Doy O.
Scout
ScoutR&B Campground
Great Family Owned Campground
I rent year round. Love this place. Quiet, fishing, dead end so little traffic. The owners are great people. Bring your boat, kayak, tube. You can float the river.
Camping near Rathbun Lake
Rathbun Lake in southern Iowa features multiple developed campgrounds operated by the Army Corps of Engineers and Iowa State Parks. Island View Campground provides spacious sites with lake views, boat ramps, and accommodations for tents, RVs, and some glamping options. Honey Creek State Park and Honey Creek Resort offer additional camping experiences, with the state park providing electric hookups and modern facilities, while the resort area includes cabins and RV sites with full hookups. Bridgeview, Prairie Ridge, and Buck Creek campgrounds expand the range of mixed-use options around the lake, with varying levels of amenities for different camping preferences.
The camping season for most Rathbun Lake campgrounds runs from May through September, with a few locations like Honey Creek State Park remaining open year-round. "The campground is clean with modern amenities. A lot of spots have a nice view of the water," noted one visitor about Island View. Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups suitable for RVs, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Some areas provide showers and modern restrooms, while others offer more basic facilities with vault toilets. Most campgrounds feature picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water access.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with many campgrounds strategically positioned to maximize lake views. Several campers mentioned the quality fishing opportunities, particularly for crappie, bass, and catfish. The large boat ramps at locations like Honey Creek State Park support water recreation with multiple lanes and docking facilities. Campsite spacing varies between locations, with Island View earning praise for its "ample shade" and "large, clean campsites" with good separation between sites. Visitors noted that weekday camping provides a quieter experience, while summer weekends see higher occupancy rates. Several camping areas feature hiking trails and swimming access, making them suitable for families seeking diverse outdoor activities beyond fishing and boating.
Best Camping Sites Near Rathbun Lake (86)
1. Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun
7 ReviewsMoravia, IA5 milesWebsite+1 (641) 647-2079$22 - $230 / night
"Campsites were spaced well apart with plenty of room on pad around campsites, cell service was four bars and air tv 30 channels"
"Very nice campground with lake to fish and boat on. Has beach access also."
2. Honey Creek Resort
6 ReviewsMoravia, IA3 milesWebsite+1 (877) 677-3344$40 - $49 / night
"Honey Creek resort run by the state of Iowa (not to be confused with Honey Creek State Park nearby) is not your typical camping spot."
"Outside the hotel they have activities so that you can do such as corn hole, playing tic tac toe or jenga. There is a pretty nice boat dock which you can rent a boat or kayak/canoe."
3. Honey Creek State Park Campground
4 ReviewsMoravia, IA3 milesWebsite+1 (641) 724-3739$50 / night
"Honey Creek State Park is located on the north side of Rathbun Lake in southern Iowa. Boat ramp at the park is large (6 lanes) with several docks to assist loading and unloading."
"Campground Review: Honey Creek State Park is on Rathbun Lake, a very popular place to boat, fish and camp in Southern Iowa. We camped in the Group Campground with out Boy Scout Troop."
7. Lake Wapello State Park Campground
6 ReviewsDrakesville, IA21 milesWebsite+1 (641) 722-3371$100 / night
"Some campsites are close to the lake. Several hiking paths-Lakeshore Trail goes around the whole lake, so be sure to reserve 2-3 hours to conquer this path-more if you like to take in the scenery. "
"I have camped at lake wapello for 32 years in a row over my birthday in September it is the cleanest friendliest best wildlife great fishing wonderful campsites a place that I will always return to."
8. Red Haw State Park Campground
2 ReviewsChariton, IA18 milesWebsite+1 (641) 774-5632"Nearly empty. We’re self contained so it was $10/night with no hook ups. They have RV sites with water and electric. Nice free showers. Quiet and clean."
9. Rolling Cove
Be the first to review!Moravia, IA2 milesWebsite+1 (641) 647-246410. Doggs RV Park
Be the first to review!Moravia, IA2 milesWebsite+1 (641) 724-3762
Recent Camping Photos near Rathbun Lake
44 Photos of 86 Rathbun Lake Campgrounds
Matt S.
Honey Creek State Park Campground
Matt S.
Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun
Tom Z.
Red Haw State Park Campground
T J.
Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest
Jeff K.
Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest
Christopher S.
Woodburn Unit — Stephens State Forest
Derrick W.
Whitebreast Camp
Anna W.
Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake
Victor S.
North Overlook Camp
Lisa H.
Wallashuck
Meredith L.
Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp — Lake Red Rock
Willy W.
Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park
Recent Reviews near Rathbun Lake
159 Reviews of 86 Rathbun Lake Campgrounds
- JJtboScout
Howell Station
Safety concern
Homeless, Crack heads using the showers/bathrooms. Men and women can share the bathroom and shower together even when children are in the facilities.
Teresa T.
LegendLake Paho
Great
This is a very basic campground with trash graveled spots, which are relatively flat and pit toilets. Rode around the lake on my bike. And there were at least 4 different camp spots and several spots for access for boats. All well, maintained and well laid out. I'm extraordinarily pleasantly pleased with the campgrounds. It was free, which is pretty awesome and there's a number of spots like this in missouri, this being our first spot was quite exciting. I don't know about the sparsely used. It's mid-november and the campground is half full. The other campgrounds had campers in them as well, all with the same amenities.
