Within Rathbun Recreation Area, COE Rathbun Lake Buck Creek operates under Army Corps of Engineers management as one of several campgrounds around the 11,000-acre lake. Sites accommodate both RVs and tents, with hookups available for those needing electrical connections. The campground provides direct lake access for fishing and kayaking activities.
Matt S. notes the facility offers numerous sites with lake views, though he mentions the infrastructure could use updates. The grounds stay clean despite their age. Reservations can be made in advance, and pets are welcome throughout the campground. For additional options, campers can explore campgrounds around Rathbun Recreation Area or check nearby Rathbun Marina just over a mile south.
Description
Overview
Buck Creek Campground is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just 9 miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking are popular activities at this lakefront campground.
Recreation
The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler. Crappie, channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass are most common. Although power boating is also popular, the prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
Facilities
This campground offers 42 sites with electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, boat ramp and playground. A marina and bait shop are located nearby.
Natural Features
Rathbun Lake is situated in the gently rolling hills of the Chariton River Valley in southeast Iowa. The campground consists of open grassy areas dotted with trees. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464.
Nearby Attractions
The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is located near the main dam, and offers self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round. Hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye are produced here each year. Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is nearby. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres of an abandoned rock quarry.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCOE Rathbun Lake Buck Creek is located in Iowa
Directions
From Centerville, IA, travel 5 miles north on HWY 5 to HWY J-29, then 4 miles northwest to HWY J5T. Travel 2 miles north and follow signs to campground.
Address
20112 HWY J5T
Centerville, IA 52544-8308
Coordinates
40.8627778 N
92.8677778 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 24 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 47 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 59 min from Iowa City, IA
- 2 hrs 13 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
