Campground Closure: The campground will remain closed for 2024. Access to the lake can be gained through the North boat ramp. This ramp has a kayak launch and boat ramp, as well as the fish cleaning station has been reinstalled. Shelters available include the Stone Shelter and Youth Shelter both open for reservations. Beach is currently open and available for use, as well as all Hiking Trails. (Updated March 1, 2024)
Description
Welcome to Red Haw State Park. Visitors are inspired by its beauty and tranquility.
Recreation:
Lake Activities
Red Haw's 70-acre lake has long been known as a premier pan-fishing destination especially for large bluegill. Several fishing jetties and numerous shoreline accesses make for easy bank fishing. Two boat ramps provide access for boaters. The lake is a "no-wake" lake and only electric trolling motors are allowed. Unsupervised swimming is available at the beach.
Trails
A 4-mile marked grass trail hugs the lake through the timbered park and provides access to the south to an adjacent 229-acre wildlife management area with large parcels of reconstructed prairie. An upper trail east of the lake and short trails elsewhere provide exploratory options for hikers. The east and south trail system traverses undeveloped areas and hikers may be able to catch a glimpse of the numerous wildlife species in the park.
Picknicking/Shelters
Three open shelters may be reserved for special occasions or used for free on a first-come first-serve basis. The historic CCC-built stone shelter with its large fireplace is especially popular for wedding and other large gatherings.
Facilities:
Camping
Campers can enjoy a heavily shaded campground with electrical hook ups, a playground, and modern restroom and shower facilities.
Nearby Attractions:
Visit the park in mid to late April and enjoy the brilliance of thousands of red bud trees in bloom. Race fans can enjoy the Knoxville Raceway located 30 minutes north of Chariton on Hwy 14. Thirty minutes to the southeast, visitors can explore Rathbun Lake and visit Honey Creek Resort State Park.
Services & Amenities:
- Bird Watching
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Boating
- Docks, Fishing
- Dump Station
- Fish Cleaning Station
- Fishing
- Handicap Access
- Hiking
- Interpretive Trail
- Jogging/Running
- Kayaking
- Park Lake
- Park Office
- Parking
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Registration Building
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Swimming - Beach
- Toilet, Pit/Vault
- Trash Dumpster
- Walking
- Water Hydrants
- Wildlife Viewing
- ATM/Cash Machine
- Church
- Fuel, Vehicles
- Golfing
- Grocery Store
- Hospital
- Medical Clinic
- Motel
- Retail, Bait & Tackle
- Retail, Drinks
- Retail, Firewood
- Retail, Ice
- Retail, Snacks
- Town
Alerts and Important Information
None
Getting There:
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
40.99583,
-93.27917
40°59'45"N,
93°16'45"W
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.
Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
Red Haw State Park
24550 US Highway 34
Chariton
IA
50049
Phone Number:
Information:
(641)774 5632