Facilities and Activities
Picnic areas offer a splendid view of the lake and are equipped with grills. There are many tables by the water's edge and the whole area is carpeted with mowed grass. A rustic open picnic shelter, located atop a hill, is a fine spot for large gatherings. This shelter and four smaller ones may be reserved online through the park reservation system.
Red Haw's shady campground overlooks the beautiful lake and includes electrical hookups, paved roads, modern rest rooms, showers and a trailer dumping station. A playground provides fun for little campers. A boat ramp is conveniently located near the campground. Advance campsite reservations can be made through the park reservation system . One fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A multi-use trail around the lake offers a scenic view for hikers, bird watchers, snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
(swimming, boating, fishing)
Un-supervised swimming is available at the beach.
Two boat ramps provide easy access to the lake, where only electric trolling motors are allowed.
Fishing for bluegills, crappies, catfish and bass is popular during the summer, and ice fishing is allowed during the winter. Red Haw is known as one of Iowa's premier "panfish" lakes.
Red Haw State Park has an additional 229 acres south of the existing park designated for public hunting. This area offers upland opportunities and can be accessed by a county road south of the park.
No matter what the season, the trees make Red Haw a beautiful place to visit. The 649-acre park is filled with hawthorns, oaks, maples and pine trees. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming and boating. In the winter, visitors can enjoy ice skating, sledding, skiing and snowmobiling. Hiking trails wind through the park and around the sparkling clear 72- acre lake.
Chariton is one mile west. Russell is seven miles southeast. Des Moines is 50 miles northwest.
Nearby Lakes
Red Haw LakeRed Haw Watershed Pond 3 (North)Red Haw Watershed Pond 1 (East)Red Haw Watershed Pond 2 (Middle)Ellis LakeMorris LakeColyn North MarshColyn South MarshWilliamson PondBrown Slough
Amenities
Within park Bicycling, Bird Watching, Boat Launch Ramp, Boating, Camping - Nonelectric, Canoeing, Dock, Fishing, Dump Station, Fish Cleaning Station, Kayaking, Modern Campground, Paddle Boating, Park Lake, Picnic Area, Picnic Shelter, Playground, Restrooms, Showers, Snowmobiling, Swimming - Beach, Trail, Interpretive, Trails, Cross Country Skiing, Trails, Hiking, Trails, Snowmobile, Water Hydrants , Wildflower Viewing, Wildlife Viewing
Less than a mile Firewood Sales, Hunting, Retail, Bait & Tackle, Retail, Firewood, Retail, Ice, Retail, Snacks
More than a mile Antiquing, ATM/Cash Machine, Camping - Equestrian, Church, Fuel, Vehicles, Grocery Store, Hospital, Retail, Drinks, Tennis
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