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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.
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.
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.
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.
Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.
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.
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.
Beautiful area with big lots. Verizon signal isn't good, but you can still make phone calls.
This place is so nice. Lots of wildlife, easy access to lots of fishing.
One "downer" before I sing the praises of Howell Station: as far as I can tell, there are no full hookup sites nor any with water. You can fill your tanks as you enter the campground.
The Army Corps of Engineers has done an incredible job with Howell Station. What I like best is its proximity to my daughter's house - but that may not be at the top of your list.
Other things of note:
Spacious sites
Incredibly clean
Friendly staff
If you don't mind having an electric only site, give Howell Station a try. I think you'll love it too (even if you don't have a daughter nearby).
Nice camping lots with privacy and room to move. Lots of walking areas to walk, bike and run. Easy to take your dog. Clean bathrooms and showers have great pressure and hot water! Great views and fishing from bank!
