If you’re looking for a lot to do at a state park in Iowa, Red Haw State Park is the place for you. Located in Chariton, IA, Red Haw State Park offers camping, picnicking, trails, a lake, and much more.
Located about 60 miles south of Des Moines, Red Haw State Park covers 420 acres of land and features a 72 acre lake with a sandy beach that’s perfect for swimming. If hiking is your thing, you’ll love the many hiking trails that take you through the park and around the lake. The views on the trails are scenic, and hikers can expect to see many species of birds. In the winter months, these multi-use trails can also be used for snowmobiling.
The lake can be used for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake features two separate boat ramps, but it’s important to note that only electric trolling motors are allowed on this lake. Swimming is allowed but there is no lifeguard supervision at Red Haw State Park. Fishers love the lake and typically catch bluegills, crappies, catfish, and bass during the summer months. If you are visiting during the winter months, ice fishing is allowed.
When spending a day at Red Haw State Park, there are plenty of places to stop for a meal. Many of the picnic areas offer wonderful views of the lake and all picnic areas have grills that are available for public use. For larger parties or events, an open picnic shelter, located on top of a large hill, can be reserved. All reservations can be completed online though the Red Haw State Park online reservation center.
Are you looking for a place to stay overnight? Spend a few nights camping at Red Haw State Park. The park has 80 different camping units and 60 of them come with electrical hook-ups. The camping area overlooks the lake and features modern restrooms with showers. The campground also has paved roads for convenience and a playground to keep little ones busy at the park. A trailer dumping station is also available at this campground. Reservations can be made online at https://eservices.iowa.gov/iowaparks/, however half of the camping spots are always kept available on a first-come, first-serve basis so if you’re in the area and need a place to stay overnight, be sure to stop by.
Something unique about Red Haw State Park are the public hunting areas. The park recently purchased an additional 229 acres south of the main park and has set that entire area aside for public hunting. While this area is set aside for public hunting, hunters are required to be properly licensed to hunt in the State of Iowa and must adhere to all state hunting laws.
Whether you are visiting this area in the summer or the winter Red Haw State Park is a great place to visit. You can hike in the summer months and snowmobile in the winter. Similarly, the lake is used for both ice fishing and ice skating in the winter months. There is also an area for sledding during the winter months.
Red Haw State Park is located at 24550 U.S. Highway 34 Chariton, IA 50049. The official park website can be found at http://www.iowadnr.gov/parks/state_park_list/red_haw.html and the phone number for this park is 641.774.5632. Last, you can email [email protected] for more information about this great park.