How much does camping cost at Howell Station?

Camping fees at Howell Station range from $22-$24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Howell Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Howell Station accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Howell Station before I book?

Yes! Howell Station has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Howell Station?

Howell Station is open April 17 to October 19. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Howell Station?

Yes, Howell Station has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Howell Station have?

Howell Station has 143 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Howell Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Howell Station. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Howell Station?

Howell Station offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Howell Station?

Popular activities at Howell Station include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Howell Station

Q: Can I have a campfire at Howell Station?

Fire policies at Howell Station: Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood is available, but travelers are encouraged to bring their own.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.61

731 reviews

1081 198th Place, Pella, IA 50219

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping Iowa#1 Family-Friendly Campgrounds Iowa#1 Group Camping Iowa#1 +9 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

725 ft

Price

$22 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

143 campsites

Season

Open April 17 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

725 ft

Price

$22 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

143 campsites

Season

Open April 17 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Howell Station

$22.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates range between $22.00 and $24.00 for Standard Electric sites. Fees do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

641-828-7522

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 731 reviews

244 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslocation

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews for Howell Station Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its spacious sites, clean facilities, and proximity to recreational activities. Common complaints include poor cell phone service, inconsistent grass mowing, and limited amenities like water and sewer hookups."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1081 198th Place, Pella, IA 50219

Howell Station

1081 198th Place, Pella, IA 50219

Nearby places

Pella (10 minutes), Knoxville (15 minutes), Des Moines (1 hour)

Nearby supplies

Supplies available in Pella, including groceries, camping items, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Howell Station

Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery. Days settle into the 50s and 60s, nights cool into the 40s. Perfect campfire weather. Leaf color peaks from late September through mid-October along the river corridor, and the hardwood canopy turns the whole campground into a photography opportunity. Fishing and boating stay strong into October, with calmer water than summer. Crowds thin out after Labor Day, though weekends still draw visitors. Summer hits 84°F during the day, dropping to 63°F at night. Dry conditions make trip planning easier, but the heat can feel thick under the tree cover.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in IA

Fall highlighted as ideal for wildlife viewing and pleasant weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 17 to October 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 17 to October 19 for reservations; closed out of season.

About Howell Station

Howell Station sits on the north bank of the Des Moines River, just below Red Rock Dam. The campground has 143 sites with electric hookups, most spacious enough for RVs and trailers. Rates run $22-24 per night. Cell service is poor across all carriers.

Howell Station accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group sites. All sites are reservable, and walk-in options are no longer available, as noted by some users.

Historical Significance

Pella, a short drive away, preserves Dutch heritage with authentic architecture and a working windmill. The town hosts Tulip Time annually. Knoxville has a Sprint car racing scene.

Weather and SeasonsFall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery. Days settle into the 50s and 60s, nights cool into the 40s. Perfect campfire weather. Leaf color peaks from late September through mid-October along the river corridor, and the hardwood canopy turns the whole campground into a photography opportunity. Fishing and boating stay strong into October, with calmer water than summer. Crowds thin out after Labor Day, though weekends still draw visitors. Summer hits 84°F during the day, dropping to 63°F at night. Dry conditions make trip planning easier, but the heat can feel thick under the tree cover.

ElevationWhile specific elevation data awaits documentation, the campground's position below the massive Red Rock Dam creates a unique topographical setting where the landscape tells the story of human engineering meeting natural beauty.

Natural Features and SceneryHardwood forest wraps the campground in shade, creating a canopy that stays cool through summer afternoons. The river flows past the sites, fed by controlled releases from the dam upstream. Wildlife shows up regularly: bald eagles overhead, white pelicans on the water, deer at dawn, and wild turkeys in the understory. The elevation sits at 725 feet, low enough that the river valley feels lush and protected. Sites back up to woods on one side and open toward the water on the other, giving campers both privacy and access to the shoreline.

Geological RegionPositioned strategically below the engineering marvel of Red Rock Dam and its expansive lake, Howell Station Campground claims prime real estate on the north bank of the Des Moines River. This unique location, where the controlled waters of the dam meet the natural flow of the river, creates a diverse ecosystem wrapped in ribbons of hardwood forest. The interplay between the dam's presence and the river's ancient path has shaped a landscape that offers both the tranquility of protected waters and the dynamic energy of a living river system.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of eight persons per campsite.

Groups

Group sites consist of large spaces with ample room for multiple units. Exact guest limits are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutLoops with good spacing between sites. Reviewers consistently mention the room, enough for slide-outs and awnings without crowding neighbors. Trees and greenery provide natural buffers. Some sites have longer grass depending on when maintenance crews last mowed through.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all sites require prior reservation.

Cancellation PolicyA $10.00 service fee applies to changes or cancellations. Late cancellations for individual campsites also forfeit the first night's use fee.

AccessibilityThe campground has some accessibility features, but users noted limitations such as high thresholds for wheelchairs and inadequate parking for handicap vans.

Site SizeCampsites are consistently described as spacious, with many users highlighting the ample room for camping units and activities.

PrivacySites are well-spaced, providing privacy and a quiet atmosphere. Users frequently mention the spaciousness and separation between sites as a highlight.

Total Campsites143 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites for tents, avoid sticky buds during spring.

Need help booking Howell Station?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Howell Station Campground offers diverse recreational activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Its proximity to the Des Moines River and Lake Red Rock provides opportunities for water-based activities, while miles of paved trails like the Volksweg Trail are ideal for biking and hiking.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSticky buds from trees in spring, falling cottonwood seeds, and poor cell phone reception.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood is available, but travelers are encouraged to bring their own.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services in Pella, including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but users noted issues with some dumpsters being limited to certain areas of the campground.

Water FeaturesSituated below Red Rock Dam along the Des Moines River.

Camp HostHosts are noted as friendly and helpful, maintaining clean facilities.

Weather at Howell Station

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

731 reviews

Top-Rated

Howell Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Howell Station Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its spacious sites, clean facilities, and proximity to recreational activities. Common complaints include poor cell phone service, inconsistent grass mowing, and limited amenities like water and sewer hookups.

Review Summaries

Based on 731 reviews

What Campers Love

Highly praised aspects include well-maintained facilities, spacious campsites, excellent biking trails, and scenic views. "Sites were nice with plenty of room," "Bathrooms were clean," and "Location...

Based on 731 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include poor cell phone reception, lack of Wi-Fi, uneven grass maintenance, and restricted accessibility features. "Cell service is the only downfall" and "The grass needed...

Based on 731 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many users recommend booking well in advance due to high demand, particularly on weekends. Users also suggest bringing firewood and preparing for limited connectivity.

Based on 731 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are highlighted as ideal seasons for wildlife viewing, while summer offers the best opportunities for biking and water activities. Seasonal challenges such as cottonwood seed fall in...

Based on 731 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campsites are huge and far apart" - Judy F; "The biking trail runs right through Howell Station" - Rolley B; "The restrooms are the cleanest of all campgrounds" - Deloris T.

Based on 731 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #101 is praised for its proximity to the river and the bike trail, while site #059 is noted for its accessibility features. Negative reviews mention site #110's lack of shade.

Based on 731 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are limited, with specific complaints about high thresholds in bathrooms and insufficient handicap van parking. Positive mentions include spacious sites and accessible...

Based on 731 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some users raised concerns about dogs on long leads creating safety issues. "Several dogs on long leads came rushing out barking and growling" is a notable complaint.

Based on 731 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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