Lake Red Rock is a reservoir on the Des Moines River and the largest lake in the state of Iowa. The lake was formed by flooding the former town of Red Rock. It is a recreational hot spot with a number of activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, and camping. Two sides of the lake are operated as Elk Rock State Park and a couple of other parks also line the shore. Several campgrounds are available for those who would like to spend the night. The lake’s so-called “water trail” is a float path popular among paddlers where you can travel on the Des Moines River from Polk County’s southeast corner to Red Rock Dam.

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