🌤 Weather at Red Haw State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–71 °F | 57–84 °F | 26–76 °F | 11–36 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Chariton 1 E, 3 mi away, elevation 965 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Scenic Lakeside Campground in Southern Iowa — 420 Acres of Rolling Hardwood Forest, 72-Acre Red Haw Lake, Electric Hookup Campsites Overlooking the Lake, Modern Restrooms With Hot Showers, ADA-Accessible Sites Available, Trailer Dump Station, Sandy Swimming Beach, Fishing for Largemouth Bass Bluegill Channel Catfish and Stocked Rainbow Trout, Non-Motorized and Electric-Motor Boating With Boat Ramp, Hiking and Multiuse Trails Through Native Hardwoods, Spectacular October Fall Foliage, 100% Reservable Campground Open April Through October, Iowa DNR, Near Chariton Lucas County Iowa
Red Haw State Park is a 420-acre state park on 72-acre Red Haw Lake near Chariton, Lucas County, Iowa, managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The park features electric hookup campsites overlooking the lake with paved roads and pull-through sites, modern restrooms with hot showers, ADA-accessible camping sites, a trailer dump station, a sandy swimming beach on Red Haw Lake, fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and stocked rainbow trout, non-motorized and electric-motor boating with a concrete boat ramp, hiking and multiuse trails through rolling native hardwood forest, picnic areas and reservable shelters, and spectacular fall foliage in October that draws leaf-peepers from across southern Iowa.
Red Haw is southern Iowa’s most popular family campground — the lakeside sites with sweeping views across 72-acre Red Haw Lake are among the most scenic in the Iowa State Park system. The campground is 100% reservable and fills up fast on summer weekends — book through the Iowa DNR reservation system well in advance.
The rolling terrain of native hardwood forest — oak, hickory, and maple — provides excellent fall color in October, making Red Haw a favorite leaf-peeping destination in the last weeks of the camping season. The trail system winds through wooded ridgelines and lake overlooks, offering surprisingly hilly terrain for Iowa.
Things to Do
- Camping — electric sites, lake views, ADA-accessible, 100% reservable
- Fishing — bass, bluegill, catfish, stocked trout
- Swimming — sandy beach on Red Haw Lake
- Boating — non-motorized + electric motors, boat ramp
- Hiking — trails through hardwood forest ridgelines
- Fall color — spectacular October foliage
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Chariton, Lucas County, IA |
| Size | 420 acres |
| Lake | Red Haw Lake — 72 acres |
| Camping | Electric hookups, ADA — 100% reservable |
| Season | April – October |
| Fishing | Bass, bluegill, catfish, stocked trout |
| Managed By | Iowa DNR |
| Coordinates | 40.9725° N, 93.2903° W |
Wildlife & Nature
Red Haw SP — 420 acres on Red Haw Lake. The park’s lake, prairie, and forest support bald eagles, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. Channel catfish, bass, and bluegill fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Chariton — adjacent. Lucas County — surrounding.
Does Red Haw State Park require camping reservations?
Yes — Red Haw State Park near Chariton, Iowa is 100% reservable and advance reservations are required through the Iowa DNR reservation system. The campground with electric hookup sites overlooking 72-acre Red Haw Lake is open April through October. The 420-acre park offers ADA-accessible camping, modern restrooms with hot showers, a sandy swimming beach, fishing for bass, bluegill, catfish, and stocked trout, boating (non-motorized and electric), and hiking trails through rolling hardwood forest with spectacular October fall color.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Bobwhite State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Honey Creek State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Red Haw State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 52 sites — 41 Standard Electric sites, mostly 20/30/50 amp (one site 50-amp only), $22/night peak season (May 1-Oct 15) - confirmed by a 2025 Iowa DNR announcement of 50-amp service on 41 sites after a renovation that added larger pull-through sites with lake views. 9 Tent Only sites, $14/night peak. 1 Standard Full Hook-Up site, $34/night peak. 1 Standard Non-Electric site, $14/night peak. RV lengths accommodated from 55 to 70 feet depending on site. Some sites are ADA accessible. Paved roads, modern restrooms, showers and a trailer dump station on site. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | 100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone at (877) 427-2757. |
| Special sites | 3 shelters available for rent. Trailer dump station on site. |
| Season notes | Campground accepts reservations April-October and is closed November-March. |
Camping questions about Red Haw State Park
Can you camp at Red Haw State Park?
Yes. Red Haw State Park has 52 campsites. 41 Standard Electric sites, mostly 20/30/50 amp (one site 50-amp only), $22/night peak season (May 1-Oct 15) - confirmed by a 2025 Iowa DNR announcement of 50-amp service on 41 sites after a renovation that added larger pull-through sites with lake views. 9 Tent Only sites, $14/night peak. 1 Standard Full Hook-Up site, $34/night peak. 1 Standard Non-Electric site, $14/night peak. RV lengths accommodated from 55 to 70 feet depending on site. Some sites are ADA accessible. Paved roads, modern restrooms, showers and a trailer dump station on site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Red Haw State Park?
100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone at (877) 427-2757.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Red Haw State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, led or carried by the owner, or confined
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Animals are prohibited within designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated dog-friendly cabins/yurts (limit two dogs); all other cabins are pet-free; dogs must be kenneled if left unattended inside
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during season are exempt from the leash rule; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds
Are dogs allowed at Red Haw State Park?
Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via iowadnr.gov. More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Red Haw State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
