Honey Creek Resort

My family and I stay here for a week during the summer. We usually rent a cabin but there is also a hotel you can stay at.

The hotel includes w restaurant which is a little pricey but it’s usually really good food. There is a video game system hooked up in the lobby and a guest services area and store.

Outside the hotel they have activities so that you can do such as corn hole, playing tic tac toe or jenga. There is a pretty nice boat dock which you can rent a boat or kayak/canoe.

The beach is just outside the hotel and has a huge water park which is a lot of fun to play on. They also have a really nice indoor water park with a slide (nothing crazy)

The fishing is also really good, we generally kayak and catch a lot of crappie, bass, and catfish.

The cabin areas are really nice and have rooms with bunk beds for the kids. It’s air conditioned and has full plumbing/working shower and bathroom. There is also a full kitchen with some supplies.

It’s a great place to take a family vacation.

Honey Creek resort run by the state of Iowa (not to be confused with Honey Creek State Park nearby) is not your typical camping spot. There is a resort hotel with an indoor waterpark, cabins for rent, and an RV Park. The hotel and the RV park are right on the lake. Rathbun is maybe the nicest lake in Iowa (I would say Okoboji, however that has become an overcrowded mess). 

The RV sites: There are not many of them, 20 I think. But they are all paved, level, full hook ups, spacious, with a view of the lake. I don't even think we exchanged harsh words setting up it was so easy. ;)  There are even a couple sites on the side that have equipment for fall hunters. Trees around the RV area, but not in. Fire ring and picnic table. The boat ramp is at one end of the RV area, so people may drive through with boats. Playground a short walk away on a path, but not right in the RV area. 

Indoor waterpark: Probably geared to the 4-10 crowd. Only one bigger slide, lazy river, hot tub, pool with some balance platforms and a rope and a basketball hoop. Then a small kiddie pool with a pirate ship structure with some small slides and some fountains. Not a ton to do, however when we were there it rained for an entire day so that was very handy. Snackbar that serves booze. 

Lake: one of the biggest in the state, not too busy as it is 2 hours from Des Moines so not a lot of day traffic (unlike Saylorville and Red Rock). Boat rentals available. 

Resort hotel: I haven't been in the guest rooms. There is a lobby, restaurant/bar. I have not eaten at the restaurant. There is a little shop with necessities and firewood. There is a nature program where you can check out backpacks for kids to explore nature. Grounds are nice and lush, paths for walking and biking. There's a golf course.