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.