Fishing enthusiasts and trail users find direct access to the Des Moines River and Lake Red Rock from this Army Corps of Engineers campground. The 80-foot maximum RV length accommodates larger rigs on gravel sites that require some leveling, while mature trees provide extensive shade coverage throughout the campground.
Sites include electric and water hookups with fire rings and picnic tables, though natural privacy between spots remains limited despite generous spacing. The paved walking and biking trail runs along the river and connects to the broader trail system, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing including bald eagles and blue herons. Cell service proves spotty, particularly for Verizon users. Clean restrooms and shower facilities serve campers, with handicap-accessible options available.
Jay M. notes the campground "is one out of five COE CG's that are around Lake Red Rock." The dam provides immediate fishing access, while the Dutch-themed town of Pella sits 4.2 miles northeast. Firewood sells for $5 per bundle at the front gate, and potable water is available at the easily accessible dump station.
The campground operates from April 10 through October 27 at $22-24 per night. For a different lakeside experience, Ivan's Recreation Area offers an alternative just south of Howell Station.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundHowell Station is located in Iowa
Directions
1081 198th PlacePella, Iowa 50219From 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.
Address
1081 198th Place
Pella, IA 50219
Coordinates
41.365 N
92.9736111 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/23/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/23/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/23/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/23/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 44 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 6 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 35 min from Iowa City, IA
- 1 hr 45 min from Cedar Rapids, IA






