Camping
Rathbun Lake has several campgrounds located around the lake with amazing views and amenities . The Corps of Engineers manages four of these : Buck Creek , Bridge View , Island View and Prairie Ridge . The Iowa Department of Natural Resources manages Honey Creek State Park as well as some RV sites at the Honey Creek Resort . A private concessionaire manages the Rathbun Marina ’ s Campground .
All Corps campgrounds contain level campsites , many with electrical hookups , lantern hanging posts , picnic tables and fire rings . Other park amenities are shower buildings , sanitary dump stations , playgrounds , beaches , picnic shelters and fish cleaning stations . All campgrounds are patrolled by park rangers and Appanoose County Sheriff ' s deputies .
All campsites located in Buck Creek , Bridgeview , Island View and Prairie Ridge parks will be 100 % reservable . What does this mean for you ? Campsites within these campgrounds will be available for reservations by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at recreation . gov .
Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance . If you feel like a spur of the moment camping trip , you can check availability and book your site on your way to the lake . Camping reservations will only be accepted online or by
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Rathbun Lake 2023
phone via credit card or debit card for Buck Creek , Island View , Bridgeview and Prairie Ridge parks . There will not be a cash or check payment option available at these parks . When you arrive at your reserved campsite , a campground volunteer park attendant will stop by when making their rounds to verify your reservation information and check you in for your stay .
Want to camp but don ’ t have a reservation ? Parks that are 100 % reservable will still have first come , first serve camping . Just call 1-877-444-6777 or visit recreation . gov to ensure the site is available for desired dates of stay , and then pay for the site before setting up your camping unit . Make sure to write down the confirmation number to provide the park attendant when they come by to check you in .
For all other general Rathbun Lake Project questions , call the Rathbun Lake Project Office at 641-647-2464 .
14-day policy on Rathbun Lake
Campers are only allowed to camp at the same camping loop a maximum of 14 nights within a 30-night period . After the 14th night , they will be required to move ( physically move camping unit ) to a different campground loop , which can be in the same campground . * This policy is subject to review