Kayaking & Canoeing the Shell Rock River
Iowa paddling guide
- 96 mi
- River mapped
- 24
- Boat launches
- 7
- Campgrounds
- 5
- Counties
The Shell Rock River is one of Iowa's paddling rivers, tracing roughly 96 mi through Black Hawk, Butler, Cerro Gordo and Floyd and other Counties. Whether you're kayaking, canoeing or tubing, this guide maps every public boat launch and access point on the Shell Rock River, the campgrounds nearby, and the live gauge readings you need to plan a safe day paddling in Iowa.
Boat launches & access points on the Shell Rock River
24 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Butler County HQButler Co.
- ▸Camp ComfortButler Co.
- ▸Gates BridgeFloyd Co.
- ▸Green Recreational ParkButler Co.
- ▸Heery Woods State ParkButler Co.
- ▸Marble Rock AccessFloyd Co.
- ▸Mather's ForestFloyd Co.
- ▸Nora Springs Mill Dam ParkCerro Gordo Co.
- ▸Ochee Yahola ParkWorth Co.
- ▸Perrin ParkButler Co.
- ▸Rockford ParkFloyd Co.
- ▸Shell Rock AccessBlack Hawk Co.
- ▸Shell Rock City ParkButler Co.
- ▸Shell Rock ParkButler Co.
- ▸Shell Rock River Greenbelt and PreserveCerro Gordo Co.
- ▸Shell Rock Wildlife AreaWorth Co.
- ▸Shell Rock Wildlife AreaButler Co.
- ▸Sidney Swensrud Memorial Wildlife AreaWorth Co.
- ▸Sportsman's Park AccessButler Co.
- ▸Strand ParkCerro Gordo Co.
- ▸Swensrud ParkWorth Co.
- ▸White Wildlife AreaCerro Gordo Co.
- ▸Wilkinson Pioneer ParkCerro Gordo Co.
- ▸Wyatt ParkFloyd Co.
Camping near the Shell Rock River
- ⛺Camp Comfort
- ⛺Campground
- ⛺Campground
- ⛺Campground
- ⛺Ochee Yahola Campround
- ⛺Shell Rock Campground
- ⛺Wilkinson Pioneer County Park Campgrounds
Live Shell Rock River conditions
River levels change fast. Before you launch, check the live USGS gauges, weather radar and flood-safety status for the Shell Rock River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Paddle more of Iowa
The Shell Rock River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.