Red Haw State Park
Open for the 2026 camping season. The campground operates April 1 through November 30 and is closed December through March. All sites are 100% reservable through the Iowa State Parks reservation system; reservations are required.
Flood Watch issued June 11 at 2:02PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
...The National Weather Service in Des Moines IA has issued a Flood Watch for the following rivers in Iowa... Thompson River at Davis City affecting Decatur County. ...The Flood Watch continues for the following rivers in Iowa... Missouri... East Fork 102 River at Bedford affecting Taylor and Nodaway counties. Chariton River near Chariton affecting Monroe, Appanoose, Wayne and Lucas Counties. * WHAT...Flooding is possible. * WHERE...The Chariton River near Chariton, or from Wolf Creek to Rathbun Reservoir. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 19.8 feet, Wate affects 450th St. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1:45 PM CDT Thursday the stage was 18.7 feet. - Forecast...Rises on the river are possible over the next few days. The river may reach flood stage. - Flood stage is 19.5 feet.
Flood Watch issued June 11 at 1:18PM CDT until June 11 at 4:00PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, and southeast Iowa, including the following counties, in central Iowa, Jasper and Poweshiek. In south central Iowa, Appanoose, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe and Wayne. In southeast Iowa, Davis and Wapello. * WHEN...Until 4 PM CDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - More rain this afternoon in addition to recent rainfall from Wednesday through this morning may lead to renewed, additional or more significant flooding.
Flood Warning issued June 11 at 9:07AM CDT until June 12 at 9:15AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...A portion of south central Iowa, including the following counties, Appanoose, Lucas, Monroe and Wayne. * WHEN...Until 915 AM CDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Numerous roads have been closed due to flooding especially across the southwest half of Monroe County. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 906 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the warned area. Between 3 and 6 inches of rain have fallen. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Chariton, Albia, Eddyville, Rathbun Lake, Lake Sundown, Moravia, Russell, Lovilia, Williamson, Melrose, Unionville, Millerton, Honey Creek State Park, Red Haw Lake State Park, Albia Municipal Airport and Chariton Municipal Airport.
About
Red Haw State Park is located just two miles east of Chariton in Lucas County, offering a scenic camping experience on the shores of 72-acre Red Haw Lake. The campground underwent a complete renovation and reopened in July 2025 after being closed for three years due to extensive damage from an EF3 tornado in March 2022. The rebuilt facility features an improved layout with larger sites, upgraded utilities including 50-amp electrical service, and numerous pull-through sites with lake views. The campground provides 55 total sites: 41 standard electric sites with 20, 30, or 50-amp connections, 9 tent-only sites, 1 full hookup site with water and sewer, and 1 non-electric site. Modern restrooms and showers are available, along with a dump station, water hydrants throughout, and trash service. Many sites accommodate RVs up to 60-70 feet. ADA-accessible sites and facilities are available, including an accessible kayak launch and fishing dock. Beyond camping, the park offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, a swimming beach with renovated shelter, multi-use trails, and picnic areas. The historic CCC-built stone shelter with its large fireplace remains a popular gathering spot.
Directions
From Chariton, take US Highway 34 east for approximately 2 miles. The park entrance is on the south side of the highway at 24550 US-34.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | Yes |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $14 - $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 70ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (641) 774-5632 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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