The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Rathbun Lake. Rathbun Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.
Island View Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just nine miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa and 8 miles southwest of Moravia.
The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler: Crappie, channel catfish, walleye and largemouth bass are most common. The prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
Rathbun Lake is situated in the gently rolling hills of the Chariton River Valley in southeast Iowa. The campground consists of open grassy areas dotted with trees. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464.
The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is nearby, offering self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round. Hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye are produced here each year. Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is just 20 minutes from the campground. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres in an abandoned rock quarry.
$50 / night
This recreation area is part of Rathbun Lake
$40 - $49 / night
This recreation area is part of Rathbun Lake
Bridgeview Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just 13 miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing and picnicking are popular activities at this waterfront recreation area.
The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler. Crappie, channel catfish, walleye and largemouth bass are most common. Whether power boating or sailing, Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, has something to offer everyone. In particular, the water's prevailing winds make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
Rathbun Lake is situated in the gently rolling hills of the Chariton River Valley in southeast Iowa. The campground consists of open grassy areas dotted with trees. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464.
Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is just three miles from the campground. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres of an abandoned rock quarry. The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is located near the main dam, and offers self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round. Hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye are produced here each year.
$25 / night
Red Haw State Park in south-central Iowa is a beautiful, year-round destination offering lovely views and diverse recreational activities in the 649-acre park. Red Haw is well known for springtime red buds blooming abundantly around the lake, drawing visitors and photographers to see the pink blossoms. Visitors also can enjoy swimming and boating in the summer, or cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
Camp at Red Haw’s shady campground overlooking the lake. The campground contains electric hookups, paved roads, modern restrooms and showers and a trailer dump station. Some campsites are ADA accessible. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and advance campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Red Haw State Park.
Prairie Ridge Park is located 6 miles, SW of the Jct of Iowa Highway 5 and J18 at Moravia. Awesome Sunsets- No Extra Charge! Rathbun's off-the-beaten path park offers unique opportunities for lover's of the outdoors. Nestled between Buck Creek and Honey Creek, the high ridge offers wonderful vistas of the lake while surrounded by Iowa's Natural and enhanced prairie life community, with woodland draws and timbered hillsides.
Prairie Ridge Boat Ramp is protected on three sides and has been long popular with both motorized craft and a launching area for wind surfers and catamarans. A courtesy dock with fish cleaning station aid families on and off the water.
Rathbun's most extensive trail, eight miles in length, takes hikers and bikers into Iowa's wild, and links to Iowa's Premier destination park at Honey Creek Resort.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464.
The park is within a few minutes of lake conveniences, bait, dining, and fuel. Rathbun's fish hatchery is open to the public on weekdays. Groups are encouraged to make appointments. 14 minutes west, on Hwy S70, one of Southern Iowa's best off-roading opportunities is at the 125 Acre Rathbun OHV Park. There's even a tot lot beginner's area. Search Rathbun OHV Park on-line for actual dates of operation and applicable rules.
$25 / night
Buck Creek Campground is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just 9 miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking are popular activities at this lakefront campground.
The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler. Crappie, channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass are most common. Although power boating is also popular, the prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
Rathbun Lake is situated in the gently rolling hills of the Chariton River Valley in southeast Iowa. The campground consists of open grassy areas dotted with trees. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464.
The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is located near the main dam, and offers self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round. Hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye are produced here each year. Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is nearby. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres of an abandoned rock quarry.
$22 / night
Island View Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just nine miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa and 8 miles southwest of Moravia.
The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler: Crappie, channel catfish, walleye and largemouth bass are most common. The prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
Rathbun Lake is situated in the gently rolling hills of the Chariton River Valley in southeast Iowa. The campground consists of open grassy areas dotted with trees. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464.
The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is nearby, offering self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round. Hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye are produced here each year. Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is just 20 minutes from the campground. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres in an abandoned rock quarry.
$50 / night
Bridgeview Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just 13 miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing and picnicking are popular activities at this waterfront recreation area.
The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler. Crappie, channel catfish, walleye and largemouth bass are most common. Whether power boating or sailing, Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, has something to offer everyone. In particular, the water's prevailing winds make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
Rathbun Lake is situated in the gently rolling hills of the Chariton River Valley in southeast Iowa. The campground consists of open grassy areas dotted with trees. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464.
Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is just three miles from the campground. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres of an abandoned rock quarry. The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is located near the main dam, and offers self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round. Hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye are produced here each year.
$25 / night
Red Haw State Park in south-central Iowa is a beautiful, year-round destination offering lovely views and diverse recreational activities in the 649-acre park. Red Haw is well known for springtime red buds blooming abundantly around the lake, drawing visitors and photographers to see the pink blossoms. Visitors also can enjoy swimming and boating in the summer, or cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
Camp at Red Haw’s shady campground overlooking the lake. The campground contains electric hookups, paved roads, modern restrooms and showers and a trailer dump station. Some campsites are ADA accessible. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and advance campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Red Haw State Park.
Traveler
We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors.
Guide
Very nice view of the lake, lots of campsites around the lake. Not many lights around and no big cities and a low horizon so it’s a good place to visit for a visual observation night with a telescope or binos. Only one other camper at my campsite when I visited, so it’s a good weekend retreat from the city life. This is a primitive campsite; there are two waterless bathrooms and 8 or so gravel spots at site B on the Eastern side of the lake.
Legend
East not west as satellite view in Dyrt is old and doesn’t show East campground. I did add a screenshot of current satellite view. FHU. Easy in and around campground. A lot of space between sites. Sites are fairly level with hard pack gravel.
Scout
The park is closed for camping indefinitely
TravelerSmall lot for hunters to park and go. For a secluded spot, good enough to camp. As long as you don't need any utilities.
Ranger
Well maintained campground with mature shade trees. Gravel sites, a little bit of leveling required. Poor Verizon cell signal, no internet signal. Not much natural privacy between sites, but sites were well spaced apart. Paved trail nice for biking and walking. Fishing nearby and the Dutch themed town of Pella is a short drive and a must see. Bathrooms and showers were nice, clean. Handicap camp site and bathhouse available. Firewood for sale at front gate. The potable water available at the dump station was clear and good for drinking. Dump station is easily accessible. Dumpsters were positioned around the campground. Staff was friendly. The night we stayed, there was a severe weather threat, and the staff, at the end of the night, had unlocked the storm shelters (utility area in the middle of the bathhouses) should the need arise. We ended up having to seek shelter because of a tornado warning.
Scout
Facilities are available and very convenient and comfortable. Nice lake to swim and fish. Absolutely beautiful park and really nice trails. Thanks, Tina
Ranger
RV park is relatively quiet and easy to get into. The concrete in our site was in poor condition, it had crumbled leaving a dip in the pad. The cable didn’t work, but electric and water had no issues. Easy on and off to the interstate. There is only one garbage dumpster near the entrance and we didn’t see a camp host on site or anybody to check in with. We stayed just one night on our way through the area and were comfortable.
Scout20 bucks a day you submit your fill out sheet at the service area and drop it off in a drop box.
Scout
We really enjoyed our stay at site 4 in the woods. It was absolutely beautiful with the fall colors and leaves falling all around us. We also enjoyed the trails around our site and a pretty view of a pond a short walk away. Anna was very responsive and gave thorough directions for us. We would stay again.
Guide
First, there is no dump station! All sites have water and electricity with 20, 30, and 60 amp plugs. The sites are 20 dollars. The campsites located near the entrance are pull-through but need maintenance. The campsites along the lake will support short to medium length RVs or trailers, and all are back in. As of this posting, all are not level and in poor condition. The city of Huneston, Iowa is a few minutes away and has several gas stations and a grocery store.
Traveler
Stayed two nights with my son and we absolutely loved it.
ScoutWe had a great time at this site:) Anna was very responsive and helpful when we had questions. I would definitely recommend to others, and I would return again.
Guide
The campground was clean and quiet with water and electricity at each site. The dump station was set aside from the camp sites. The trees at the campground were recently planted so no shade. The best part is that there is plenty of room between camp sites so your not camping on top of your neighbors. Playground and bathrooms on site.
Guide
Large sites and plenty of space between sites.
Scout
We were able to camp in a tent near RVs without feeling crowded. The restrooms, showers, and playground were all close by…great for camping with kids. There were some nicer than ours and some with less privacy or further away than we’d prefer.
