Howell Station

Lake Red Rock

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 

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.

Notifications and Alerts

Attention Campers! Beginning 2024, Lake Red Rock's new Check-out time will be 12:00 pm. The new Check-in time will be 2:00 pm.

Need to Know

Howell Station does not have a reservation window. You MUST have a reservation prior to occupying a site. 

The fee booth is open 7 days per week: Monday through Thursday: 3:00 - 7:00 pm. Friday through Sunday: 9:00 - 11:00 am & 3:00 - 7:00 pm.

Parking or driving motor vehicles on the grass is not allowed. Boat trailers may be parked on the grass.

Golf carts, UTVs, and ATVs are not permitted.

Camping units are restricted to one wheeled unit and two tents, or three tents per site. A maximum of eight persons per campsite is allowed.

Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out time is 12:00 p.m.

We offer a limited supply of firewood at the campground. If you want to ensure you have firewood for your stay, please plan on bringing your own supply. Travelers entering Iowa are strongly encouraged to leave out-of-state firewood behind.

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.

Nearby Attractions

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

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.

Changes & 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.

Contact Information

Physical

1081 198th Place Pella IA 50219

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 641-828-7522

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving 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.

Available Campsites

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