Red Haw State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Eikenberry Park Bingham Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Red Haw State Park is a beautiful park located in south-central Iowa, covering an area of 630 acres.
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Summary
The park is a popular destination for visitors due to its scenic views and numerous outdoor activities. Some of the best reasons to visit Red Haw State Park include hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.
One of the most popular attractions in the park is the 72-acre lake, which offers excellent fishing opportunities for catfish, bass, and bluegill. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water activities like boating, kayaking, and swimming.
Another must-see destination in Red Haw State Park is the picturesque wildlife area, which offers visitors the chance to observe a variety of animals in their natural habitat. The park is also home to numerous hiking trails, including the 6.3-mile Red Haw Trail, which provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Interesting facts about Red Haw State Park include that it was named after the red-tailed hawk that is commonly found in the area. Additionally, the park was established in 1935 as part of a project by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The best time to visit Red Haw State Park is during the fall season when the leaves turn vibrant colors, creating stunning views throughout the park. However, visitors can enjoy the park's attractions throughout the year, including during the summer months when the lake is perfect for swimming and boating.
In conclusion, Red Haw State Park is an excellent destination for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors while taking in some of Iowa's most beautiful natural scenery. With numerous activities and attractions to explore, visitors will undoubtedly find something to enjoy during their visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Eikenberry Park
Bingham Park
Stephens State Forest-Cedar Creek Unit
Stephens State Forest-Chariton Unit
Stephens State Forest