Established Camping
Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun
Island View Campground, near Mystic, Iowa, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the beauty of Rathbun Lake. With large, clean campsites that offer ample shade, it’s perfect for relaxing and soaking in the stunning lake views, especially at sunset.
This campground is pet-friendly and allows campfires, making it a great choice for families and friends gathering around the fire. Visitors have noted the spaciousness of the sites, which are well-separated, providing a sense of privacy while still being part of a community. One camper mentioned, “Campsites were spaced well apart with plenty of room on pad around campsites.”
If you’re into fishing or boating, you’re in luck! The campground has easy access to the lake, and many guests have enjoyed fishing right from the shore. Clean restrooms and a sanitary dump station add to the convenience, though there are no showers available.
For those who want to keep the kids entertained, there’s a playset nearby, and baseball fields are just a short walk away. Whether you’re tent camping, RVing, or trying out glamping, Island View Campground offers a laid-back atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
Description
Overview
Island View Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just nine miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa and 8 miles southwest of Moravia.
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. The prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
Facilities
This large campground offers 187 family sites and one group site, all with electric hookups. Three group picnic sites are also available. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. A boat ramp, dock, marina, playgrounds, and horseshoe pit are all on-site.
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 nearby, offering 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 just 20 minutes from the campground. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres in an abandoned rock quarry.
Location
Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun is located in Iowa
Directions
From Centerville, IA, travel 2.5 miles north on HWY 5, then go 4 miles northwest on J-29, then 0.1 mile north on J5T to the park entrance.
Address
19409 ISLAND VIEW PLACE
Mystic iowa, IA 52544-8303
Coordinates
40.8325 N
92.9179722 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Drive Time
- 1 hr 29 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 51 min from Ames, IA
- 2 hrs 3 min from Iowa City, IA
- 2 hrs 18 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
