Chariton, Iowa, draws RV travelers with its rugged state parks and quiet lakes perfect for unplugging. Five parks cluster nearby, including Red Haw State Park and three in Stephens State Forest. Camp here to trail hike, fish Whitebreast Creek, and savor small-town diners on Court Avenue.
2 parks found
Chariton serves as Lucas County's seat, where the historic courthouse towers over Court Avenue's antique shops and cafes. Anglers cast lines into Red Haw Lake, while hikers tackle Stephens State Forest trails along the Chariton River. The annual Lucas County Fair packs the fairgrounds each July with rides, livestock shows, and corn-eating contests.
Red Haw State Park suits families with lakefront sites starting at $18/night, ideal for boating and swimming. Equestrians stable horses at Whitebreast Campground in Stephens State Forest, complete with 30-amp and 50-amp hookups. Rustic campers choose Lucas Primitive Campground for basic sites with the same electric options, and groups book Boy Scout Camp for spacious pads amid towering oaks.
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Chariton stands out for its state parks and mining history. The town anchors Lucas County with a historic courthouse on Court Avenue and hosts the bustling Lucas County Fair each summer. Red Haw Lake draws boaters, while Stephens State Forest offers trails through oak woods once mined for coal.
Find five RV parks near Chariton, including Red Haw State Park and three in Stephens State Forest: Whitebreast Equestrian, Lucas Primitive Campground, and Boy Scout Camp. Red Haw sits 5 miles south with lake access from $18/night. Stephens sites, 10 miles west, provide 30-amp and 50-amp hookups amid forest trails.
Yes, Whitebreast Equestrian, Lucas Primitive Campground, and Boy Scout Camp in Stephens State Forest offer 50-amp hookups. These sites accommodate big rigs amid hiking trails and creeks, just 10 miles from Chariton. Red Haw State Park focuses more on basic electric but suits smaller RVs near the lake.