Pella, IA

Howell Station

Forest Riverside / Creekside Hiking Fishing Swimming Paddling (kayak / canoe / SUP)Motor-boating Wildlife watching RV-friendly Showers Flush toilets Vault toilets Drinkable water Electric hookup RV dump station Playground

Book on recreation.gov Forest Riverside / Creekside Hiking Fishing Swimming Paddling (kayak / canoe / SUP)Motor-boating Wildlife watching RV-friendly Showers Flush toilets Vault toilets Drinkable water Electric hookup RV dump station Playground

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About this spot

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. For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here: Lake Red Rock Website

Recreation

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.

Facilities

Howell Station offers 143 campsites with 50-amp electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and two dump stations. Younger campers love the park's playgrounds, while anglers enjoy the great river fishing access.

Natural Features

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.

Contact Info

For local information, please call (641) 620-1802 or call (641) 828-7522 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

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

Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.