Camping near Rathbun Lake

Rathbun Lake in southern Iowa draws many campers with its outdoor recreation options. Lake Wapello State Park Campground has both tent and RV sites for overnight stays. Honey Creek State Park Campground sits close to the water, making it good for people who want to fish or take boats out on Rathbun Lake. Island View Campground gives you good lake views and isn't far from the main water body. During dry times, the area might have fire bans, so check with rangers before planning to have a campfire. The roads to these camping areas are in good shape, though bringing a map is smart since some turns can be easy to miss. Spring and fall camping here is nicest when the weather isn't too hot or cold and trees have their colors. Summer gets pretty hot, so bring plenty of water and find shady spots during midday. Winter campers should pack extra warm gear as temperatures drop significantly. Take all your garbage with you when you leave and follow minimal impact camping practices to keep the lake area nice for future visitors.

Best Camping Sites Near Rathbun Lake (83)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 83 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rathbun Lake

155 Reviews of 83 Rathbun Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Rathbun Lake

Camping near Rathbun Lake, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Rathbun Lake is known for its fishing spots. Campers at Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun rave about it: "Very nice campground with lake to fish and boat on. Has beach access also." If you're into fishing, this is a great place to cast your line.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Lake Wapello State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "Several hiking paths—Lakeshore Trail goes around the whole lake, so be sure to reserve 2-3 hours to conquer this path." It's a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Kayaking: The calm waters of Rathbun Lake are ideal for kayaking. A reviewer from Whitebreast Campground mentioned, "The lake was great for kayaking," making it a fun activity for water lovers.

What campers like:

  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Howell Station. One camper noted, "Well maintained campground with mature shade trees. Gravel sites, a little bit of leveling required." This makes for a comfortable stay.
  • Clean facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus for many. A visitor at Honey Creek State Park Campground said, "Shower house/bathroom was very clean." Clean restrooms and showers can make a camping trip much more enjoyable.
  • Wildlife: Campers love the wildlife sightings. At Lake Wapello State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Quite a bit of wildlife seen during kayaking and hiking—muskrat, beaver, swans, geese could be found on the water." Nature lovers will appreciate the variety of animals.

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Honey Creek Resort, have limited amenities. A camper shared, "There is no arcade as advertised," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Busy weekends: Popular spots can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun noted, "It tends to be very busy." If you prefer peace and quiet, consider going during the week.
  • No full hookups: Many campgrounds, like Wallashuck, do not offer full hookups. A camper mentioned, "Little pricey for not having full hookups." Make sure to check what each site offers before booking.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. At Howell Station, one reviewer said, "The grounds have play sets and swings for kids." This can keep the little ones entertained.
  • Spacious areas: Choose campgrounds with ample space. A family at Wallashuck appreciated, "We were able to camp in a tent near RVs without feeling crowded." This is great for family bonding without feeling cramped.
  • Nature activities: Engage kids with nature activities. A camper at Lake Wapello State Park Campground mentioned, "We spent our time hiking and kayaking." These activities can be fun and educational for children.

Tips from RVers:

  • Level sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites. A reviewer at Honey Creek Resort noted, "The RV sites are all paved, level, full hookups." This makes setting up your RV much easier.
  • Cell service: Check for cell service availability. A camper at Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun mentioned, "Cell service was four bars." This can be important if you need to stay connected.
  • Quiet spots: Seek out quieter campgrounds. A visitor at Whitebreast Campground said, "Very quiet during the week." If you prefer a peaceful retreat, timing your visit can make a big difference.

Camping near Rathbun Lake, Iowa, has something for everyone. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Rathbun Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Rathbun Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 83 campgrounds and RV parks near Rathbun Lake and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Rathbun Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rathbun Lake is Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rathbun Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Rathbun Lake.

  • What parks are near Rathbun Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Rathbun Lake that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.