- Teresa T.Legend
Nine Eagles State Park Campground
Big park. Lots of trails
This park is huge with a lot of trails most of which are not on a map and a map isnt provided out on them either so one just kind of has to make guesses on where to go. The electric campground is completely exposed to the sun. Nice right now but has to be brutal in the summer and the sites are right on top of one another as well. It is also a long ways from the beach as is the primitive campground. Horse campground is adorable but there are only primitive sites there which I always find so surprising. They have multiple trails leaving from there though which is cool. Firewood is sold in the small town a mile away and there is a very old cemetery right outside of the park which is cool to meander through. Bathrooms were closed but the water and electric were on and the price is very reasonable.
- Teresa T.Legend
Slip Bluff County Park
Surprised but pleased
First, you have to want to get here. Pretty long drive on rougher gravel roads. Fine for a car or truck but the dashboard and dust will affect your RV. But, campground is cute, nicely laid out, work put in to make flat spots which have some privacy and all under huge and beautiful oak trees. Trails all through the property. Loads of trails around the lake. Everything one needs from water, trash, bathrooms and electricity with 5g Verizon access.
Kent W.ScoutHowell Station
One of our favorites
This is a really nice campground. It’s run by friendly, helpful people. It’s well maintained, the bathrooms are clean, you’re not packed together like sardines, there’s a nice bike/walking trail around the park and (at least when we’ve visited) bald eagles, blue herons and pelicans line the river. It’s just a little over an hour from us so it’s easy to get to.
We’re trying parks all over Iowa and Howell has been one of our favorites.
- DDale Y.
Guidelakeside casino resort and rv park
Good for an overnight stop
This is a casino campground. There are full hookups but no facilities. No trees, sites very close together. It’s essentially a parking lot with hookups.
It’s adjacent to a truck stop and right off the interstate.
If you are traveling I35 and it’s convenient for an overnight rest, it’s well worth the cost. Otherwise, unless the casino is your destination, find a more traditional campground
- BBrenda B.Guide
River Oaks RV Park
Nice campground. Clean. Well kept.
We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.
- JJim C.Guide
River Oaks RV Park
Clean & quiet
Made a quick trip here to de how the new puppy likes camping. Nice size campground, 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. Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks.
Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider.
A new bath house, community room, and “shop” is being built. Bath house & laundry are complete. Very nice and spotless.
The camp is quiet and well maintained.
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 amenities are available at Main Station Campground on Rathbun Lake?
What amenities are available at Main Station Campground on Rathbun Lake?
While specific reviews for Main Station Campground are limited, similar Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Rathbun Lake offer standard amenities. Based on nearby Howell Station, which receives excellent reviews, you can expect water and electric hookups, clean facilities, and good fishing access. Many Rathbun Lake campgrounds feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to boat ramps. For comparison, Bridgeview Campground offers modern amenities with sites for tents and RVs in a clean environment. To confirm current amenities at Main Station, it's recommended to contact the Rathbun Lake Corps of Engineers office directly before your visit.
What are the different campground options at Rathbun Lake, Iowa?
What are the different campground options at Rathbun Lake, Iowa?
Rathbun Lake offers numerous camping options managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun provides excellent lake views with clean, open sites. Prairie Ridge features good campsites with fire pits and food hanging areas. Other options include Bridgeview Campground (known for lakefront sites), Honey Creek State Park, Buck Creek, and Lakeside Co Park. The campgrounds vary in amenities, with most offering basic facilities like fire rings and picnic tables. Some provide modern restrooms, shower facilities, and boat ramps for lake access. Most sites accommodate both tents and RVs, making Rathbun Lake a versatile destination for various camping preferences.
Are camper rentals available at Rathbun Lake for visitors without their own equipment?
Are camper rentals available at Rathbun Lake for visitors without their own equipment?
Yes, camper rentals are available near Rathbun Lake. Honey Creek State Park Campground is adjacent to the Honey Creek Resort, which offers cabin rentals for visitors without camping equipment. The resort provides comfortable accommodations right on the lake with access to amenities like an indoor waterpark and 18-hole golf course. For traditional RV rentals, you'll likely need to arrange with private rental companies in nearby towns like Centerville or Moravia, as the Corps of Engineers campgrounds don't typically offer on-site equipment rentals. Contact Lakeside Co Park for possible local rental information, as they offer water and electricity hookups that would accommodate rental RVs.
Are there permanent or seasonal campsites available at Lake Rathbun?
Are there permanent or seasonal campsites available at Lake Rathbun?
Lake Rathbun primarily offers short-term camping rather than permanent or seasonal sites at most of its public campgrounds. Honey Creek Resort provides the most extensive accommodations with its resort hotel, cabins, and RV park right on the lake—a good option for those seeking longer stays. Doggs RV Park near Moravia might offer more extended stay options for RV campers. For those interested in seasonal camping, it's best to contact the Rathbun Lake Corps of Engineers office directly at (641) 647-2464 to inquire about any seasonal reservation programs, as availability and policies may change seasonally.
Keep Exploring