Red Haw State Park in Iowa will reopen its campground on July 1, three years after a powerful EF3 tornado caused extensive damage to park infrastructure, including buildings, trees, and electrical systems.
The reopening marks the completion of a multi-year recovery and renovation effort by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Chad Kelchen, district supervisor for the DNR Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau, said the updated campground offers several improvements intended to enhance the visitor experience and accommodate a wider range of recreational vehicles.
“We are excited for campers to visit Red Haw and enjoy this beautiful hidden gem,” Kelchen said, as reported by KBOE 104.9FM on June 25.
“We greatly appreciate the local community support we received over the last three years as we worked to clean up Red Haw, and we look forward to welcoming campers to enjoy the renovated campground,” Kelchen added.
The March 5, 2022 tornado cut directly through the center of Red Haw State Park, destroying much of the campground’s infrastructure.
As part of the renovations, Red Haw’s campground now includes 41 electrical campsites with 50-amp service, many of which offer pull-through access and lake views.
These updates are expected to improve accessibility for larger RVs and appeal to visitors seeking scenic, high-utility campsites.
Additional improvements include a newly renovated beach shelter, upgraded site accessibility, a new kayak launch, and a fish cleaning dock. The enhancements were designed to broaden the park’s appeal to campers, anglers, and paddlers, while improving operational efficiency.
To streamline booking, the park has transitioned to a fully digital reservation system. Same-day reservations will be available, with a daily cutoff time of 10:00 p.m.
Campers may begin reserving sites at 9:00 a.m. on June 30 via ReserveAmerica or by calling (877) 427-2757. Visitors arriving without a reservation will be directed to the online system for real-time availability.
For campground owners and outdoor hospitality developers, the reopening of Red Haw represents a case study in resilience and reinvestment. The DNR’s decision to modernize infrastructure and shift to digital-first operations aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing accessibility, and guest convenience.