Kayaking & Canoeing the South Raccoon River
Iowa paddling guide
- 55 mi
- River mapped
- 5
- Boat launches
- 3
- Campgrounds
- 2
- Counties
The South Raccoon River is one of Iowa's designated water trails, tracing roughly 55 mi, winding through Dallas and Guthrie Counties. This guide maps 5 public boat launches and access points and 3 nearby campgrounds on the South 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 South Raccoon River is to put in at Earlham Bridge Access (South Raccoon) and take out at Nations Bridge Park — check the live gauge first and always leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out.
Boat launches & access points on the South Raccoon River
5 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Courtney McCammond AccessDallas Co.
- ▸Earlham Bridge Access (South Raccoon)Dallas Co.
- ▸Nations Bridge ParkGuthrie Co.
- ▸Pleasant Valley Wildlife Area (South Raccoon River)Dallas Co.
- ▸South Raccoon River AccessDallas Co.
Camping near the South Raccoon River
- ⛺101
- ⛺105
- ⛺Guthrie County Fairground Campgrounds
Live South Raccoon River conditions
South Raccoon River: 115 cfs, 2.5 ft — runnable.
Yes — right now the South Raccoon River is runnable at 115 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 6:45 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 60 and 6,000 cfs. Treat readings above 6,000 cfs as dangerous high water and below 60 cfs as too low to float. Provisional paddling band — always scout on site.
Source: USGS South Raccoon River at Redfield, IA, updated Jul 25, 2026, 6:45 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 South Raccoon River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
South Raccoon River paddling FAQ
- Is the South Raccoon River safe to paddle right now?
- Yes — right now the South Raccoon River is runnable at 115 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 6:45 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 South Raccoon River?
- A popular run is from Earlham Bridge Access (South Raccoon) to Nations Bridge Park. In all, the South Raccoon River has 5 mapped public boat launches — leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out and confirm access before you go.
- How long is the South Raccoon River?
- About 55 mi of the South Raccoon River is mapped for paddling across 2 Iowa counties, with 5 access points to build shorter day trips.
- Do I need a permit to kayak or canoe the South 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 South Raccoon River
Close by if you're planning a kayaking or canoeing trip in this part of Iowa:
Paddle more of Iowa
The South Raccoon River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.