Red Haw State Park

Star4.11
38 reviews
24550 US Highway 34 , Chariton, Iowa, 50049, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,024 ft

Price

$12 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

57 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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Opens Red Haw State Park site

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Red Haw State Park
$12.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary depending on site type and amenities. General site fees range from $12 to $35.
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

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What Campers Say

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 38 reviews

184 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadewell-maintainedsites

"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."

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Campground Map

24550 US Highway 34 , Chariton, Iowa, 50049, United States

Red Haw State Park

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.

Best Time to Camp at Red Haw State Park

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Beach and boating draw visitors; campsite activity increases in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers vibrant foliage and good hiking/photography opportunities.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in IA

Peak mid-April redbud bloom draws many visitors; described as spectacular and a primary draw.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Park open year-round; ice fishing mentioned but fewer recreational options in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-April to late April is peak season, particularly for blooming red bud trees.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The park is accessible year-round, with peak visitation notably during spring (April).
  • Current Alerts: The campground suffered tornado damage in March 2022, which altered its aesthetic as noted in user reviews.

About Red Haw State Park

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.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Unknown
Check-out
Unknown
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is unknown.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Picnic tables
Firewood available

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.
HikingThe 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.'
FishingThe 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.'
SwimmingA swimming beach is available, though it is unsupervised. One review mentions that the deepest spot in the swim area was 'maybe 3' deep.'
BoatingTwo 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 viewingThe park offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, including a nearby 229-acre wildlife management area.
Beach activitiesThe park features a swimming beach, which is unsupervised and mentioned as a spot for wading and light swimming.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome 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 at Red Haw State Park

Reviews

4.1
38 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Red Haw State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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
Based on 38 reviews

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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Based on 38 reviews

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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Based on 38 reviews

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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Based on 38 reviews

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.
Based on 38 reviews

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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Based on 38 reviews

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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Based on 38 reviews

Accessibility Features

The park's handicap access ensures accessibility for disabled visitors, though no specific user reviews address this feature in detail.
Based on 38 reviews

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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Based on 38 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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