Skip to main content
FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

NORTH OVERLOOK PICNIC SHELTER (IA)

Pella, Iowa · Marion County · Campground

Overview North Overlook Picnic Shelter is located adjacent from North Overlook Campground 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. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing…

Advertisement
41.36392, -92.98646
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at NORTH OVERLOOK PICNIC SHELTER (IA)

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High78°F
Avg Low58°F
Peak Rain Chance15%
Humidity70%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality58 · Moderate
Today
☁️
Overcast
82°/65°
💧 15%🌬 14mph
5:41 AM8:38 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
85°/62°
💧 5%🌬 9mph
5:40 AM8:38 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
75°/53°
💧 1%🌬 12mph
5:40 AM8:39 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
73°/53°
💧 2%🌬 12mph
5:40 AM8:40 PM
Thu
☁️
Overcast
77°/56°
💧 6%🌬 11mph
5:39 AM8:41 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About NORTH OVERLOOK PICNIC SHELTER (IA)

Overview North Overlook Picnic Shelter is located adjacent from North Overlook Campground 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. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife. For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here: Lake Red Rock Website Recreation 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. Facilities North Overlook Picnic Shelter is a conventional open shelter that offers 20 amp electrical service, picnic tables, an outdoor grill, fire ring, water fountain 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. Natural Features Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at North Overlook, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. 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 Des Moines, I

How to Get There

1007 Hwy T15Knoxville, Iowa 50138From Pella, Iowa, take County Highway T-15 southwest for 3 miles, then follow signs to North Overlook Picnic Shelter.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to NORTH OVERLOOK PICNIC SHELTER (IA)

Heading to NORTH OVERLOOK PICNIC SHELTER (IA)? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for NORTH OVERLOOK PICNIC SHELTER (IA)?

No central reservation system listed for NORTH OVERLOOK PICNIC SHELTER (IA). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251366) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to NORTH OVERLOOK PICNIC SHELTER (IA)?

1007 Hwy T15Knoxville, Iowa 50138From Pella, Iowa, take County Highway T-15 southwest for 3 miles, then follow signs to North Overlook Picnic Shelter.

How do I contact NORTH OVERLOOK PICNIC SHELTER (IA)?

You can reach the park at phone: 641-828-7522.