Red Haw State Park
00 review24550 US Highway 34 , Chariton, Iowa, 50049, United States
Red Haw State Park
$12.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$35.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary depending on site type and amenities. General site fees range from $12 to $35.
About this campground
Discover your perfect escape at Red Haw State Park, where pristine camping grounds nestle beneath a canopy of mature trees and crystalline lake waters beckon for endless recreation. This hidden gem delights visitors with meticulously maintained facilities, scenic hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, and a reputation as one of Iowa's most immaculate outdoor destinations.
Red Haw State Park offers diverse camping options, including sites suitable for tents, RVs, and group camping.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the park's crown jewel—a magnificent stone shelter crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. This architectural treasure, with its rustic charm and timeless craftsmanship, has witnessed countless celebrations and serves as one of Iowa's most sought-after venues for weddings and special gatherings, where history and romance intertwine.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's grand performance as Red Haw transforms with each passing season. Spring awakens the park with a spectacular display of blooming trees and comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. Summer brings warm, sunny days ideal for lake activities and camping under starlit skies. Autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise. Winter blankets the park in serene beauty, with snow-dusted trails and crisp air offering a peaceful retreat for hardy souls.
ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates an accessible outdoor experience for visitors of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be enchanted each April when thousands of redbud trees burst into a breathtaking sea of pink blossoms, transforming the park into nature's own wonderland. At the heart of this natural sanctuary lies a sparkling 70-acre lake, teeming with fish and reflecting the sky like a mirror. Surrounding this aquatic jewel, carefully reconstructed prairie habitats showcase Iowa's native grasslands, creating a diverse ecosystem where wildflowers dance in the breeze and wildlife flourishes.
Geological RegionNestled within Iowa's scenic timbered region, Red Haw State Park encompasses a diverse landscape where forest meets water and prairie. The centerpiece 70-acre lake is embraced by rolling woodlands, while adjacent wildlife management areas and reconstructed prairies create a mosaic of habitats that showcase the natural beauty and ecological diversity of this remarkable corner of Iowa.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground provides handicap access, ensuring inclusivity for visitors with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites are shaded; however, some are noted as tight and sloped. A user review states: 'Only setback is that you need to get a spot through the middle of the campground if you want to be even close to being level!'
Sites PrivacyThe campsite layout allows spacing for comfort, ensuring visitors do not feel overcrowded. As noted by one user: 'The camp sites are spaced for comfort as not to bother your neighbors.'
Total Campsites57 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid reserving sloped or uneven sites. Aim for sites in the middle of the campground for level terrain.
Best CampsitesSite #57 was recommended by multiple users for accommodating RVs or travel trailers comfortably.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Unknown
Check-out
Unknown
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is unknown.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information on guest limits is not provided.
Groups
No specific details about group site capacity or vehicle limits are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes shaded sites with electrical hookups and modern facilities, organized into loops or areas.
Open and Closed SeasonThe park is accessible year-round, with peak visitation notably during spring (April).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via official state park platforms or likely through third-party camping reservation services.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability status is unclear, though some campsites may be available first-come, first-serve.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation details are unavailable.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Red Haw State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Visitors also enjoy picnicking and exploring the park's trails.
Hiking
The park features a 4-mile grass trail that hugs the lake and provides access to a nearby 229-acre wildlife management area. Additional short trails allow for exploration. Reviews highlight the well-maintained paths and the scenic beauty: 'The entire hiking loop is about 4 miles, and the paths were well maintained. The terrain is mostly flat and does not make for a difficult hike.'Fishing
The 70-acre lake is renowned for its pan-fishing opportunities, particularly large bluegill. Several fishing jetties and shoreline accesses make for easy bank fishing. As one user stated, 'Wonderful state park for fishing. The lake is clean and well groomed.'Swimming
A swimming beach is available, though it is unsupervised. One review mentions that the deepest spot in the swim area was 'maybe 3' deep.'Boating
Two boat ramps provide access to the lake, which is a no-wake zone allowing only electric trolling motors. Kayaking is a popular activity, with specific kayak launching ramps available.Wildlife viewing
The park offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, including a nearby 229-acre wildlife management area.Beach activities
The park features a swimming beach, which is unsupervised and mentioned as a spot for wading and light swimming.Winter Activities
Ice fishing is noted as a seasonal activity.Water Sports
Kayaking is supported, with specialized ramps available for easy access to the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Details about fire policies are not included.
- Quiet hours are mentioned in user reviews, though specific times were unclear.
Hazards
General hazardsSome trails have poison ivy along the edges. Campers should also note sloped and uneven campsites.
Active alertsThe campground suffered tornado damage in March 2022, which altered its aesthetic as noted in user reviews.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Hospital and medical clinic are located greater than 1 mile away, presumably within the town of Chariton.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-April to late April is peak season, particularly for blooming red bud trees.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the campground for waste disposal. Recycling details are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near a 70-acre lake, ideal for fishing and kayaking.
Common complaintsSloped campsites and uneven parking are frequent concerns. Pet leash rules are inconsistently enforced, and poison ivy is present along trails.
HostThe campground has a host and park ranger, although some reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with ranger interactions.
Campground Map
24550 US Highway 34 , Chariton, Iowa, 50049, United States
Driving directionsFrom the junction of Highway 14 and Highway 34 in Chariton go east 1 mile on Highway 34 and turn south to enter the park.
The park is accessible via paved roads, and the driving route is straightforward from major highways.Nearby places
Chariton (1 mile, approximately 2 minutes)
Knoxville (30 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Honey Creek Resort State Park (30 miles, approximately 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, retail bait & tackle, drinks, firewood, snacks, ice, and other supplies are accessible more than 1 mile away, likely in Chariton.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Red Haw State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Red Haw State Park are generally positive, with frequent mentions of its cleanliness, scenic beauty, and variety of activities. Common critiques include sloped campsites and inconsistent cell reception.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Visitors praised the park's cleanliness, well-maintained trails, shaded campsites, and diverse recreational options. Highlights include kayaking, fishing for large bluegill, and the beauty of...
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Common Concerns
Criticisms include sloped campsites that make leveling difficult, inconsistent cell phone reception, and concerns about park staff interactions. One user noted, 'The park ranger showed up at our site...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Aim for campsites in the middle of the campground for more level ground.
- Visit in spring to see the red bud trees in bloom.
- Bring blocks if camping with an RV to adjust for sloped sites.
- Keep...
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Seasonal Insights
Spring is particularly popular for the blooming red bud trees. Fall offers vibrant foliage, making it ideal for hikes and photography. Summer sees high visitor activity at the campground and beach.
Camper Quotes
- 'What a great place to camp and small enough you can walk the entire trail.'
- 'Facilities clean. Well maintained.'
- 'Nice park, late April the trees bloom and are beautiful.'
- 'Camp sites are...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #006 faced issues with trailer parking, as noted in a review: 'We were told by the host we could not park our kayak trailer on our campsite.' Site #57 was described as suitable for a 27'...
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Accessibility Features
The park's handicap access ensures accessibility for disabled visitors, though no specific user reviews address this feature in detail.
Pet-Friendly Features
One review highlighted concerns about unleashed pets, suggesting a need for stricter enforcement of leash rules: 'There needs to be a rule all pets must be on a leash, if there isn't already one & if...
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Last updated August 10, 2025