Kayaking & Canoeing the Chariton River
Iowa paddling guide
- 55 mi
- River mapped
- 16
- Boat launches
- 8
- Campgrounds
- 1
- Counties
The Chariton River is one of Iowa's paddling rivers, tracing roughly 55 mi, winding through Appanoose County. This guide maps 16 public boat launches and access points and 8 nearby campgrounds on the Chariton River, plus the live USGS gauge readings you need to plan a safe day kayaking, canoeing or tubing in Iowa.
A popular way to paddle the Chariton River is to put in at rathbun wildlife area - usacoe and take out at Sharon Bluffs State Park — check the live gauge first and always leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out.
Boat launches & access points on the Chariton River
16 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Boat DockAppanoose Co.
- ▸Boat RampAppanoose Co.
- ▸Buck Creek High Water AccessAppanoose Co.
- ▸Buck Creek Marina AccessAppanoose Co.
- ▸Honey Creek Resort State ParkAppanoose Co.
- ▸Honey Creek State Park High Water AccessAppanoose Co.
- ▸Honey Creek State Park High Water AccessAppanoose Co.
- ▸Island view high water AccessAppanoose Co.
- ▸Island View Middle RampAppanoose Co.
- ▸Island view West AccessAppanoose Co.
- ▸Outlet ParkAppanoose Co.
- ▸Prairie Ridge Park AccessAppanoose Co.
- ▸Rathbun South Fork MarinaAppanoose Co.
- ▸rathbun wildlife area - usacoeAppanoose Co.
- ▸Rolling Cove Campground AccessAppanoose Co.
- ▸Sharon Bluffs State ParkAppanoose Co.
Camping near the Chariton River
- ⛺CampgroundAppanoose Co.
- ⛺Honey Creek Resort State ParkAppanoose Co.
- ⛺Honey Creek Resort State ParkAppanoose Co.
- ⛺Honey Creek State ParkAppanoose Co.
- ⛺Honey Creek State ParkAppanoose Co.
- ⛺Honey Creek State Park Campground
- ⛺ISLAND VIEW (RATHBUN LAKE)
- ⛺Paddler's Pines CampAppanoose Co.
Live Chariton River conditions
Chariton River: 35 cfs, 4.5 ft — running low — may be too shallow to float.
The Chariton River is currently low at 35 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:45 AM CT) — floatable in spots but expect to scrape or drag over shallow riffles. It is safe from a high-water standpoint; just pick a short stretch and check the live USGS gauge before you go.
Typically runnable between about 40 and 5,000 cfs. Treat readings above 5,000 cfs as dangerous high water and below 40 cfs as too low to float. Provisional paddling band — always scout on site.
Source: USGS Chariton River near Chariton, IA, updated Jul 25, 2026, 7:45 AM CT. Live readings are provisional — always confirm on the map before launching.
River levels change fast. Check the live USGS gauges, weather radar and flood-safety status for the Chariton River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Chariton River paddling FAQ
- Is the Chariton River safe to paddle right now?
- The Chariton River is currently low at 35 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:45 AM CT) — floatable in spots but expect to scrape or drag over shallow riffles. It is safe from a high-water standpoint; just pick a short stretch and check the live USGS gauge before you go.
- Where can I put in and take out on the Chariton River?
- A popular run is from rathbun wildlife area - usacoe to Sharon Bluffs State Park. In all, the Chariton River has 16 mapped public boat launches — leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out and confirm access before you go.
- How long is the Chariton River?
- About 55 mi of the Chariton River is mapped for paddling across 1 Iowa county, with 16 access points to build shorter day trips.
- Do I need a permit to kayak or canoe the Chariton River?
- No permit is required to paddle Iowa's rivers. Non-motorized kayaks and canoes don't need registration; just wear a life vest, check the live USGS gauge, and avoid the river during or after heavy rain.
Rivers to paddle near the Chariton River
Close by if you're planning a kayaking or canoeing trip in this part of Iowa:
Paddle more of Iowa
The Chariton River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.