Kayaking & Canoeing the Middle Raccoon River
Iowa paddling guide
- 54 mi
- River mapped
- 17
- Boat launches
- 6
- Campgrounds
- 3
- Counties
The Middle Raccoon River is one of Iowa's designated water trails, tracing roughly 54 mi, winding through Carroll, Dallas and Guthrie Counties. This guide maps 17 public boat launches and access points and 6 nearby campgrounds on the Middle Raccoon 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 Middle Raccoon River is to put in at Hanging Rock and take out at Riverside Park — check the live gauge first and always leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out.
Boat launches & access points on the Middle Raccoon River
17 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Big Bend Wildlife AreaDallas Co.
- ▸Cowles AccessGuthrie Co.
- ▸Hanging RockDallas Co.
- ▸Highway 141 River AccessGuthrie Co.
- ▸Lennon MillsGuthrie Co.
- ▸Marlowe Ray Wildlife AreaGuthrie Co.
- ▸Middle Raccoon Boat RampGuthrie Co.
- ▸Middle Raccoon RiverDallas Co.
- ▸Middle Raccoon River AccessGuthrie Co.
- ▸Middle Raccoon River AccessDallas Co.
- ▸P - 28 AccessGuthrie Co.
- ▸Redfield DamDallas Co.
- ▸Riverside ParkCarroll Co.
- ▸Shearer AccessDallas Co.
- ▸Springbrook Lake AccessGuthrie Co.
- ▸Springbrook State ParkGuthrie Co.
- ▸Whiterock Conservancy campground accessGuthrie Co.
Camping near the Middle Raccoon River
- ⛺CampgroundGuthrie Co.
- ⛺Oak Ridge Campground
- ⛺River Campground
- ⛺Riverside Park Campgrounds
- ⛺Springbrook State Park Campground
- ⛺Star-Field Campground
Live Middle Raccoon River conditions
Middle Raccoon River: 74 cfs, 4.2 ft — runnable.
Yes — right now the Middle Raccoon River is runnable at 74 cfs (as of Jul 26, 2026, 10:15 AM CT), within its normal paddling range. Iowa rivers rise fast after heavy rain, so always check the live USGS gauge and skip the river when it reads high or is flagged for flooding.
Typically runnable between about 40 and 4,000 cfs. Treat readings above 4,000 cfs as dangerous high water and below 40 cfs as too low to float. Provisional paddling band — always scout on site.
Source: USGS Middle Raccoon River at Panora, IA, updated Jul 26, 2026, 10:15 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 Middle Raccoon River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Middle Raccoon River paddling FAQ
- Is the Middle Raccoon River safe to paddle right now?
- Yes — right now the Middle Raccoon River is runnable at 74 cfs (as of Jul 26, 2026, 10:15 AM CT), within its normal paddling range. Iowa rivers rise fast after heavy rain, so always check the live USGS gauge and skip the river when it reads high or is flagged for flooding.
- Where can I put in and take out on the Middle Raccoon River?
- A popular run is from Hanging Rock to Riverside Park. In all, the Middle Raccoon River has 17 mapped public boat launches — leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out and confirm access before you go.
- How long is the Middle Raccoon River?
- About 54 mi of the Middle Raccoon River is mapped for paddling across 3 Iowa counties, with 17 access points to build shorter day trips.
- Do I need a permit to kayak or canoe the Middle Raccoon 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 Middle Raccoon River
Close by if you're planning a kayaking or canoeing trip in this part of Iowa:
Paddle more of Iowa
The Middle Raccoon River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.