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Lake Red Rock - COE/Howell Station
Overview
Howell Station is a premier COE campground located near the base of the Red Rock Dam in central Iowa. It offers a park-like setting with plenty of shade and easy access to the Des Moines River. The park is highly regarded for its well-maintained paved sites and its convenient proximity to the historic town of Pella. It provides a peaceful retreat for those looking to enjoy Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest reservoir, while maintaining modern comforts like electricity and clean facilities.
Location & Surroundings
The campground sits just outside Pella, IA, nestled within a lush forest canopy near the calming waters of the river below the dam. It is part of the expansive recreation area that encompasses over 15,000 acres of water and thousands more in public land. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills and diverse wildlife, offering a scenic canopy for morning walks. Guests frequently enjoy the sounds of the Des Moines River, which creates a tranquil atmosphere throughout the day.
Amenities & Park Features
RVers will find level, paved camping pads that accommodate large rigs with ease. Most sites offer 50-amp electrical hookups, and the park provides multiple shower buildings, vault toilets, and a playground for families. The proximity to the Volksweg Trail, a 17-mile paved path, makes it a hub for cycling and hiking. There is also a dump station and potable water available, ensuring all your practical camping needs are met during a short or long-term stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
A highlight of staying here is visiting the charming town of Pella, famous for its Dutch heritage, authentic windmills, and world-class bakeries. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore miles of paved trails or spend the day boating and fishing on the vast lake. The Red Rock Dam is a feat of engineering worth observing, while the nearby North Overlook Beach offers a place to swim and relax. For bird watchers, the area is an excellent spot to view American White Pelicans and Bald Eagles.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize access to high-quality biking trails and water-based activities. It is a fantastic choice for families seeking a safe, spacious environment for children to play and explore nature. Because of the wide paved sites and easy navigation, it also appeals to big-rig owners looking for a reliable and scenic basecamp while exploring the unique cultural attractions and seasonal festivals of central Iowa.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Quentin Plate
Peaceful, Scenic, and Wonderfully Spacious Howell Station Campground is one of the best-kept secrets in central Iowa. The campsites are spacious, flat, and thoughtfully spread out giving you plenty of room to relax without feeling crowded. Whether you're in a tent or RV, it's easy to settle in and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The location is unbeatable: nestled right next to the Des Moines River and Lake Red Rock, with water views and easy access for fishing, kayaking, or just soaking in the scenery. The bike trail that winds through the area is absolutely beautiful—perfect for a morning ride or evening stroll. Another bonus: it’s just a short drive to Pella, where you can enjoy charming Dutch architecture, boutique shopping, and some truly delicious dining. It’s the perfect blend of nature and culture. If you're looking for a quiet, scenic getaway with plenty of space and nearby attractions, Howell Station delivers. Highly recommended!
Kevin Krygsheld
Great place to camp. About 15 minutes outside of Pella and easy to get to. Sites are very spacious. Great walking/biking path. Fishing looks good but we didn't have the opportunity to actually do it.
Shonda Bakker
This campground is top notch. Each site has about 1/4 of lush well maintained grass. There a bike trails everywhere. It is a very easy walk to the water and only 20$ a night for electric only sites. They do have a dump station and potable water. Showers are spotless. We will definitely visit this park again.
Irma Ziebell
Beautiful, clean camp ground. Great views of the Des Moines River. Great place to camp. Wonderful bird watching opportunities. We saw several professional photographers taking photos of many birds. Pelicans, gulls, eagles, ducks, and geese. There is a wonderful paved interconnected trail you can access that goes for many miles along Lake Red Rock. Just a few miles from historical Pella, Iowa. If you have the America the Beautiful pass, the cost to camp is 50% off the listed price. Only $12 a night for us. 20, 30, 50 amping hook up. Potable water available. It is filtered and tastes good. Lots of clean bathrooms. Two showers in each bath house. Water is lukewarm. There are 2 dump stations nearby. The only drawback I had was there is scattered mobile service there. You will be able to make calls or text, but nothing else. Seek a campsite away from dam and you may get better cell service.
Christine Roberts
We had a horrible experience, eventually leaving and just heading home. A group of 20+ people seemed to be having a reunion where they set up 2 to 3 large spotlights. when we tried to contact the camp host they very rudely told us that they were off duty and to call the Park ranger. When we called the number provided we received voicemail and left a voicemail and we still haven’t heard back. The entire campground appeared full and unfortunately the website was down, per the hosts. We would love to go back to this beautiful park however extremely disappointed with the rudeness of fellow campers and lack of help from camp ground assistants