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

Aaron Gonzalez

One of the nicest parks great staff.Just have to get water before getting into the campsite.nice walking and or bike trail.

Bryan Subsin

Very well kept campground. My family enjoyed hiking the paved trails. Will go back again.

Kathy Kimzey

An absolute favorite for us. Stayed at site 101 recently and have now found our favorite site also. Close to Pella, Knoxville and even Des Moines is a reasonable drive. Bathrooms were clean and host were nice.

Erin Lantz

This grounds was very spacious, clean and spacious!!! There’s more room than your typical campground!!

Jeff Rosser

Nice large camping slots. A quiet and peaceful place to camp, bike, hike, and just relax.

James Sullivan

Have been camping at this campground for over 25 years. Great folks. USACE runs a nice facility.

William Madoll

It's A Real Clean Camp Ground Below The Dam At Lake Red Rock Real Close To Pella Iowa It's A Very Popular Place To Camp On The Weekend Or During The Week Day There Is A Bike Trail Bath And Shower Facility's With Lots Of Camping Sites Below Or Above The Dam Two Beaches With Changing Facility And Places To Launch Your Boats , Jet Skis And A Marina On Site Check It Out And See For Yourself Ism Sure You Won't Be Disappointed In What You See ! There Is Two Great Town's Close Bey Pella Is The Closest Whit Cool Places To Shop And Knoxville With Shops And Great Race Track To Go With It !

Warren

Very well maintained, near dam, nice size camping lots. Everyone is friendly. Only complaint is very difficult to rent full week in one spot 1 month out.