Howell Station

4.6·350 reviews
·Lake Red Rock

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.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (108 of 135 campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (Majority of the campsites have 3:00 pm)

  • Driveway Entry

    (All campsites have Driveway Entry)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 8)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 2)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Shade

    (Majority of the campsites have true)

Natural Features

Howell Station Campsites - Credits: Army Corps of Engineers
Howell Station - Volksweg Trail North - Credits: Army Corps of Engineers
Howell Station Landing - Credits: Army Corps of Engineers
Howell Station Comfort Station - Credits: Army Corps of Engineers
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.

Recreation

Howell Station Entrance and Gate Attendant Booth - Credits: Army Corps of Engineers
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.

Permitted Equipment

  • rv-Up to 80ft

  • tent-Up to 93ft

  • trailer-Up to 80ft

Nearby Attractions

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

Additional Information