How much does camping cost at Howell Station?

Camping fees at Howell Station range from $22-$24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Howell Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Howell Station accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Howell Station before I book?

Yes! Howell Station has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Howell Station?

Howell Station is open April 16 to October 22. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Howell Station?

Yes, Howell Station has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Howell Station have?

Howell Station has 143 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Howell Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Howell Station. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Howell Station?

Howell Station offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Howell Station?

Popular activities at Howell Station include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Howell Station

4.61

731 reviews

1081 198th Place, Pella, IA 50219

Scenic ViewsStargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping Iowa#1 Family-Friendly Campgrounds Iowa#1 Group Camping Iowa#1 +9 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

725 ft

Price

$22 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

143 campsites

Season

Open April 17 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

725 ft

Price

$22 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

143 campsites

Season

Open April 17 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Howell Station

$22.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $22.00; Standard Electric 50 Amp: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

641-828-7522lakeredrock@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1081 198th Place, Pella, IA 50219

Howell Station

1081 198th Place, Pella, IA 50219

Nearby places

Pella (10 minutes), Knoxville (15 minutes), Des Moines (1 hour)

Weather at Howell Station

Best Time to Camp at Howell Station

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery — expect crisp days generally in the 50s–60s°F and cool nights in the 40s, perfect for campfires and sleeping under the hardwood canopy. Leaf color peaks from late September into mid-October along the Des Moines River, making hikes, wildlife viewing and lakeside photography especially rewarding, while fishing and boating remain excellent in calmer water. Crowds thin out compared with summer (weekends still draw visitors), and on Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall offers ideal weather, peak leaf color and strong wildlife viewing per overview.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 16 to October 22. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 17 to October 19 for reservations; closed out of season.

About Howell Station

Howell Station sits on the shores of Lake Red Rock near Pella, Iowa, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers electric hookups, modern facilities, and direct access to the Des Moines River valley's hardwood forests and lake recreation. Campers use the site as a base for biking the extensive trail network, fishing the lake, and watching migratory waterfowl along the shoreline.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery — expect crisp days generally in the 50s–60s°F and cool nights in the 40s, perfect for campfires and sleeping under the hardwood canopy. Leaf color peaks from late September into mid-October along the Des Moines River, making hikes, wildlife viewing and lakeside photography especially rewarding, while fishing and boating remain excellent in calmer water. Crowds thin out compared with summer (weekends still draw visitors), and on Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation725 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryHardwood forest wraps the campground in shade, creating a canopy that stays cool through summer afternoons. The river flows past the sites, fed by controlled releases from the dam upstream. Wildlife shows up regularly: bald eagles overhead, white pelicans on the water, deer at dawn, and wild turkeys in the understory. The elevation sits at 725 feet, low enough that the river valley feels lush and protected. Sites back up to woods on one side and open toward the water on the other, giving campers both privacy and access to the shoreline.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is explicitly mentioned, but the campground offers robust RV and tent camping options.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground has some accessibility features, but users noted limitations such as high thresholds for wheelchairs and inadequate parking for handicap vans.

Site SizeCampsites are consistently described as spacious, with many users highlighting the ample room for camping units and activities.

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 SitesChoose shaded sites for tents, avoid sticky buds during spring.

Best CampsitesSites 101 and 117 get mentioned in reviews for their shade and proximity to the river. Spots near the water fill up first, so book early if you want a view.

Need help booking Howell Station?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Howell Station Campground provides a range of amenities suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The campground features 143 campsites equipped with 50-amp electric hookups. It includes flush toilets, vault toilets, drinking water, showers, and two dump stations. Younger campers enjoy the playgrounds, while anglers benefit from excellent river fishing access. The hardwood forests surrounding the campground offer shade and scenic views. Wildlife sightings are common, including bald eagles and American White Pelicans during migration seasons.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but users noted issues with some dumpsters being limited to certain areas of the campground.

Cell CoverageReviews suggest inconsistent cell phone service at the campground, with many users expressing frustration over poor reception. This issue is noted across multiple providers, including U.S. Cellular, Verizon, and AT&T. Some campers resorted to driving to nearby locations for connectivity.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Howell Station

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From Booking Sources

4.6

731 reviews

Top-Rated

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 731 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 731 reviews.

Site #101Loved
Site #101 is praised for its proximity to the river and the bike trail, while site #059 is noted for its accessibility features.
site #110Mentioned
Negative reviews mention site #110's lack of shade.

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 731 reviews

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 731 reviews

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 731 reviews

Seasonal 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 731 reviews

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 731 reviews

Accessibility 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 731 reviews

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 731 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a well-maintained lakefront base camp for biking, fishing, and autumn leaf viewing without breaking the budget.

Skip if

You need reliable cell service or WiFi for remote work or staying connected.

Nearby Campgrounds

1125 198th Place, Knoxville, IA 50138

Ivans sits on the shore of Lake Red Rock near Knoxville, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. This small seasonal campground offers electric hookups, showers, and flush toilets for tent and RV campers who want clean facilities and quiet lakeside access. Spring brings thousands of American White Pelicans migrating up the Des Moines River, making it a standout season for birdwatching alongside hiking, biking, and boating.