(Updated March 14, 2025)
Book a Campsite at Red Haw State Park, IA
Description
Welcome to Red Haw State Park. Visitors are inspired by its beauty and tranquility.
Recreation:
Lake Activities
Red Haw's 70-acre lake has long been known as a premier pan-fishing destination especially for large bluegill. Several fishing jetties and numerous shoreline accesses make for easy bank fishing. Two boat ramps provide access for boaters. The lake is a "no-wake" lake and only electric trolling motors are allowed. Unsupervised swimming is available at the beach.
Trails
A 4-mile marked grass trail hugs the lake through the timbered park and provides access to the south to an adjacent 229-acre wildlife management area with large parcels of reconstructed prairie. An upper trail east of the lake and short trails elsewhere provide exploratory options for hikers. The east and south trail system traverses undeveloped areas and hikers may be able to catch a glimpse of the numerous wildlife species in the park.
Picknicking/Shelters
Three open shelters may be reserved for special occasions or used for free on a first-come first-serve basis. The historic CCC-built stone shelter with its large fireplace is especially popular for wedding and other large gatherings.
Facilities:
Camping
Campers can enjoy a heavily shaded campground with electrical hook ups, a playground, and modern restroom and shower facilities.
Nearby Attractions:
Visit the park in mid to late April and enjoy the brilliance of thousands of red bud trees in bloom. Race fans can enjoy the Knoxville Raceway located 30 minutes north of Chariton on Hwy 14. Thirty minutes to the southeast, visitors can explore Rathbun Lake and visit Honey Creek Resort State Park.
Shelters
Sun Apr 27 2025 - Mon Apr 20 2026Reservations must be made 7 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Electric
Tue Apr 22 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Non-Electric
Tue Apr 22 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Tent Only
Tue Apr 22 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Red Haw Shelters:
Reservable: May 1 - September 30
Red Haw Campground:
Walk In: January 1 - March 31
Off Peak: April 1 - April 30
Peak: May 1 - October 15
Off Peak: October 16 - October 31
Walk In: November 1 - December 31
Season Schedule
- Bird Watching
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Boating
- Docks, Fishing
- Dump Station
- Fish Cleaning Station
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Interpretive Trail
- Jogging/Running
- Kayaking
- Park Lake
- Park Office
- Parking
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Registration Building
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Swimming - Beach
- Toilet, Pit/Vault
- Trash Dumpster
- Walking
- Water Hydrants
- Wildlife Viewing
- ATM/Cash Machine
- Church
- Fuel, Vehicles
- Golfing
- Grocery Store
- Hospital
- Medical Clinic
- Motel
- Retail, Bait & Tackle
- Retail, Drinks
- Retail, Firewood
- Retail, Ice
- Retail, Snacks
- Town
Facility Rates*
Apr 01 2025 -
Apr 30 2025
May 01 2025 -
Oct 15 2025
Oct 16 2025 -
Oct 31 2025
Nov 01 2025 -
Mar 31 2026
Apr 01 2026 -
Apr 30 2026
*Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, attribute fees (electrical hookups / water hookups), taxes or incremental charges
**Weekly rates may not be available for all sites
40.99583, -93.27917
40°59'45"N, 93°16'45"W
From the junction of Highway 14 and Highway 34 in Chariton go east 1 mile on Highway 34 and turn south to enter the park.
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