Sharon Bluffs State Park
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
