The main area has many camp sites, two boat ramps, park office, and various trails.

The Sac and Fox tribes granted white settlers rights to the grounds in 1842.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers began construction of a dam in 1960 and completed it in 1969.

In 1969, the Iowa Conservation Commission leased land from the Corps of Engineers to establish North Elk Rock (now Cordova Park).

The Red Rock Reservoir provides for good fishing as well as general boating and swimming activities.