Howell Station

About

Howell Station Campground occupies 87 acres just below Red Rock Dam, providing campers direct access to Iowa's largest lake and the Des Moines River. The US Army Corps of Engineers operates this facility with 143 electric campsites nestled under mature hardwood trees that provide extensive shade coverage. Each site includes 50-amp electric service, a fire ring, and picnic table on gravel pads. The campground features modern amenities including flush toilets and pit toilets, showers distributed throughout the grounds, potable water, and two dump stations. A playground serves families, and the paved Volksweg Trail provides biking and hiking access along the river with connections to the 15-mile trail stretching west to Pella. A boat ramp offers anglers access to crappie, largemouth and striped bass, walleye, catfish, and northern pike. Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round. American White Pelicans migrate through in spring and fall, bald eagles appear November through March, and white-tailed deer and wild turkeys frequent the area. The campground sits 10 minutes from Pella's Dutch heritage attractions and 15 minutes from Knoxville, known as the sprint car capital of the world.

Directions

From 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. Address: 1081 198th Place, Pella, IA 50219.