Kayaking & Canoeing the Lake Red Rock
Iowa paddling guide
- 37 mi
- River mapped
- 14
- Boat launches
- 21
- Campgrounds
- 1
- Counties
The Lake Red Rock is one of Iowa's designated water trails, tracing roughly 37 mi, winding through Marion County. This guide maps 14 public boat launches and access points and 21 nearby campgrounds on the Lake Red Rock, plus the live USGS gauge readings you need to plan a safe day kayaking, canoeing or tubing in Iowa.
A popular way to paddle the Lake Red Rock is to put in at Boxcar Bend and take out at Red Rock Tailwater Area North — check the live gauge first and always leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out.
Boat launches & access points on the Lake Red Rock
14 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Boxcar BendMarion Co.
- ▸CordovaMarion Co.
- ▸Elk Rock A AccessMarion Co.
- ▸Elk Rock B AccessMarion Co.
- ▸Red Rock Marina RampMarion Co.
- ▸Red Rock Marina RampMarion Co.
- ▸Red Rock Tailwater Area NorthMarion Co.
- ▸Red Rock Tailwater Area SouthMarion Co.
- ▸Robert's Creek East RampMarion Co.
- ▸Robert's Creek West RampMarion Co.
- ▸South Overlook AccessMarion Co.
- ▸Ted Johnson's PondMarion Co.
- ▸Whitebreast AccessMarion Co.
- ▸Whitebreast AccessMarion Co.
Camping near the Lake Red Rock
- ⛺A1
- ⛺A3
- ⛺Campground
- ⛺Coal Ridge
- ⛺Equestrian CampgroundMarion Co.
- ⛺Equestrian Campground
- ⛺Hickory Ridge CampsiteMarion Co.
- ⛺Modern Campground
- ⛺Non-equestrian CampgroundMarion Co.
- ⛺North Overlook Camp
- ⛺North Overlook Recreation Area
- ⛺Pioneer Grove
- ⛺Ponca
- ⛺Roberts Creek East
- ⛺Roberts Creek East Campground
- ⛺Roberts Creek West
- ⛺Roberts Creek West Campground
- ⛺Wallashuck Recreation Area
- ⛺Whitebreast Heights
- ⛺Whitebreast Recreation Area
- ⛺Woodlands
Live Lake Red Rock conditions
The Lake Red Rock is generally paddleable in normal summer flows, but Iowa rivers change fast with rainfall. Check the live USGS gauge and flood-safety status before you launch, avoid the river during or after heavy rain, and never paddle water flagged as dangerously high.
River levels change fast. Check the live USGS gauges, weather radar and flood-safety status for the Lake Red Rock on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Lake Red Rock paddling FAQ
- Is the Lake Red Rock safe to paddle right now?
- The Lake Red Rock is generally paddleable in normal summer flows, but Iowa rivers change fast with rainfall. Check the live USGS gauge and flood-safety status before you launch, avoid the river during or after heavy rain, and never paddle water flagged as dangerously high.
- Where can I put in and take out on the Lake Red Rock?
- A popular run is from Boxcar Bend to Red Rock Tailwater Area North. In all, the Lake Red Rock has 14 mapped public boat launches — leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out and confirm access before you go.
- How long is the Lake Red Rock?
- About 37 mi of the Lake Red Rock is mapped for paddling across 1 Iowa county, with 14 access points to build shorter day trips.
- Do I need a permit to kayak or canoe the Lake Red Rock?
- No permit is required to paddle Iowa's rivers. Non-motorized kayaks and canoes don't need registration; just wear a life vest, check the live USGS gauge, and avoid the river during or after heavy rain.
Rivers to paddle near the Lake Red Rock
Close by if you're planning a kayaking or canoeing trip in this part of Iowa:
Paddle more of Iowa
The Lake Red Rock is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.