Camping spots near Moravia, Iowa center on Rathbun Lake, one of southern Iowa's largest water bodies at 11,000 acres with 155 miles of shoreline. The region sits in a rural agricultural landscape at around 1,000 feet elevation, with rolling hills surrounding the lake. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with nighttime temperatures that can drop below 50°F.
What to do
Hiking trails: Lake Wapello State Park Campground offers multiple hiking paths including the Lakeshore Trail that circles the entire lake. "Several hiking paths-Lakeshore Trail goes around the whole lake, so be sure to reserve 2-3 hours to conquer this path-more if you like to take in the scenery," notes camper Molly L.
Fishing: Island View Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities with multiple access points. "Did some fishing while there and caught enough crappie for a nice dinner with some left over for breakfast the next morning," shares a visitor. The campground has three different boat ramps within the park.
Boating and water recreation: Honey Creek Resort sits directly on Rathbun Lake with boat rentals available. "There is a pretty nice boat dock which you can rent a boat or kayak/canoe," says Willy W. The resort also features a beach area and indoor water park for additional water recreation options.
Wildlife viewing: Lake Wapello State Park offers diverse wildlife spotting opportunities. "Quite a bit of wildlife seen during kayaking and hiking-muskrat, beaver, swans, geese could be found on the water. Also seen: deer, bald eagles, frogs, toads, turtles," reports Molly L.
What campers like
Lake views: Bridgeview Campground is known for its numerous waterfront sites. "What I like about Bridgeview is the number of campsites with lake views," shares Matt S. The campground provides modern amenities with many sites offering direct views of Rathbun Lake.
Spacious sites: Prairie Ridge campground features well-designed camping spaces. "The campsites are good. They have a fire pit, a place to hang food to keep away from raccoons, electricity, and a nice gravel pad for your vehicle or camper," notes Matt S. The campground also showcases prairie grasses and wildflowers throughout.
Shower facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain clean restrooms and shower houses. At Lake Wapello State Park, campers appreciate the "spacious campground with clean facilities," according to Molly L., with some sites positioned close to the lake.
Resort amenities: For campers wanting additional conveniences, Honey Creek Resort offers multiple recreation options. "The hotel includes a 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," reports Willy W.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds around Moravia operate from spring through fall, with specific schedules varying by location. Buck Creek Campground runs from May 8 to September 30, while Prairie Ridge operates May 15 to September 15. Winter camping options are limited in the area.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We were there the week before the 4th of July and during the week, there were only about 6 other campers there. The weekend was a bit busier but still sites to be had," reports a camper at Honey Creek State Park.
Boat traffic: Some campgrounds experience heavy boat traffic that can affect the camping experience. At Honey Creek Resort, a visitor noted, "Traffic flies through the campground to the boat ramp. There is no speed limit sign going into the campground. Kids are riding bikes everywhere."
Terrain considerations: The campgrounds vary in shade coverage and terrain. "All camping is in the scorching sun. No trees," reports Laura B. about Honey Creek Resort, while others like Island View have "large, clean campsites with ample shade."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Honey Creek State Park Campground offers various family recreation options. "Excellent way to spend a day with family. Boat rentals were a blast and added bonus," shares Dorothy H. The park provides access to both camping and water activities suitable for children.
Wildlife education: Lake Wapello State Park provides natural learning opportunities for children. "Quite a bit of wildlife seen during kayaking and hiking," notes Molly L., making it ideal for nature education experiences with children.
Resort option for convenience: Honey Creek Resort offers family-oriented amenities beyond traditional camping. "My family and I stay here for a week during the summer. 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," reports Willy W.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. Island View "has a nice play set for kids and there are baseball fields nearby," according to Matt S., providing recreational options beyond water activities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Ottumwa City Park offers affordable full hookup sites. "$18 for full hook up. What a deal," reports Stephanie S. The park provides water and electric connections despite being located within city limits.
Site positioning: Honey Creek State Park's North Loop requires careful site selection. "We camped in spot #20 of the north loop. I would not recommend any spot in the center section of the loop. It was more like parking than camping," advises Sarah K.
Cell coverage: Many campgrounds maintain good connectivity for those needing to stay connected. At Island View, "cell service was four bars and air tv 30 channels," according to Steve W., making it suitable for remote work if needed.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations, though availability varies. Ottumwa City Park has "only one dump site," according to Stephanie S., which could create delays during busy checkout times.
