Red Haw State Park

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground accepts reservations April through October and is closed November through March.

About

Located in south-central Iowa near Chariton, Red Haw State Park encompasses 649 acres centered around a scenic 70-acre lake. The campground, which reopened in July 2025 after extensive repairs from March 2022 tornado damage, provides a heavily shaded camping experience with views overlooking the lake. Modern amenities include electric hookups, paved roads, restrooms with showers, and a dump station, with some ADA-accessible sites available. The park is renowned for its springtime display of thousands of blooming redbud trees that draw photographers and nature enthusiasts in mid to late April. The 70-acre lake is recognized as a premier pan fishing destination for large bluegill, with accessible fishing jetties, ADA-accessible kayak launchers, and two boat ramps for no-wake boating. A swimming beach provides summer recreation, while a four-mile grass trail circles the lake through timbered areas, with additional trails offering scenic views of wildlife and wildflowers. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling on park trails. The park also features five open shelters including a historic stone CCC shelter with a large fireplace, suitable for reunions and weddings. All reservations are made online through the Iowa State Parks reservation system, as the campground is now 100% reservable with no first-come, first-served sites.

Directions

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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