Rathbun Lake camping near Moravia, Iowa spans 11,000 acres with shorelines offering various camping opportunities throughout the year. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F and mild spring and fall seasons, making May-June and September-October ideal for comfortable camping conditions. Most campgrounds around Moravia provide electric sites with varying levels of shade protection during peak summer heat.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Rathbun Lake offers excellent fishing for crappie, bass, and catfish. At Honey Creek Resort, visitors report "The fishing is also really good, we generally kayak and catch a lot of crappie, bass, and catfish."
Biking trails: The paved trails around Howell Station campground provide scenic riding options. "There's a nice bike/walking trail around the park and bald eagles, blue herons and pelicans line the river," notes one camper.
Water activities: The beach at Honey Creek Resort features water recreation options beyond swimming. "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," according to a visitor.
Golfing: A full 18-hole golf course at Honey Creek Resort provides additional recreation. One camper mentioned, "If you like camping and golf you need to stay at Honey Creek Resort."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Howell Station campers appreciate the well-designed layout. "This campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain good standards. At Howell Station, "Bathrooms and showers were nice, clean. Handicap camp site and bathhouse available."
Wildlife viewing: Nature enthusiasts enjoy the diverse bird watching opportunities. "At least when we've visited, bald eagles, blue herons and pelicans line the river," reports a Howell Station visitor.
Prairie landscapes: The natural vegetation at Prairie Ridge provides visual interest. "What stands out at this campground is the prairie grass and all of the wild flowers. It is a nice weekend getaway."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Some campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Prairie Ridge operates "May 15 to September 15" with electric hookups and a dump station.
Weather preparations: The area can experience severe weather during camping season. At Howell Station, "The night we stayed, there was a severe weather threat, and the staff had unlocked the storm shelters should the need arise."
Connectivity issues: Cell service varies by location. At Howell Station, campers report "Poor Verizon cell signal, no internet signal."
Campground layouts: Honey Creek State Park Campground has varied site positioning. "We camped in spot #20 of the north loop. I would not recommend any spot in the center second of the loop. It was more like parking than camping."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Howell Station, "The grounds have play sets and swings for kids."
Indoor options for rainy days: River Oaks RV Park offers indoor activities when weather doesn't cooperate. "A new bath house, community room, and 'shop' is being built. Bath house & laundry are complete. Very nice and spotless."
Wildlife education: Teach children about local nature. "We explored the campground, there were some nice trails and nice spots to camp," notes a visitor at Honey Creek State Park.
Tick prevention: Pack appropriate supplies for insect protection. "The state park has some nice trails for hiking. Use bug spray because the ticks are bad," advises a camper at Honey Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: RV sites near Moravia, Iowa often need minor adjustments. At Howell Station, campers report "Gravel sites, a little bit of leveling required."
Hookup placement: Utility connections at River Oaks RV Park are thoughtfully arranged. "Sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6' hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site."
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide centralized dump stations rather than full sewer hookups. "The potable water available at the dump station was clear and good for drinking. Dump station is easily accessible," notes a Howell Station visitor.
Alternative camping locations: For RVers seeking city amenities, Ottumwa City Park offers convenient options. "Nice Campground in the middle of town, close to stores and has nice walking trails. Has a pond to fish as well and across the street from the city park!"
