Red Haw State Park

Red Haw State Park encompasses a total area of 649 acres of parkland that is located in Lucas County, Iowa and near two main cities, Chariton and Russell. To get to the park, simply drive about one mile east of Chariton, off US 34. Russel City is located about seven miles southeast of the park. The Des Moines River can be found approximately 50 miles northwest of the park.

There are several features that make this park attractive to all sorts of visitors. First, the park surrounds a 72-acre recreational reservoir called the Red Haw Lake that shares its name with the park. Additionally, the park has a rich and diverse ecology that is comprised of several plant and tree species including Pines, Oaks, Hawthorns, and Maples. 

Besides the natural beauty of this park, it also has several amenities that make it possible to enjoy many more recreational activities apart from soaking in the picturesque views of the park. Some of the amenities at the park include paved roads, a large campground with about eighty campsites, showers, picnic areas, modern restrooms, playground, open picnic shelters, boat ramps, hiking and multi-use trails, swimming beach, and a fishing jetty. 

The activities that are popular at the Red Haw State Park include boating (electric motors only), fishing, camping, ice fishing, snowmobiling, hiking, and swimming. If you have a dog, you can bring them into the park at no extra cost. Just remember that you have to abide by state park rules in order to avoid harm to flora and fauna at the park. 

Additionally, keeping your pet under control will also benefit your dog, other pets, and visitors to the park. Some of the common rules relating to dogs are as follows. First, you must ensure that your dog is always either confined in a secure enclosure or kept on a leash no longer than six feet long. If you choose to camp at the park, you should know that there is a restriction of only two dogs/pets per yurt.