Kayaking & Canoeing the Raccoon River
Iowa paddling guide
- 30 mi
- River mapped
- 9
- Boat launches
- 1
- Campgrounds
- 2
- Counties
The Raccoon River is one of Iowa's paddling rivers, tracing roughly 30 mi, winding through Dallas and Polk Counties. This guide maps 9 public boat launches and access points and 1 nearby campground on the 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 Raccoon River is to put in at Booneville Access and take out at Scotts Street Dam — check the live gauge first and always leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out.
Boat launches & access points on the Raccoon River
9 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Blue Heron Boat Ramp (Raccoon River Park)Polk Co.
- ▸Blue Heron LakePolk Co.
- ▸Booneville AccessDallas Co.
- ▸Brown's Woods (PCCB)Polk Co.
- ▸Commerce LedgesPolk Co.
- ▸Des Moines Water Works ParkPolk Co.
- ▸Gray's Lake RampPolk Co.
- ▸Scotts Street DamPolk Co.
- ▸Walnut Woods State Park APolk Co.
Camping near the Raccoon River
- ⛺CampgroundPolk Co.
Live Raccoon River conditions
Raccoon River: 560 cfs, 3.0 ft — runnable.
Yes — right now the Raccoon River is runnable at 560 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:00 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 100 and 10,000 cfs. Treat readings above 10,000 cfs as dangerous high water and below 100 cfs as too low to float. Provisional paddling band — always scout on site.
Source: USGS Raccoon River at Van Meter, IA, updated Jul 25, 2026, 7:00 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 Raccoon River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Raccoon River paddling FAQ
- Is the Raccoon River safe to paddle right now?
- Yes — right now the Raccoon River is runnable at 560 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:00 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 Raccoon River?
- A popular run is from Booneville Access to Scotts Street Dam. In all, the Raccoon River has 9 mapped public boat launches — leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out and confirm access before you go.
- How long is the Raccoon River?
- About 30 mi of the Raccoon River is mapped for paddling across 2 Iowa counties, with 9 access points to build shorter day trips.
- Do I need a permit to kayak or canoe the 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 Raccoon River
Close by if you're planning a kayaking or canoeing trip in this part of Iowa:
Paddle more of Iowa
The Raccoon River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.