Red Haw State Park Campground

Are you an Iowan searching for the perfect escape into nature, a place where scenic beauty meets diverse outdoor activities? Look no further than Red Haw State Park Campground in Chariton, Iowa. This celebrated state park offers a serene and picturesque setting, making it an ideal destination for campers, anglers, hikers, and anyone looking to reconnect with the great outdoors. Red Haw State Park is particularly famous for its stunning springtime display of redbud trees blooming around the lake, creating a breathtaking vista that draws visitors and photographers alike. It's a place where you can truly unwind and immerse yourself in the natural splendor that Iowa has to offer, all within a welcoming and well-maintained state park environment.

Red Haw State Park is more than just a campground; it’s a vibrant natural preserve spanning 649 acres, offering a wide array of recreational opportunities throughout the year. From the tranquility of shaded campsites overlooking the lake to the excitement of fishing for large bluegill, this park provides a complete outdoor experience. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has diligently worked to restore and enhance the park, ensuring it remains a cherished destination for Iowans. Whether you’re planning a family camping trip, a solo fishing adventure, or a peaceful nature walk, Red Haw State Park Campground promises a refreshing and memorable escape.

Red Haw State Park Campground is conveniently located at 24580 34, Chariton, IA 50049, USA. This address places it just east of the city of Chariton, providing excellent accessibility for Iowans from across the state. Chariton, a charming city in Lucas County, serves as a welcoming gateway to the park, offering local amenities and services for campers. While the park feels like a peaceful retreat, its proximity to Chariton ensures that essentials are always within a short drive. For those traveling by RV, it's always wise to check specific route guidance, as some older GPS systems might suggest routes with low underpasses, so staying on main highways like Highway 14 until reaching Highway 34 is a helpful tip.

The park's location offers a prime balance between natural seclusion and easy access to local conveniences. Nearby Chariton provides grocery stores, bait and tackle shops, and other small businesses for any last-minute needs or supplies. For example, the Frontier Trading Post & Bait shop, also serving as a welcome center, is just east of the park entrance and offers unique items, including local wines. This blend of remote tranquility and accessible resources makes Red Haw State Park Campground an ideal spot for Iowans who want to enjoy the full camping experience without being too far from modern comforts. Whether you're coming from Des Moines, Ames, or other parts of southern Iowa, the drive to Red Haw is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for local weekend getaways or longer vacations.

Services Offered:

• Approximately 80 camping units, including 60 with electrical hookups (30 Amp/50 Amp available).
• Paved roads throughout the campground for easy access and maneuvering.
• Modern restrooms with flush toilets and showers (typically open from May 1 to mid-October, weather permitting).
• Trailer dump station for RV waste disposal.
• Potable water hydrants for fresh water access.
• ADA accessible campsites and an ADA-accessible campground dock on the lake.
• Online reservation system for advance campsite bookings (a portion of sites are also available first-come, first-served).
• Swimming beach on Red Haw Lake (unsupervised).
• Two boat ramps providing easy access to the 70-acre lake for boating (no-wake speeds; electric trolling motors only).
• Fishing jetties and extensive shoreline access for bank fishing.
• Picnic areas with tables and grills, many offering splendid lake views.
• Five open shelters available for reservation (including a historic CCC-built stone shelter with a large fireplace, popular for gatherings).
• Firewood available for purchase from local vendors (no campfires allowed in all sites, some reviews suggest no campfires at all, important to verify current regulations).
• Park office/registration building for check-in and information.

Features / Highlights:

• Scenic Beauty: Red Haw State Park is celebrated for its picturesque landscape, particularly the abundant redbud blossoms around the lake in springtime, offering stunning views year-round.

• Shady Campground: The campground is heavily shaded by a variety of trees (maples, hawthorns, pines), providing refuge from summer heat and a pleasant, cool environment.

• Premier Pan Fishing: Red Haw Lake is well-known as a top destination for pan fishing, especially for large bluegill, with good opportunities for bass and catfish as well.

• Extensive Trail System: A four-mile grass trail winds through timbered areas and around the lake, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Additional short trails offer scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Trails are also available for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter.

• Clean Facilities: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers, enhancing the comfort of the camping experience.

• Family-Friendly Environment: A playground is available for younger campers, and the overall peaceful setting is conducive to family relaxation and enjoyment.

• Wildlife Viewing: The park's diverse habitats (woodland, prairie, lake) make it excellent for bird watching (especially during migration seasons) and spotting deer, rabbits, and other local wildlife.

• Year-Round Recreation: Beyond summer camping and water activities, the park offers winter recreation like cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing, making it a versatile destination.

• CCC Historic Shelter: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built a historic stone shelter with a large fireplace, available for large gatherings and adding a touch of rustic charm.

As a public state park campground, Red Haw State Park Campground typically operates under the fee structures set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). While large-scale, private-campground-style promotions (like "buy two nights, get one free") are less common, there are inherent "special offers" built into the state park system that benefit Iowans. These often include affordable nightly rates compared to private campgrounds, making outdoor recreation accessible to a broader range of budgets. Additionally, annual state park passes or specific seasonal rates might provide savings for frequent visitors. It's always advisable for Iowans to check the official Iowa DNR website for Red Haw State Park or the online reservation system. These platforms will list the most current camping fees, any off-peak season discounts, or special programs related to Iowa state park usage. Keep in mind that demand is high during peak seasons and holidays, so booking in advance is often the best "promotion" to secure your desired spot.

Contact Information:

Address: 24580 34, Chariton, IA 50049, USA

For reservations or specific inquiries, it's best to use the official Iowa DNR reservation system for state parks. While a direct phone number for the campground was not provided in the prompt, the Iowa DNR typically has a central contact or a park office number that can be found on their official website for Red Haw State Park. This ensures you get the most accurate and up-to-date information directly from the park management.

Red Haw State Park Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Iowans, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and convenient accessibility. Its location near Chariton means that local residents can easily escape the daily grind for a refreshing dose of nature without extensive travel. This makes it ideal for spontaneous weekend trips or longer, well-planned vacations, providing a true sense of a "getaway" right in their own state. The heavily shaded campsites offer a comfortable retreat, especially during Iowa's warm summers, allowing for true relaxation amidst the natural beauty of the park.

The park's diverse offerings, from the renowned fishing in Red Haw Lake to the extensive hiking and multi-use trails, cater to a wide range of interests, ensuring there's something for every family member. Whether you're an avid angler, a keen birdwatcher, or simply looking for a peaceful place to gather with loved ones, Red Haw delivers. The consistently clean facilities, including modern restrooms and showers, provide a comfortable camping experience that combines the rustic appeal of the outdoors with essential amenities. For Iowans seeking an affordable, engaging, and scenic outdoor adventure that feels close to home yet provides a complete escape, Red Haw State Park Campground stands out as a prime choice, fostering a deep connection with Iowa's beautiful natural landscape.