There are three designated swimming beaches located at Rathbun Lake . One is located in Buck Creek Park , one is located in Island View Park and one at Honey Creek Resort .
Designated beaches are designed and constructed to eliminate hazards and underwater obstructions . These beaches are buoyed each summer to delineate the usable portion and to exclude boats . These beaches also have parking and vault toilets . The Island View beach has a volleyball net for beach users . Honey Creek Resort has installed “ The Rathbun Lake Aquapark ” at their beach location to provide additional beach swimming fun .
Several areas at Rathbun Lake are permanently closed to swimming because of their inherent risks . The area around the control tower , at the boat ramps , courtesy docks and the marina boat mooring facilities make those areas too hazardous for safe swimming .
Beaches
You are invited to enjoy a relaxing and refreshing afternoon swim at Rathbun Lake with your friends at a safe swimming area . But , please , think about water safety as you are having fun in the sun .
Being water safe is a high priority for the Corps of Engineers and Iowa Department of Natural Resources .
The picnic shelters in the parks surrounding Rathbun Lake are available on a first come , first serve basis . However , the shelters below can be reserved for that family reunion or large group outing you are planning . In addition to picnic shelters , group camp areas can also be reserved .
Picnicking
The Corps of Engineers Park shelters can be reserved by going to recreation . gov or by calling 877-444-6777 . Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance .
The two picnic shelters in Honey Creek State Park may also be reserved by calling 877 iaparks ( 877-427-2757 ) or on the web at iowastateparks . reserveamerica . com .
Corps of Engineers Reservable Picnic Shelters
• Island View 5 , $ 50.00 — Includes water , electric and a playground .
• Island View Dedication Site , $ 50.00 — Includes water , electric and a playground .
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Rathbun Lake 2024