🌤 Weather at Sharon Bluffs State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–72 °F | 59–86 °F | 28–76 °F | 12–38 °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 Centerville, 5 mi away, elevation 905 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Iowa’s Chariton River Bluffs — CCC-Built Historic Shelter House, Nature Center with Live Wildlife, 6 Electric Campsites, 3 Miles of River Trails & Boat Ramp in Appanoose County
Sharon Bluffs State Park is a day-use and camping park along the Chariton River east of Centerville in Appanoose County, Iowa. The park features three historic CCC-built buildings including a reservable shelter house with fireplace, a nature center housing live and mounted native Iowa wildlife, 6 electric campsites (30-amp), 3 miles of hiking trails along the river and bluffs, a Chariton River boat ramp, a playground, and year-round access.
Sharon Bluffs serves as the headquarters for the Appanoose County Conservation offices, giving the park a unique community-centered character. The three CCC-era buildings — constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s — are beautifully preserved, with the shelter house available for reservation for group events. The nature center is a standout feature, housing an extensive collection of live and mounted native Iowa wildlife — call ahead to confirm hours. The 3-mile trail system winds along the Chariton River and up through the bluffs, offering seasonal wildflower displays and mushroom foraging opportunities.
Things to Do
Camping
- 6 campsites with 30-amp electric service
- First-come, first-served
- Open year-round
- Filling and dump station: At park entrance
- Restrooms: Two pit latrines
Hiking
- 3 miles of trails: Along the Chariton River and through the bluffs
- Wildlife viewing: River habitat
- Wildflowers: Spring and summer displays
- Mushroom foraging: Popular in spring (morels)
- ⚠️ Trails closed in January: Inviolate wildlife refuge
Nature Center
- Extensive collection: Live and mounted native Iowa wildlife
- Educational programs
- Call ahead: 641-856-8528 for hours and appointments
Boating & Fishing
- Boat ramp: On the Chariton River (second park entrance)
- Fishing: In the Chariton River
- Iowa fishing license required
Historic CCC Buildings
- Three CCC-era buildings: Built in the 1930s
- Shelter house: Reservable — includes fireplace
- Contact 641-856-8528 for reservations
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Campsites | 6 sites with 30-amp electric |
| Season | Open year-round |
| Reservations | First-come, first-served |
| Restrooms | Two pit latrines |
| Dump Station | At park entrance |
| Playground | Near shelter and campground |
| Nature Center | Call 641-856-8528 for hours |
| Management | Appanoose County Conservation |
| Address | 25100 520th Street, Centerville, IA 52544 |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | ⭐ BEST: Morel mushrooms; wildflowers; birding; river fishing; CCC shelter opens; green-up | Muddy trails; variable weather; river may be high; bugs |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Full trail access; camping; nature center; river paddling; warm; long days | Hot; humid; mosquitoes; thunderstorms |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Fall foliage on river bluffs; cool hiking; hunting season; quiet camping | Trails close in January; shorter days; cooling |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Year-round camping available; winter solitude; CCC buildings atmospheric | ⚠️ Trails CLOSED in January (inviolate refuge); cold; limited services |
Visitor Tips
- Nature center: Call 641-856-8528 before visiting to confirm the nature center is open — it houses an excellent collection of live and mounted Iowa wildlife.
- CCC shelter house: The 1930s shelter house with fireplace is reservable — great for family reunions and group events.
- Morel hunting: The trails are popular for morel mushroom foraging in April–May.
- January trail closure: Trails are CLOSED in January as part of an inviolate wildlife refuge — plan accordingly.
- Year-round camping: The 6 electric campsites are open year-round — one of the few Iowa parks with winter camping.
- Boat ramp: Access the Chariton River boat ramp via the second park entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sharon Bluffs State Park have camping?
Yes — Sharon Bluffs State Park near Centerville, Iowa, offers 6 campsites with 30-amp electric service. Camping is first-come, first-served and the park is open year-round — one of the few Iowa parks with winter camping. A filling and dump station is located at the park entrance. Restrooms are pit latrines. The park also features three historic CCC-built buildings, a nature center with live wildlife, 3 miles of river and bluff hiking trails, a Chariton River boat ramp, and a playground.
Is there a nature center at Sharon Bluffs State Park?
Yes — Sharon Bluffs State Park serves as the headquarters for Appanoose County Conservation and houses a nature center with an extensive collection of live and mounted native Iowa wildlife. Call ahead at 641-856-8528 to confirm hours or make an appointment, as the nature center may not always be staffed. The park near Centerville, Iowa, also features three historic CCC-era buildings, a reservable shelter house with fireplace, 6 electric campsites, 3 miles of hiking trails, and a Chariton River boat ramp.
Last updated: May 2026
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Honey Creek State Park is a short drive away, and Lake Wapello State Park is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Sharon Bluffs State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 6 sites — 6 campsites with 30-amp electrical service, first-come, first-served (not on the online state reservation system). Two CCC-built pit latrines serve the campground; a fill and dump station is located at the park entrance. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | First-come, first-served; no advance reservation for campsites. Shelter house reservations through Appanoose County Conservation, (641) 856-8528. |
| Special sites | Park also serves as headquarters for Appanoose County Conservation; includes a nature center. Managed by Appanoose County, not Iowa DNR. |
| Season notes | Open year-round to campers; day use 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Trails close each January as an inviolate refuge. |
Camping questions about Sharon Bluffs State Park
Can you camp at Sharon Bluffs State Park?
Yes. Sharon Bluffs State Park has 6 campsites. 6 campsites with 30-amp electrical service, first-come, first-served (not on the online state reservation system). Two CCC-built pit latrines serve the campground; a fill and dump station is located at the park entrance.
How do you reserve a campsite at Sharon Bluffs State Park?
First-come, first-served; no advance reservation for campsites. Shelter house reservations through Appanoose County Conservation, (641) 856-8528.
Source: appanoosecounty.iowa.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sharon Bluffs 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 Sharon Bluffs 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 Sharon Bluffs State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
