Beaches
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.
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.
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.
Picnicking
10 Rathbun Lake 2025