Rathbun Lake campgrounds operate primarily from May through September, with several facilities offering year-round access. The area receives approximately 35 inches of rainfall annually, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during peak camping season. The elevation ranges from 900-950 feet above sea level, creating moderately sloped campsites around the 11,000-acre lake.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Rathbun supports multiple fish species with crappie, bass, and catfish being most abundant. Honey Creek Resort offers boat rentals for anglers without personal watercraft. "The fishing is also really good, we generally kayak and catch a lot of crappie, bass, and catfish," notes one visitor.
Hiking trails: Several natural surface paths wind through prairie grasses and woodland areas. Honey Creek State Park Campground features hiking trails with lake views where visitors can observe wildlife. "The state park has some nice trails for hiking. Use bug spray because the ticks are bad. Some nice views of the lake," advises a camper.
Water recreation: Multiple boat ramps provide lake access, including a six-lane ramp with loading docks at Honey Creek State Park. "Boat ramp at the park is large (6 lanes) with several docks to assist loading and unloading," reports one visitor. Swimming areas and water activities are concentrated on the north shore.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained campgrounds and bathhouses. River Oaks RV Park receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "Bath house & laundry are complete. Very nice and spotless. The camp is quiet and well maintained," shares one RVer who stayed there.
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common throughout Rathbun Lake campgrounds. "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," mentions a camper at Honey Creek State Park.
Convenience for travelers: The area offers strategic overnight options for those traveling through Iowa. Lakeside Casino RV Park provides a practical stopping point. "If you are looking for a nice clean RV park on the road this is your place," states a reviewer who adds, "Very convenient off the free way. Good hookups and level pad."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some camping areas offer spacious sites while others are tightly packed. "We camped in spot #20 of the north loop. I would not recommend any spot in the center section of the loop. It was more like parking than camping," warns a visitor about certain areas within Honey Creek State Park.
Concrete pad conditions: Several RV campgrounds have concrete pads showing wear and deterioration. A reviewer at Lakeside Casino RV Park observed, "The concrete in our site was in poor condition, it had crumbled leaving a dip in the pad."
Limited amenities at some locations: Prairie Ridge offers electric hookups but no water or sewer connections at individual sites. "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," mentions a camper who stayed there.
Tips for camping with families
Resort amenities: Families seeking additional activities beyond traditional camping can access nearby facilities. "The hotel includes a restaurant which is a little pricey but it's usually really good food. There is a video game system hooked up in the lobby and a guest services area and store," notes a family that visited Honey Creek Resort.
Wildlife education: The natural setting provides opportunities for children to learn about local ecosystems. "There is a nature program where you can check out backpacks for kids to explore nature," explains a parent who stayed at the resort.
Playground access: Several RV campgrounds near Rathbun Lake include play areas for children. Ted's RV Park offers "long, level pull thru's and back ins, playground, dog walk, DELICIOUS on site restaurant," according to a recent visitor.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility considerations: Some sites accommodate mobility-restricted campers better than others. "I am in a wheelchair and this park allows me to move around freely," shares a visitor to Lakeside Casino RV Park.
Level site selection: Many RVers report needing leveling blocks at certain campgrounds. "Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks," notes a visitor to River Oaks RV Park.
Hookup positioning: Some campgrounds have thoughtfully placed connections. One camper at River Oaks appreciated that "full hookups 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."
