestrian camping, featuring spacious sites with pull-through access and gravel pads.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with stories spanning centuries. Indigenous peoples first called this land home, leaving behind ancient trails and sacred sites that whisper of their deep connection to nature. Early settlers later carved out homesteads here, their remnants still visible along certain paths. Today, visitors can explore interpretive trails that bring these layers of history to life, connecting modern adventurers with the countless souls who've found solace in these same views.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's ever-changing canvas throughout the year. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and gentle breezes perfect for hiking. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and outdoor activities. Fall transforms the landscape into a tapestry of golden hues, while crisp air makes for perfect campfire weather. Winter offers its own magic with peaceful snow-covered vistas and cozy camping experiences for the adventurous soul.
ElevationPerched at an elevation that offers the best of both worlds, our campground provides stunning panoramic views while remaining easily accessible. The altitude creates a natural climate haven - cool enough to escape summer's heat yet mild enough for comfortable camping. This perfect positioning means clearer skies for stargazing, refreshing mountain air, and spectacular sunrise views that will have you reaching for your camera every morning.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a diverse landscape where towering pines create natural cathedrals and meadows burst with seasonal color. Crystal-clear streams meander through the property, their gentle babbling providing nature's soundtrack. Rocky outcroppings offer panoramic viewpoints, while hidden groves provide intimate spaces for quiet reflection. Wildlife thrives here - from deer grazing at dawn to hawks soaring overhead, every day brings new natural encounters.
Geological RegionSet within one of nature's most fascinating geological showcases, our campground sits atop ancient rock formations that tell Earth's story across millions of years. Dramatic cliffs reveal colorful sedimentary layers, while unique rock formations create natural sculptures that photographer's dream about. This geological diversity doesn't just create stunning scenery - it supports unique ecosystems and rare plant species found nowhere else, making every hike a journey through deep time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers some accessibility features, but detailed information is not explicitly provided.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large, spacious, and well-graveled. Some sites are specifically noted to be pull-through.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer a decent level of privacy, with grass tall enough to provide separation between sites, as noted by users.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No specific details provided about group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
A wide range of recreational activities is available at Elk Rock Campground, including equestrian activities, fishing, hiking, biking, and boating. Several trails are marked with distinct color-coded stakes, and the campground offers direct access to Lake Red Rock for water-related activities.
Hiking
The park features three marked trail systems (red, orange, and yellow), which are color-coded with stakes. Reviewers noted that it took effort to piece together the trail maps, as they were inconsistent and incomplete.Fishing
Fishing opportunities at Lake Red Rock include diverse species such as crappie and catfish. One user mentioned that fishing was fruitful during their visit.Biking
Biking is a popular activity due to the nearby 15-mile paved Volksweg Trail, which stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River.Boating
The campground offers a boat ramp with quick access to the lake. One user noted they would bring a small boat next time for better exploration.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, with birds such as the American White Pelican and bald eagles, as well as white-tailed deer and turkeys.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities mentioned.Water Sports
Designated water trails along Lake Red Rock provide opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific information provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Campground Map
Camper Reviews
4.3
56 reviews
Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Elk Rock Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment score of 4.27. Positive aspects include spacious campsites, well-maintained gravel pads, and good equestrian trails. However, there are complaints about unclean restrooms and limited shade in certain areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 56 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the spacious campsites, pull-through accessibility, and clean gravel pads. The campground's equestrian trails and separation between sites were commonly highlighted as...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Key complaints include unclean or poorly maintained restrooms, low-hanging tree branches potentially damaging RVs, and a lack of shade. Some users also noted the distance to the restrooms from...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own firewood due to limited supply on-site. For equestrian campers, tying horses is necessary as there are no box stalls.
Based on 56 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Early in the season, restroom cleanliness can be an issue due to delays in maintenance after winter closures. Summer visits often highlight the need for shade and the heat's impact on equestrian...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'For the first 12 days of our stay the bathrooms were not cleaned.' (Julie Freeze, 2022) - 'Great campsites in the non-electric loop (campsites numbered in the 80's). Plenty of room to spread out.'...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 82 is praised for its grass privacy and ease of access to water spouts but noted for being far from restrooms. Non-electric sites in the 80s are described as spacious but may have hard ground...
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Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 56 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and no critical issues were noted regarding pet policies or experiences.
Based on 56 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025