Kayaking & Canoeing the North Raccoon River

Iowa paddling guide

155 mi
River mapped
36
Boat launches
2
Campgrounds
5
Counties

The North Raccoon River is one of Iowa's designated water trails, tracing roughly 155 mi, winding through Calhoun, Carroll, Dallas and Greene and other Counties. This guide maps 36 public boat launches and access points and 2 nearby campgrounds on the North 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 North Raccoon River is to put in at Two Rivers Access and take out at Vogel Access — check the live gauge first and always leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out.

🗺️ Open the live paddling map

Boat launches & access points on the North Raccoon River

36 public access points for putting in and taking out.

  • ▸Adel Island ParkDallas Co.
  • ▸Adkins Bridge AccessGreene Co.
  • ▸Almer Noyd Wildlife AreaSac Co.
  • ▸artesian lakeCarroll Co.
  • ▸Bennett AccessCarroll Co.
  • ▸Brown Bridge AccessGreene Co.
  • ▸Butrick BluffCarroll Co.
  • ▸Carroll County AccessCarroll Co.
  • ▸City ParkSac Co.
  • ▸Grant ParkSac Co.
  • ▸Hagge ParkSac Co.
  • ▸Henderson ParkGreene Co.
  • ▸Highway 44 AccessDallas Co.
  • ▸Hobbs AccessCarroll Co.
  • ▸Hyde ParkGreene Co.
  • ▸Jackson AccessCalhoun Co.
  • ▸Kinnick-Feller Riverside ParkDallas Co.
  • ▸McDonald AccessSac Co.
  • ▸McMahon Access (C)Greene Co.
  • ▸Merritt AccessCarroll Co.
  • ▸North Raccoon AccessCarroll Co.
  • ▸Perry Boat RampDallas Co.
  • ▸Puckerbrush AccessDallas Co.
  • ▸Rainbow BendCalhoun Co.
  • ▸Richey AccessCarroll Co.
  • ▸Sac City AccessSac Co.
  • ▸Snyder AccessDallas Co.
  • ▸Snyder Pits AccessDallas Co.
  • ▸Snyder TractDallas Co.
  • ▸Sportsmen's ParkDallas Co.
  • ▸Spring Valley AccessDallas Co.
  • ▸Squirrel Hollow ParkGreene Co.
  • ▸Two Rivers AccessDallas Co.
  • ▸Vogel AccessSac Co.
  • ▸White Horse AccessSac Co.
  • ▸Wright AccessGreene Co.

Camping near the North Raccoon River

  • ⛺Island Park Campground
  • ⛺Riverside Campground

Live North Raccoon River conditions

runnable

North Raccoon River: 208 cfs, 5.1 ft — runnable.

Yes — right now the North Raccoon River is runnable at 208 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:15 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 150 and 6,000 cfs. Treat readings above 6,000 cfs as dangerous high water and below 150 cfs as too low to float. Provisional paddling band — always scout on site.

Source: USGS North Raccoon River near Jefferson, IA, updated Jul 25, 2026, 7:15 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 North Raccoon River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.

North Raccoon River paddling FAQ

Is the North Raccoon River safe to paddle right now?
Yes — right now the North Raccoon River is runnable at 208 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:15 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 North Raccoon River?
A popular run is from Two Rivers Access to Vogel Access. In all, the North Raccoon River has 36 mapped public boat launches — leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out and confirm access before you go.
How long is the North Raccoon River?
About 155 mi of the North Raccoon River is mapped for paddling across 5 Iowa counties, with 36 access points to build shorter day trips.
Do I need a permit to kayak or canoe the North 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 North Raccoon River

Close by if you're planning a kayaking or canoeing trip in this part of Iowa:

Paddle more of Iowa

The North Raccoon River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.