No detected openings were recorded in the last 90 days. Campsite Sniper monitors South Overlook (IA) continuously and will alert you if that changes.
Of the 366 tracked reservation dates (Sep 18, 2026 – Mar 19, 2027): 20 closed · 346 unavailable (cause unspecified).
No online availability right now
Load status
Sep 18, 2026 – Mar 19, 2027Of the 366 tracked reservation dates (Sep 18, 2026 – Mar 19, 2027): 20 closed · 346 unavailable (cause unspecified).
Open dates by month
Sep 2026 – Mar 2027No month in range currently shows online availability. 0 open reservation dates across the tracked window — these reservation dates are a mix of reserved, closed, unreleased and non-reservable dates.
Holiday windows — day use
Units open per date · of 2 shelters| Window | Date | Units open | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | SAT Sep 5 | 0 | None open |
| SUN Sep 6 | 0 | None open | |
| MON Sep 7 | 0 | None open | |
| Thanksgiving | THU Nov 26 | 0 | None open |
| FRI Nov 27 | 0 | None open | |
| SAT Nov 28 | 0 | None open | |
| Christmas | THU Dec 24 | 0 | None open |
| FRI Dec 25 | 0 | None open | |
| New Year | THU Dec 31 | 0 | None open |
| FRI Jan 1 | 0 | None open |
Labor Day: no online availability on any tracked date. Thanksgiving: no online availability on any tracked date. Christmas: no online availability on any tracked date. New Year: no online availability on any tracked date.
About South Overlook (IA)
Overview
South Overlook is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 miles from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 miles 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
Features
Octagon Shelter
7 - Picnic tables
2 - Standard electrical outlets
1 - 36” x 28” outdoor grill
88 - Paved parking stalls (shared with rectangle shelter)
1 - 6 foot diameter fire ring Water fountain
Close to restroom
Rectangle Shelter
5 - Picnic tables
2 - Standard electrical outlets
1 - 36” x 31” outdoor grill
88 - Paved parking stalls (shared with octagon shelter)
Water fountain
Lake view
Close to restroom
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,largemouth and striped bass, walleye, 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
South Overlook offers two reservable picnic shelters with 20 amp electrical outlets. Flush toilets are located nearby. A large parking lot will provide ample space for larger crowds.
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 a special event permit. Click the link below to apply for an event permit: Special Event Permit
If shelters are not reserved, they are 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 South Overlook, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrate 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, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.
Getting there
1105 North HWY T15 Knoxville, Iowa 50138 From Pella, Iowa, follow county road T-15 southwest for 4 miles, then follow signs to South Overlook.
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
Photo gallery
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at South Overlook (IA)?
Campsite Sniper's current snapshot shows none of the 366 tracked reservation dates open for online reservation at South Overlook (IA). That can mean dates are reserved, closed, not yet released, or offered first-come, first-served rather than online. Pick the shelter on the map to see its reservation calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
Does Campsite Sniper book this facility for me?
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
How current is this availability data?
Campsite Sniper re-checks public Recreation.gov availability for this facility every hour and republishes whenever anything changes. This facility's data last changed at Sep 18, 2026 16:19 UTC; an older timestamp means nothing has changed since that time, not that checking stopped. Always confirm final availability on Recreation.gov when you book.
Does South Overlook (IA) have online availability right now?
As of the Sep 18, 2026 snapshot, none of the 366 tracked reservation dates are open for online reservation. That can mean dates are reserved, closed, not yet released, or offered first-come, first-served rather than online. A free Campsite Sniper alert tells you if any date opens online.
Let the app watch this shelter
Choose the reservation dates you want at South Overlook (IA).
Campsite Sniper can monitor this facility and notify you if a selected date becomes available.
When a selected date becomes available, you get a push with a Recreation.gov link so you can review and book it yourself.