A nice mix of convenience and privacy. Perfect location to showers and playground for kids. Ample space for our needs, but not overly private
Traveler
This park is beautiful with plenty to do and see. We camped out at site 82 which is a non-electric site and close to a Red Rock Lake shoreline. Spots are pretty close but they perfectly have grass tall enough to give you some privacy between spots. I was never bothered by either neighbors. The grass also gives you a path to the water spout. The staff member at the front was such a gentlemen and helped us with our firewood. There are some walking paths down to the lake which you can fish from. The views by the lake are beautiful too. The only thing to keep in mind with this spot is it is as far away from the bathrooms as possible. I, personally, didn't mind, but wanted to make note of it. We will be returning to this park.
Restrooms: Cleaner than I expected! And they are not port-a-potty type bathrooms, plumbing with nice stalls, toilets and sinks.
Dog-friendliness: My dog LOVED this campground. We kept her on a long-line stake(per parks' guidelines) and she had plenty of room to roam.
Picnic area: A picnic table is provided but they are older, so I recommend bringing your own table cloth and some towels or something for the seats.
RangerPeaceful and quiet our last stop in our week long overlanding trip. Plus just 6 miles from our fav brewery in Iowa.
TravelerNice little spot
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're excited to welcome this partner to our platform. Randy is your host, and would love to take you on a tour on his farm. There are 4 sites in total, all with stunning 360 rolling hill views. A shared toilet and shower are available! Check them out and post some pictures here. Happy Camping!
Legend
General: This small county park (16 electric, 14 tent sites plus three cabins) is not reservable which might be an issue on summer weekends but on a Sunday in April, was no problem. Including us, only three sites were occupied. The rates are very reasonable -$15 for electric, and $12 for tent sites.
Site Quality/Facilities: Each site has a generous-sized picnic table and fire ring. Some sites are better than others, however. Sites 2 and 3 (both electric) are sloped down and the driveway is a bit overgrown. No physical separation between sites which when we were there was not an issue but might be when more crowded. Some of the sites have a direct water view but again, some are more sloped than others.
Bathhouse: A short hike uphill from all sites but it was very clean when we were there. The showers also looked clean, but I did not use them so cannot comment on how well they worked.
Activities/Amenities: Fishing! We saw a few boats on the water when we were there and there were two docks, one of them handicapped accessible. Swimming is not allowed but there is a nice day-use area not far down the road with a nice beach and picnic area. There are also horseshoe pits and a small but very nice playground. No hiking trails that I could discern. There was also a small little free library.
When we were there, we appreciated the quiet, out-of-the-way setting. It is close to the town of Leon but we circumvented it on the way in and out so I don’t know what services might be available.
Guide
Terrific small town RV park in Iowa. Long, level pull thru's and back ins, playground, dog walk, DELICIOUS on site restaurant. Clubhouse with immaculate laundry and individual showers, everything is new and cashless. Outstanding staff, friendly and helpful, shoutout to electrician (and footbal fan) Eric who made o ur day.
GuideThe perfect drive up private campsite you will find in Iowa. Very quiet with a beautiful view of three ponds and a sunset you will not want to miss. There are four campsites and a soon-to-be glamp site. Spacious, tranquil, and private. Halfway between Pella and Knoxville and on the lake red rocks peninsula, this is a must stay campsite.
GuideHumble campground. There are lots of electric sites available for RVs and the sites are all very flat. There is ample grass area. The bathrooms and showers are well kept. The grounds have play sets and swings for kids. There are some great paved paths to walk or bike. It's a good place to fish or bird watch.
Guide
I stayed one night for an activity at the state park the following day. The shower houses had individual, private, large, and very clean facilities. It was not crowded at all. Campground #2 was the smaller of the two campgrounds. The spots seemed more fitting for RV’s vs tent but there were a couple of tents. I slept in my van so it wasn’t an issue for me. I may reconsider visiting this park for tent camping.
Scout
I was searching for free campsites on The Dyrt app and this place showed in the results. Yet, in the description, this place says it charges $20/night. It's really irritating when a place shows up in the results, after I already selected the search criteria filters, then drive all the way to a place and find out the information on the app wasn't accurate. Why am I spending thirty-one thing dollars per month on this app lol?
Traveler
Two firepits, no designated sites, mature shade trees within the gravel drive loop. Pit toilet. Karen and John describes it well.
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.
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 Lake Red Rock and Saylorville Lake.
