Howell Station

4.61

731 reviews

1081 198th Place, Pella, IA 50219

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsSummer Destination

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

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Howell Station

$22.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates range between $22.00 and $24.00 for Standard Electric sites. Fees do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

641-828-7522

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 731 reviews

244 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslocation

Some mention

cell service

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1081 198th Place, Pella, IA 50219

Howell Station

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.

Best Time to Camp at Howell Station

Summer 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer best for water activities and biking; pleasant average temps (~84°F).

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in IA

Fall highlighted as ideal for wildlife viewing and scenic forest conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring praised for wildlife viewing; open season begins mid-April though cottonwood seed fall noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed out of season; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips

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

About Howell Station

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are arranged in loops, with ample spacing and greenery between sites.

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.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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.

HikingSeveral miles of trails are available for hiking, including the paved Volksweg Trail, which stretches for 15 miles and connects to nearby areas.

FishingFishing 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.

SwimmingLake Red Rock offers swimming opportunities, but no specific details about designated swimming areas or facilities are provided.

BikingThe 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.

BoatingLake Red Rock provides excellent boating opportunities, including water skiing and kayaking. Specific docking facilities are not mentioned.

Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, with frequent sightings of bald eagles, pelicans, white-tailed deer, and turkeys. Migration seasons enhance wildlife viewing opportunities.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSticky buds from trees in spring, falling cottonwood seeds, and poor cell phone reception.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood is available, but travelers are encouraged to bring their own.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services in Pella, including hospitals and police stations.

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

Water FeaturesSituated below Red Rock Dam along the Des Moines River.

Camp HostHosts are noted as friendly and helpful, maintaining clean facilities.

Weather at Howell Station

Reviews

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

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

Site-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 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

0 review