How much does camping cost at Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)?

Camping fees at Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake) range from $15-$44/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake) first-come first-served or reservation?

Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake) before I book?

Yes! Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake) has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)?

Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake) is open May 01 to September 29. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)?

Yes, Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake) has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake) have?

Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake) has 106 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake). Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)?

Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake) offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)?

Popular activities at Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake) include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)

4.26

149 reviews

20112 HWY J-5T

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

968 ft

Price

$15 - $44/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

106 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Rathbun Lake Bridgeview Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

968 ft

Price

$15 - $44/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

106 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Rathbun Lake Bridgeview Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)

$15.00 - $44.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA: Bridgeview: $25.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-127724: $44.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-146298: $25.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $22.00; STANDARD...

Group Site Fee$25.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

641-724-3062 (May-Sept), 641-647-2464 (Closed season)

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

20112 HWY J-5T

Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)

20112 HWY J-5T

Nearby places

Centerville (13 miles), Moravia (10 miles)

Weather at Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)

Best Time to Camp at Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, reliably dry weather (daytime highs commonly in the mid-70s to low-90s °F, nights in the 50s–60s) and fully available services at Bridgeview — boat ramps, showers, and all campsites are open. This is peak time for swimming, boating, and warm-water fishing on Rathbun Lake, with water temperatures comfortable for extended lake activities. Campgrounds are busiest on holiday weekends and July–August evenings can be lively, so make reservations early if you want waterfront or full Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Late September is quieter with better weather; campground open through Sept 29 per park info.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open and reservable from May 1 to September 29. Closed season starts from September 30.

About Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)

Bridgeview sits on the shore of Rathbun Lake near Centerville in south-central Iowa, offering tent and RV camping with electric hookups and full amenities during the warm-weather season. The large campground provides boat ramps, a swim beach, and access to fishing and water sports on Iowa's largest lake. Campers appreciate the spacious sites, clean showers, and friendly hosts, though the campground sees its share of summer crowds.

Bridgeview Park accommodates a variety of camping preferences, with options for tent camping, RVs, and group sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, reliably dry weather (daytime highs commonly in the mid-70s to low-90s °F, nights in the 50s–60s) and fully available services at Bridgeview — boat ramps, showers, and all campsites are open. This is peak time for swimming, boating, and warm-water fishing on Rathbun Lake, with water temperatures comfortable for extended lake activities. Campgrounds are busiest on holiday weekends and July–August evenings can be lively, so make reservations early if you want waterfront or full Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation968 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in the Chariton River Valley at 968 feet elevation, where glaciers and the meandering Chariton River carved gentle hills over millions of years. Rathbun Lake dominates the view, with grassy meadows and mature shade trees scattered across the campsites. White-tailed deer graze at dawn. Bald eagles hunt over the water. Canada geese and wild turkeys pass through regularly. Some sites sit under thick canopy, while others open to full sun and lake views.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge is available within the park as described in the source materials.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural and educational programs are not explicitly detailed in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights per visit within a rolling 30-day period.

Groups

Aday-use group picnic area for up to 24 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the source materials, and user reviews do not provide specific insights.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some offering shaded areas under mature trees and others featuring open spaces. A user review noted, 'Nice large camp spots' and 'Sites were nicely spaced, easy to pull in, lots of yard space to play games in.

PrivacyPrivacy levels appear to vary across sites. Some user reviews mention spacious and shaded spots, while others cite issues such as noise from other campers and lack of enforcement of rules. One camper commented, 'Very peaceful on a weeknight,' while another stated, 'Lots of screaming, fighting, and can throwing into the wee hours of the night.

Total Campsites106 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites in Loop BCIR for mature trees and shade. Avoid sites prone to mud after rain, such as M01.

Best CampsitesSite F11 gets mentioned for waterfront views. Loop BCIR sites under mature trees are considered prime for shade. Reviews note that site size and spacing vary, with some offering large, grassy areas for games and easy pull-through access.

Need help booking Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

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Amenities available

Bridgeview Park at Rathbun Lake is a large and well-facilitated campground offering 106 family sites, 95 of which have electric hookups. It includes amenities like flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, a boat ramp, playground, and horseshoe pits. The campground is situated in open grassy areas dotted with trees, and wildlife such as bald eagles and white-tailed deer are often seen. Guests also have access to fish cleaning stations, fire pits, lantern posts, and picnic tables.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Campground activities at Bridgeview Park include fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and more. It is located near Rathbun Lake, which is renowned for its fishing and sailing opportunities. The area supports crappie, channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass fishing.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

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Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

149 reviews

Satisfactory

Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews indicate a mix of positive and negative experiences at Bridgeview Park. Positive reviews highlight the clean facilities, friendly hosts, and scenic views. Negative reviews often cite issues like noise, unclean bathrooms, and overcrowding.

Review Summaries

Based on 149 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, friendly hosts, spacious sites, and scenic views are commonly praised by users. One review states, 'Beautiful campground, well kept, clean bathrooms and showers. Friendly camp...

Based on 149 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised by users include noise from other campers, dogs off leash, poor bathroom maintenance, and problems with showers. One reviewer noted, 'Bathrooms are absolutely disgusting. Continuous...

Based on 149 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite reviews vary: M01 was described as a 'muddy mess,' B13 lacks doors in men's showers, and F11 provides excellent views of the lake.

Based on 149 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest using the fish cleaning stations for processing catch and purchasing firewood from local sources. Another tip includes choosing shaded sites during hot weather for comfort.

Based on 149 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer brings issues like heat, loud parties, and overcrowding. Late September offers quieter camping conditions and better weather according to reviews.

Based on 149 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great views of the water. Hosts are super nice and friendly.' 2. 'Clean restrooms and good lake views.' 3. 'Crappie fishing was fantastic!' 4. 'Lake was filled with blue-green algae which greatly...

Based on 149 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are not explicitly provided in the source materials.

Based on 149 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some users reported issues with dogs being off-leash and aggressive. One user noted, 'Dogs off leash (we saw two dog fights in the three days we were there).'

Based on 149 reviews

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Honey Creek State Park sits on 828 acres of rolling, timbered hills along Rathbun Lake, Iowa's largest lake. The park offers tent sites, RV hookups (electric, water, and sewer), and cabins, with fees ranging from $15 to $80 per night. Modern restrooms and a dump station serve the campground, though reviewers note the shower house closes seasonally.