Howell Station
4.61372 reviews1081 198th Place, Pella, IA 50219
Howell Station
$22.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates range between $22.00 and $24.00 for Standard Electric sites. Fees do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled in the shadow of the impressive Red Rock Dam, Howell Station Campground welcomes outdoor enthusiasts with 143 spacious campsites, each equipped with 50-amp electric hookups to power your home away from home. Whether you're arriving in a luxury RV or a cozy travel trailer, you'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay, including modern flush toilets alongside traditional pit facilities, refreshing hot showers after a day of adventure, crystal-clear drinking water, convenient dump stations, and vibrant playgrounds where children's laughter mingles with birdsong.
Howell Station accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group sites. All sites are reservable, and walk-in options are no longer available, as noted by some users.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure places you at the crossroads of two fascinating cultural experiences. Just a short drive away, the charming town of Pella transports visitors to the Netherlands with its authentic Dutch architecture, working windmill, and annual Tulip Time festival that paints the town in vibrant colors. Meanwhile, Knoxville pulses with the high-octane excitement of Sprint car racing, where the roar of engines and the thrill of competition have become woven into the fabric of this Iowa community.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Howell Station unfold like a perfect outdoor canvas, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 84°F under brilliantly clear Iowa skies. As evening approaches, the mercury dips to a pleasant 63°F, creating ideal conditions for campfire conversations and stargazing. The consistently dry weather during peak season means you can plan your outdoor adventures with confidence, whether you're hiking the nearby trails or casting a line into the waters below the dam.
ElevationWhile specific elevation data awaits documentation, the campground's position below the massive Red Rock Dam creates a unique topographical setting where the landscape tells the story of human engineering meeting natural beauty.
Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of hardwood trees frames the campground, their branches creating a natural canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. These riverbank forests provide more than just shade – they're home to an impressive array of wildlife that transforms each day into a nature documentary. Watch majestic bald eagles soar overhead, spot white pelicans gliding across the water, catch glimpses of deer emerging from the woods at dawn, and listen for the distinctive gobble of wild turkeys echoing through the trees.
Geological RegionPositioned strategically below the engineering marvel of Red Rock Dam and its expansive lake, Howell Station Campground claims prime real estate on the north bank of the Des Moines River. This unique location, where the controlled waters of the dam meet the natural flow of the river, creates a diverse ecosystem wrapped in ribbons of hardwood forest. The interplay between the dam's presence and the river's ancient path has shaped a landscape that offers both the tranquility of protected waters and the dynamic energy of a living river system.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has some accessibility features, but users noted limitations such as high thresholds for wheelchairs and inadequate parking for handicap vans.
Sites SizeCampsites are consistently described as spacious, with many users highlighting the ample room for camping units and activities.
Sites PrivacySites are well-spaced, providing privacy and a quiet atmosphere. Users frequently mention the spaciousness and separation between sites as a highlight.
Total Campsites143 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose shaded sites for tents, avoid sticky buds during spring.
Best CampsitesSites near the river and shaded spots, such as 101 and 117, are highly recommended.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of eight persons per campsite.
Groups
Group sites consist of large spaces with ample room for multiple units. Exact guest limits are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are arranged in loops, with ample spacing and greenery between sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 17 to October 19 for reservations; closed out of season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all sites require prior reservation.
Cancellation PolicyA $10.00 service fee applies to changes or cancellations. Late cancellations for individual campsites also forfeit the first night's use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Howell Station Campground offers diverse recreational activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Its proximity to the Des Moines River and Lake Red Rock provides opportunities for water-based activities, while miles of paved trails like the Volksweg Trail are ideal for biking and hiking.
Hiking
Several miles of trails are available for hiking, including the paved Volksweg Trail, which stretches for 15 miles and connects to nearby areas.Fishing
Fishing is popular, with angling opportunities for crappie, largemouth and striped bass, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike, and bluegill. Some users reported reduced fishing quality due to hydroelectric projects.Swimming
Lake Red Rock offers swimming opportunities, but no specific details about designated swimming areas or facilities are provided.Biking
The campground connects to the 15-mile paved Volksweg Trail, which is frequently praised by users for biking. The trail links to Pella and other recreation areas.Boating
Lake Red Rock provides excellent boating opportunities, including water skiing and kayaking. Specific docking facilities are not mentioned.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, with frequent sightings of bald eagles, pelicans, white-tailed deer, and turkeys. Migration seasons enhance wildlife viewing opportunities.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities. Lake Red Rock offers designated water trails along the shoreline for these activities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood is available, but travelers are encouraged to bring their own.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsSticky buds from trees in spring, falling cottonwood seeds, and poor cell phone reception.
Weather forecast
55
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 75%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services in Pella, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 17 to October 19
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but users noted issues with some dumpsters being limited to certain areas of the campground.
Proximity to water featuresSituated below Red Rock Dam along the Des Moines River.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include poor cell service, lack of WiFi, long grass, and rule enforcement inconsistencies.
HostHosts are noted as friendly and helpful, maintaining clean facilities.
Campground Map
1081 198th Place, Pella, IA 50219
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures or challenging terrain not mentioned.Nearby places
Pella (10 minutes), Knoxville (15 minutes), Des Moines (1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Pella, including groceries, camping items, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.6
372 reviews
Howell Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Howell Station Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its spacious sites, clean facilities, and proximity to recreational activities. Common complaints include poor cell phone service, inconsistent grass mowing, and limited amenities like water and sewer hookups.
Review Summaries
Based on 372 reviews
What Campers Love
Highly praised aspects include well-maintained facilities, spacious campsites, excellent biking trails, and scenic views. "Sites were nice with plenty of room," "Bathrooms were clean," and "Location...
Based on 372 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include poor cell phone reception, lack of Wi-Fi, uneven grass maintenance, and restricted accessibility features. "Cell service is the only downfall" and "The grass needed...
Based on 372 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Many users recommend booking well in advance due to high demand, particularly on weekends. Users also suggest bringing firewood and preparing for limited connectivity.
Based on 372 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall are highlighted as ideal seasons for wildlife viewing, while summer offers the best opportunities for biking and water activities. Seasonal challenges such as cottonwood seed fall in...
Based on 372 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The campsites are huge and far apart" - Judy F; "The biking trail runs right through Howell Station" - Rolley B; "The restrooms are the cleanest of all campgrounds" - Deloris T.
Based on 372 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #101 is praised for its proximity to the river and the bike trail, while site #059 is noted for its accessibility features. Negative reviews mention site #110's lack of shade.
Based on 372 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are limited, with specific complaints about high thresholds in bathrooms and insufficient handicap van parking. Positive mentions include spacious sites and accessible...
Based on 372 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some users raised concerns about dogs on long leads creating safety issues. "Several dogs on long leads came rushing out barking and growling" is a notable complaint.
Based on 372 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025