Park

Red Lake State Forest park

Iowa, USA Lower Red watershed 47.962°, -94.504°
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Nearby campgrounds
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Red Lake State Forest -- Iowa park
Red Lake State Forest Iowa · Lower Red watershed
About this park

Red Lake State Forest

Red Lake State Forest is located in the northern part of Iowa and covers approximately 5,000 acres of land. There are several reasons why visitors should consider exploring this forest, including the variety of recreational activities available such as hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, and camping.

One of the main points of interest in Red Lake State Forest is the Red Lake Wildlife Management Area, which offers opportunities to observe and hunt various types of game. Additionally, visitors can explore the forest's diverse landscapes that include both prairies and wooded areas. There are also several lakes and streams throughout the area that provide opportunities for fishing and water-based activities.

Interesting facts about Red Lake State Forest include that it was originally established in 1935 as a demonstration area for forest and wildlife management practices. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and bald eagles.

The best time of year to visit Red Lake State Forest may vary depending on the visitor's interests. Hunting season typically occurs in the fall, while hiking and camping are more popular during the summer months. The winter season also provides opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Overall, Red Lake State Forest offers a diverse array of recreational activities and natural beauty that make it a worthwhile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
StateIowa
WatershedLower Red
Latitude47.9617°
Longitude-94.5036°
Land designation

Park & land designation reference

A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.

National Park
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 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.
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.
Detailed forecast

Plan your visit down to the hour

Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & precipitation

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.

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Stay nearby

Area campgrounds

Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Red Lake State Forest, with reservations status.

Campground Reservations Toilets View
Paul Bunyan Memorial Park
Red Lake State Forest
Washkish Park
Big Bog State Rec Area
Pine Tree City Park Campground
Around the spot

Plan a longer trip

The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.

Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace

Know before you go
Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
Stay on trail
Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
Respect wildlife
Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
Pack it in, pack it out
Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
Leave what you find
Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.

Set push alerts in the Snoflo app

Save Red Lake State Forest as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.

FAQ

About Red Lake State Forest

What can I do at Red Lake State Forest?

Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).

How fresh is the weather data?

The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.

When is the best time to visit?

Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.

How do I get to Red Lake State Forest?

Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.

Can I get alerts when conditions change?

Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.

More parks

Other parks near here

Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Red Lake State Forest.