Roberts Creek Park is a vast 1535-acre county park near Red Rock Lake and Pella, Iowa. It has tons of outdoor fun and is known for its excellent campground, making it a popular Iowa park!
So, whether you want to camp, kayak, fish, bike, play frisbee golf, or go boating in Central Iowa, Roberts Creek Park is worth checking out!
About Roberts Creek Park
Roberts Creek Park has two sections, on the east and west sides of Roberts Creek Lake. Both are off Highway G28 on the north shores of Red Rock Lake.
Find campgrounds and boat ramps for Roberts Creek Lake on both sides of the park. The disc golf course is at Roberts Creek East, and the picnic area is at Roberts Creek West.
Things To Do at Roberts Creek Park
Go camping!
Camping is perhaps the most popular activity at Roberts Creek Park! And we understand why! With over 100 campsites (many with full hookups), excellent facilities, and its proximity to so much fun, it’s an ideal place to camp. For more information, see the campground section below.
Canoe, kayak, or paddleboard at Roberts Creek Lake
Roberts Creek Lake is a 288-acre no-wake lake. And it’s perfect for exploring by canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. There are boat ramps at Roberts Creek East (1602 Filmore Dr., Otley, IA) and Roberts Creek West (1562 Hwy G28, Otley, IA).
Take your own watercraft or rent one locally! You can reserve a canoe through Marion County Conservation. Or check out SUP Red Rock – they have kayak and paddleboard rentals available for pickup in Pella. Or they can deliver your rental to Roberts Creek East boat launch for a small fee.
Go fishing
Fish by boat* or shore at Roberts Creek Lake! According to the Iowa DNR, anglers commonly catch Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Channel Catfish. The good news is that you can also cross the road to fish at Lake Red Rock!
And if you’re looking for a winter outdoor activity, head to the lake once it’s frozen and try your hand at ice fishing.
*Boat ramps are available on both sides of the lake. The lake has no motor restrictions, but all boats must operate at no-wake speeds.
Play a round of disc golf
Roberts Creek East Campground has a scenic 9-hole disc golf course with concrete tees. The course winds through the woods and along the lakeshores and is worth checking out!
Take a bike ride (or hike!) on the Volksweg Trail
The 13+ mile Volksweg Trail is a beautiful paved trail stretching from Red Rock Lake to Pella.
Bike or walk through the woods and take in gorgeous lake views along the northern shores of Red Rock! Find the nearest trailhead by Roberts Creek West, at 1562 Highway G28, Otley. See the trail map here.
Have a picnic
Stop for a picnic at Roberts Creek West! The picnic area is east of the park road near the West park entrance. And if you need a little post-picnic fun, head up the road to the West campground for a game of Cornhole or Horseshoes.
Hunt
Hunting is allowed on 500 acres on the park’s north end—hunt for upland game, turkey, rabbit, deer, and more. Seasons and species are restricted by Iowa hunting regulations for public hunting areas. Find hunting regulations and license information at the Iowa DNR website.
Park Map
Roberts Creek Campgrounds
Roberts Creek Campgrounds have excellent campsites close to tons of outdoor recreation! What more could you ask for? Below are the highlights of each campground.
Roberts Creek East Campground
- 55 campsites; all full hookups
- Back-in gravel pads
- Modern restroom/shower facilities
- Playground
- Dump station
- Most sites are reservable at MyCountyParks.com, but a few are first-come, first-serve
- See the campground map here
- Near disc golf course & boat ramp; Red Rock Lake nearby
Roberts Creek West Campground
- 81 campsites, including full hookups, electric, and grassy tent sites
- Concrete & gravel pads; most sites back-in, a few pull-through
- Modern restroom/shower facilities
- Playground, Cornhole, & Horseshoes
- Most campsites are reservable at MyCountyParks.com, but a few are first-come, first-serve
- Dump station at Roberts Creek East
- See the campground map here
- Near Volksweg trailhead & Red Rock Lake
Things to Do Nearby
The park is next to Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake. So, if you want to boat, swim, camp, fish, picnic, hike, or bike, you’ll find plenty to do around the lake. North Overlook Beach, Red Rock Marina, and the Red Rock Visitor’s Center are fun places to check out.
Cordova Park is across the highway from Roberts Creek West. Head over to climb the Cordova Observation Tower – for a workout and views of the Des Moines River Valley. The cost is $0.50 per person. Or rent one of the Cordova Park cabins!
Pella is a quaint Iowa town steeped in Dutch history—and it’s a 15-minute drive from the park! It’s an excellent place to shop, eat, and tour the museums while you’re visiting. And if you’re there in May, see thousands of tulips bloom!
Slideways is 10 miles from Roberts Creek in Knoxville. It has many fun activities, like mini-golf, go-karts, food, and drinks!
While in Knoxville, head to the Knoxville Raceway to see a sprint car race or another event. Check out the raceway’s event schedule here.
The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is 25 miles northwest of the park. This 8600-acre restoration project has excellent outdoor activities for all ages! The Prairie Learning Center, auto tour, and trails are some of the most popular things to do there.
Visit Roberts Creek Park Today!
Roberts Creek East is at 1617 Fillmore Dr, Otley, IA 50214.
Roberts Creek West entrance is at 1519 Hwy G 28, Otley, Iowa.
Roberts Creek East
Roberts Creek West
