Welcome to Rathbun Lake
Greetings to all Rathbun Lake Visitors!
On behalf of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, I want to welcome you to Rathbun Lake. In 2025 you will notice our continued commitment towards improving the quality of your visit. We have been making many improvements to the federal lands over the past 10-plus years and are continuing to do so this year. You will notice when you visit the lake both environmental and recreational improvements. Our‘ battle’ to control or‘ eradicate’ invasive plant species from our prairies is ongoing, and our recreational facilities upgraded. The collaboration among federal, state and landowners in the watershed continues to improve the water quality and clarity of Rathbun Lake. We hope you continue to enjoy this wonderful southern Iowa resource consisting of approximately 34,000 acres of public land and water.
As always, I want to take a moment to recognize a very important group of individuals that help us operate and maintain our recreation facilities and campgrounds. Our ability to provide a quality visit is in no small part due to the commitment and pride of nearly 34 volunteers every year. It is a wonderful collaboration with the government offering season-long camping in return for 20 hrs of work per week. If not for our volunteers, the quality of upkeep you experience during your stay would not be possible. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to thank these individuals, and we hope that you can too when you visit.
In closing, we ask that you are patient and courteous to your fellow recreationalist at the boat ramp, in the field, or on a trail. And most importantly, always use good judgement and common sense while recreating on or around the lake. We encourage everyone, yes everyone, regardless of age to always wear their personal floatation device while boating on the lake.
We always enjoy hearing from you, so please let us know‘ how we are doing’ by visiting us on Facebook, with a phone call or by sending us an email. On behalf of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers staff at Rathbun Lake, we wish you all a safe and enjoyable 2025 Recreation year.
Sincerely,
Phillip H. Brown
Operations Project Manager U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Rathbun Lake
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