North Overlook Camp
4.6375 reviews1007 Highway T15, Pella, Iowa 50219
North Overlook Camp
$14.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$24.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$14.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season fees range from $14 per night for primitive tent sites without electricity to $20-$24 for sites with 50-amp electric hookups.
About this campground
Perched along the shores of Iowa's magnificent Lake Red Rock, North Overlook Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of waterfront serenity and woodland adventure. This hidden gem invites you to wake up to misty lake views, spend your days exploring miles of scenic trails, and end your evenings casting a line as the sun paints the water golden. Whether you're paddling across the state's largest lake, cycling through rolling hills, or simply relaxing at your campsite, North Overlook delivers the quintessential Iowa outdoor experience.
North Overlook Campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and primitive camping.
Historical SignificanceJust moments from your campsite lies the charming town of Pella, where Dutch windmills spin lazily against Iowa skies and tulips bloom in magnificent abundance. This living piece of Netherlands heritage comes alive during the world-famous Tulip Time Festival, when thousands of vibrant blooms transform the town into a photographer's dream. The proximity to Pella adds a delightful cultural dimension to your camping adventure, offering authentic Dutch bakeries, historic architecture, and warm Midwestern hospitality.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms North Overlook into an outdoor paradise, with warm sunshine and gentle breezes creating ideal conditions for every adventure imaginable. Long days invite extended hikes, lazy afternoons on the water, and starlit evenings around the campfire. As autumn approaches, the hardwood forests burst into spectacular color. While winter brings a crystalline beauty to the frozen landscape with light dustings of snow, the campground closes for the season, allowing nature to rest and renew.
Natural Features and SceneryNorth Overlook's stunning hardwood forests create a natural amphitheater around your camping experience, where towering oaks and maples filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The campground's crown jewel remains Lake Red Rock itself, stretching endlessly toward the horizon. Wildlife enthusiasts will discover a year-round spectacle here – majestic bald eagles soar overhead from November through March, while spring and fall bring remarkable migrations of American White Pelicans, their snow-white formations creating unforgettable moments against azure skies.
Geological RegionCarved by the ancient Des Moines River and now embraced by Iowa's largest lake, North Overlook occupies a remarkable geological canvas. The surrounding hardwood forests tell stories of centuries past, their roots anchored in rich river valley soil. Lake Red Rock itself stands as a testament to both natural forces and human ingenuity, creating a vast aquatic playground where the Des Moines River once meandered through prairie lands. This unique meeting of forest, river, and reservoir creates diverse ecosystems that support an incredible array of plant and animal life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited based on user reviews. One review from 10/3/2020 mentioned difficulty finding fishing spots that were handicap/stroller accessible.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and shaded, with comments like "Loved how big our site was" (User review from 8/28/2020).
Sites PrivacySites vary in privacy; some are close together while others offer more seclusion. A user from 9/18/2021 noted: "Some sites like #51 are very close to a busy road and sit right in the middle of two other campsites."
Total Campsites52 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor quieter spots, avoid sites near the main road (e.g., site 51). Sites near the playground (e.g., 5) are ideal for families.
Best CampsitesSites 39, 48, and 51 are highly rated for views and proximity to amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per campsite.
Groups
Group camping details are not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes 46 sites with electric hookups and 6 primitive tent sites. Sites are shaded and arranged in loops.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season runs from April 24 to October 5. Out-of-season reservations are unavailable.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or via phone at 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations must be made in advance.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies prior to the check-in date. Late cancellations incur an additional fee of forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a range of recreational activities, taking advantage of its proximity to Lake Red Rock. Activities include swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. Wildlife viewing is also popular, with bald eagles and pelicans among the species observed.
Hiking
Several miles of trails are accessible from the campground, including the 15-mile paved Volksweg Trail stretching west from Pella to the Des Moines River. Reviews highlight the convenience of trail access, with one noting: "Access to the trails and beach was a great plus" (User review from 7/6/2022).Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant, with anglers targeting crappie, bass (largemouth and striped), walleye, catfish (channel and flathead), northern pike, and bluegill. However, some users reported challenges finding handicap-accessible fishing spots.Swimming
Swimming is available at North Overlook Beach, located within a quarter mile of the campground. Some users mentioned that the beach's distance required a bit of walking.Biking
Bike trails are easily accessible, with one review praising the ability to "jump on a bike and go for a relaxing ride" in two different directions (User review from 9/17/2021). The Volksweg Trail is a highlight for cyclists.Boating
Boating is popular, with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and speed boating. Water skiing is also available, and the lake has designated water trails for paddlers.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with bald eagles observed from November through March and pelicans migrating in spring and fall. Deer, turkeys, and other small animals are commonly seen around the lake.Beach activities
Beach activities are centered around North Overlook Beach, which users described as quiet and serene during weekdays. However, its distance from campsites may require a walk.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are well-supported, with designated water trails for paddlers.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood is available in limited supply at the campground; campers are encouraged to bring their own due to potential shortages.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes can be problematic during late spring and summer months. Large ant hills are mentioned in user reviews for specific sites.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.4 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
Emergency Services
Emergency services can be found in nearby Pella, including hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 24 to October 5 each year.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is available, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated within 1/4 mile of North Overlook Beach at Lake Red Rock.
Common complaintsLimited facilities such as only one dump station for 50 sites, which causes backups during peak check-out times. Lack of full hookups is also noted.
HostHosts are praised for their friendliness and responsiveness, with many reviewers highlighting their helpfulness.
Campground Map
1007 Highway T15, Pella, Iowa 50219
Driving directionsFrom Pella, Iowa, take County Highway T-15 southwest for 3 miles, then follow signs to the campground.
The campground is easily accessible via paved roads from Pella, located 3 miles southwest along County Highway T-15. Roads are considered reliable year-round.Nearby places
Pella (3 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Knoxville (15 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Des Moines (approximately 60 miles, 1 hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are accessible in Pella, located 3 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
75 reviews
North Overlook Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground for its cleanliness, scenic views, and friendly hosts. Key complaints include mosquito prevalence, road noise, and limited accessibility for some activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 75 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews consistently highlight clean facilities, spacious campsites, friendly staff, and convenient access to trails and the lake. Many users also appreciated the shaded sites and quiet atmosphere...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include insufficient firewood supply, mosquito issues, cramped dump station access, and road noise. Accessibility challenges were also mentioned by some users.
Based on 75 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing your own firewood, preparing for mosquitoes, and exploring the nearby trails and lake. One reviewer suggested visiting during the Tulip Time Festival in Pella.
Based on 75 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews often mention mosquito issues and high campground activity. Winter reviews are sparse, as the campground is closed from October 5 to April 23.
Based on 75 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Showers were roomier than many have in their own homes!" (7/16/2022). "Access to the trails and beach was a great plus" (7/6/2022). "Great paved, walking paths. We love this campground for the wide...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #51 received mixed feedback for its proximity to a busy road and lack of privacy, while site #39 was praised for its scenic lakeview. Site #46 was noted for its large ant hills.
Based on 75 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility challenges were noted by users, such as difficulties finding handicap-accessible fishing spots.
Based on 75 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and related features were not addressed in reviews.
Based on 75 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025