No detected openings were recorded in the last 90 days. Campsite Sniper monitors North Overlook Picnic Shelter (IA) continuously and will alert you if that changes.
Of the 17 tracked reservation dates (Sep 18 – Oct 4, 2026): 11 open for online reservation · 3 reserved · 3 on sites not offered for online reservation (first-come, first-served or administrative).
Where the open windows are
Load status
Sep 18 – Oct 4, 2026Of the open reservation dates on mapped day-use units, 7 fall on weekdays and 4 on weekends (Fri–Sun).
Open dates by month
Sep 2026 – Oct 2026September holds the most room. 8 of 13 reservation dates are still open there.
Holiday windows — day use
Units open per date · of 1 shelter| 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 |
Labor Day: no online availability on any tracked date.
Availability by shelter
Most open reservation dates · tracked window| Shelter | Open reservation dates |
|---|---|
| North Overlook Picnic Shelter | 11 |
This shelter currently has 11 reservation dates available.
Next windows
As of Sep 18, 2026 snapshotThe next bookable date is Sep 22; the first open weekend starts Sep 25. Campsite Sniper can watch later dates for you.
Reservation dates
All 1 shelter with current availability
| Shelter | Open reservation dates | Consecutive dates | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Overlook Picnic Shelter | 11 | 6 dates | Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 1, Oct 2, Oct 4 |
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
Features
15 - Picnic tables
6 - Standard electrical outlets
1 - 44" x 40" outdoor grill
62 - Paved parking stalls
2 - Enclosed fireplaces
Overhead lighting
Deck
Water fountain
Close to restroom
Close to Volksweg trial access
Close to beach access
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, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.
Getting there
1007 Hwy T15 Knoxville, Iowa 50138 From Pella, Iowa, take County Highway T-15 southwest for 3 miles, then follow signs to North Overlook Picnic Shelter.
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at North Overlook Picnic Shelter (IA)?
Reservations for North Overlook Picnic Shelter (IA) are made through Recreation.gov. 11 of 17 tracked reservation dates are currently open (64.7%). 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 11:17 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.
Which month has the most availability at North Overlook Picnic Shelter (IA)?
September 2026, with 8 open reservation dates in the current snapshot of 13.
When is the next open date at North Overlook Picnic Shelter (IA)?
As of the Sep 18, 2026 snapshot: the next open date is Tue, Sep 22 and the next open weekend starts Fri, Sep 25. Detected openings can add earlier dates at any time; a free Campsite Sniper alert catches those the moment they appear.
Let the app watch this shelter
Choose the reservation dates you want at North Overlook Picnic Shelter (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.