Best Campgrounds near Centerville, IA
Centerville, Iowa serves as a base for exploring numerous campgrounds on Lake Rathbun, a popular recreational area for boating and fishing. The region includes several Army Corps of Engineers managed facilities, such as Island View Campground, Buck Creek, Bridgeview, and Prairie Ridge. Most established campgrounds offer electric hookups, picnic tables and fire rings, while accommodating tents, RVs, and at sites like Honey Creek State Park, cabin camping. Lake Rathbun forms the central feature around which most camping options are organized, with both lakefront and more secluded wooded sites available.
Camping season in the Centerville area generally runs from May through September, with several campgrounds operating on seasonal schedules. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. Electric hookups are common, though full-hookup sites with sewer and water connections are limited. Honey Creek State Park offers year-round camping with showers and modern restrooms, while many Army Corps sites provide basic amenities with varying levels of shade. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal conditions, with hot summers and cold winters. As one visitor noted about Lake Rathbun, "Boat ramp at the park is large (6 lanes) with several docks to assist loading and unloading. Be careful driving around the park as I don't think there was a day we didn't see at least 8 deer wandering around the campsite or near roads."
Several campgrounds near Centerville receive positive reviews for their lake access and recreational opportunities. Campers highlight Rathbun Lake as a destination for boating enthusiasts, with multiple boat ramps available throughout the area's campgrounds. Prairie Ridge campground stands out for its wildflowers and lake views, while Island View offers more open camping spaces with good lake visibility. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering modern shower houses and others providing only basic vault toilets. A reviewer described the camping at Prairie Ridge: "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. What stands out at this campground is the prairie grass and all of the wild flowers." For those seeking additional amenities, Honey Creek Resort near Rathbun Lake offers an alternative to traditional campgrounds with hotel accommodations, cabins, and an indoor waterpark.
