Elk Rock State Park

Elk Rock State Park boasts more than 50,000 acres of public land available for a variety of recreational activities. The park is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest body of water, and offers ample opportunity for boating and fishing. Elk Rock is named for its unusual rock formation located near the south side of the river, and was once home to Native Americans from the Archaic Culture. The park is a popular spot for equestrians, with trails and unique amenities available at the equestrian campground.


PLAN YOUR VISIT

Hike through woodland habitats and remnants of prairie along the park’s 13-mile multi-use trail system. Trails radiate from the equestrian campground and provide ample opportunity for horseback riding, mountain biking and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. A one-mile, all-weather trail provides convenient access from the campground to the back area of the park.

Boat or fish in the waters of Lake Red Rock. Two boat ramps provide easy access to the lake and are located near the main entrance and park office. Anglers can also enjoy fishing for a variety of species at the lake, including bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish and more.


Camp in one of two campgrounds at Elk Rock. The equestrian campground contains both electric and non electric sites, a shower building, horse stalls, hitching rails and a riding arena. The non equestrian campground features both electric and non electric sites, a modern shower building and dump station. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and advanced reservations can be made online through the online reservation system for Elk Rock State Park.

Reserve the open shelter for a family meal during your visit. The shelter is located one mile north of the main park entrance on Highway 14. Advanced reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Elk Rock State Park.



Elk Rock State Park
811 146th Avenue
Knoxville, IA 50138
Ph. 641-842-6008
Elk_Rock@dnr.iowa.gov


TRAILS: Currently all multi-use trails are closed to biking and equestrian traffic due to wet trail surface conditions. The trails are still available to hike, jog and walk on. This bulletin will be removed when trails are opened back up for biking and equestrian use. For further information please call the park office at 641-842-6008. (updated 11/7/2024). 

On Saturday January 4th and Sunday January 5th 2024, the park will be closed to the public for a antler less deer management hunt. The park will re-open to the public on Monday January 6th 2025. For more information please contact the park office at 641-842-6008.

As of Monday October 21st 2024 all modern restrooms and shower buildings will be closed for the season. The campsite electricity and water hydrants will remain on year round. The buildings will be reopened in mid-April 2025. (Posted 10/7/2024)

AMENITIES AT A GLANCE

  • Horseback riding
  • Playground
  • Boat ramps (2)
  • Boat dock
  • Shelters
  • Modern restroom
  • Shower building
  • Electric, equestrian campsites
  • Non electric, equestrian campsites
  • Buddy, equestrian campsites
  • Electric campsites
  • Non electric campsites
  • Youth group-only campsites
  • Dump station