State Park
Howell Station
Red Rock Dam - Lake Red Rock — Howell Station · Pella, IA
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State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.
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Managed by State Park
Reserve or permit
- Reserve on Recreation.gov
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- Address:Pella, IA
About
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](https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Red-Rock/)
For a virtual tour of the area, click here:
[Lake Red Rock - Virtual Tour](http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/usace/redrock/tour.html)
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.
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.
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Amenities
Showers
Flush Toilets
Potable Water
Dump Station
Electric Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Firewood
Accessible
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Trash Service
Cell Service
Pet Policy
Pets allowed on leash
Campground Rules
- Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting
Individual Sites (136)
Within ~30 miles
Trails near Howell Station
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Trail
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Trail
Neal Smith Bison Area Scenic Drive
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Trail
Tallgrass Loop Trail
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2.7 mi354 ftgain
Easy
Trail
Neal Smith Scenic Bike Trail
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9.1 mi1,273 ftgain
Difficult
Nearby Campgrounds
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