Howell Station

Show on map 641-828-7522 lakeredrock@usace.army.mil

1081 198th Place
Pella, IA 50219

Overview

Howell Station Campground sits just below the Red Rock Dam and Lake on the north side of the Des Moines River. Lake Red Rock is Iowa's largest lake, located just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.

For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here: Lake Red Rock Website

Recreation

Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline. Anglers will find crappie, largemouth and striped bass, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill. Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area.

Facilities

Howell Station offers 143 campsites with 50-amp electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and two dump stations.
Younger campers love the park's playgrounds, while anglers enjoy the great river fishing access.

Natural Features

Hardwood forests cover the riverbanks at Howell Station, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrate through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. White-tailed deer, turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake.

Contact Info

For local information, please call (641) 620-1802 or call (641) 828-7522 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.

Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

Camp site features

Across 135 camp sites:

Electric hookups: all 135 sites
Pets allowed: all 135 sites
ADA accessible: 2 of 135 sites
Longest RV: 80 ft
Largest party: 8 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

1081 198th Place Pella, Iowa 50219 From Pella, Iowa, take Highway T-15 southwest for 5 miles, then turn east on Idaho Drive to 198th Place. Travel south and follow signs to campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 3 PM, check out by 2 PM.

Reviews

867 reviews

5 stars

599

4 stars

206

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Marcus B

Loop:Prai

Site:

Reviewed 17 days ago

Absolutely love this campground. It's well maintained, the staff are always friendly and helpful. The trails through the area are kept clean and in good repair. The highlight of most trips here, is seeing the wildlife. From the eagles along the river to the deer that almost come up close to the grounds, it's just a beautiful place.

Shirley A

Loop:Prai

Site:

Reviewed 18 days ago

Lovely large, clean campsites! Clean shower houses! Bike trail through the campground along the river! The charming town of Pella is just a few miles away-beautiful town square, lots of historical sites, and some amazing bakeries and meat markets! We love the Windmill Cafe downtown, and West Side Social close to the COE.

Kristi W

Loop:Kvil

Site:

Reviewed 18 days ago

The spots are so nice and big. We love this campground and our spot was excellent.

Brad E

Loop:Kvil

Site:

Reviewed 18 days ago

Staff were courteous and thorough.

Kathi T

Loop:Prai

Site:

Reviewed 18 days ago

We love Howell Station. Great biking paths especially for those not wanting to do hills. There is shade as well as sunshine. The internet is very weak.

Rex R

Loop:Kvil

Site:

Reviewed 21 days ago

Very clean well maintained. Best bike trails ever. Most Beautiful city in Pela.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve