Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)

Star4.33
136 reviews
20112 HWY J5T, CENTERVILLE, IA 52544-8308, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

925 ft

Price

$22 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open from May 8 to S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Buck Creek Campground site

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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)
$22.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates for standard electric sites range between $22 and $25 during peak season. Additional fees for reservations may apply, including $10...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
641-724-3206 (May-Sept), 641-647-2464 (Oct-April)
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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 136 reviews

50 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanshowers

Some mention

reservation

"Buck Creek Campground receives predominantly positive reviews, emphasizing cleanliness, quietness, and its proximity to Rathbun Lake for fishing and boating. Negative reviews occasionally highlight maintenance issues, such as dirty shower stalls and inadequate enforcement of campground rules."

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Campground Map

20112 HWY J5T, CENTERVILLE, IA 52544-8308, USA

Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)

20112 HWY J5T, CENTERVILLE, IA 52544-8308, USA

Driving directionsFrom Centerville, IA, travel 5 miles north on HWY 5 to HWY J-29, then 4 miles northwest to HWY J5T. Travel 2 miles north and follow signs to campground.
Road access is via HWY 5 and HWY J5T. Roads are paved and generally accessible year-round. Seasonal closures or road construction are not mentioned, and the terrain appears manageable for standard vehicles.
Nearby places
Centerville, IA - 9 miles northwest
Nearby supplies
A marina and bait shop located nearby. Additional information on groceries, fuel, and camping supplies is not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)

Mother Nature has blessed Rathbun Lake with consistent breezes that transform its expansive waters into one of Iowa's premier sailing destinations. These prevailing winds create ideal conditions for both seasoned sailors and windsurfing enthusiasts, while also providing natural cooling during warm summer afternoons. The lake's reliable wind patterns have earned it a reputation among the Midwest sailing community as a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure on the water.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 10% in IA

Peak season (May–Sep); summer reviews praise fishing, swimming and boating availability.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews highlight quiet, serene atmosphere and good wildlife viewing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 8 so late spring is available; early spring amenities/conditions limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 8–Sep 29; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 8 to September 29 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 8 to September 29 for peak-season reservations.

About Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)

Nestled along the pristine shoreline of Rathbun Lake, Buck Creek Campground beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to discover Iowa's hidden waterfront gem. This welcoming retreat features 42 thoughtfully arranged campsites, each equipped with electric hookups to ensure comfort meets adventure. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, watching children splash in the swimming area, or casting a line as the sun sets, Buck Creek delivers the perfect blend of recreation and relaxation. Modern amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and a convenient dump station complement the natural beauty, while the playground keeps young adventurers entertained between lake activities.
Buck Creek Campground accommodates tent campers and RV users with 42 electric hookup sites. Users noted ample parking and the ability to pitch tents near the parking area. Group camping, cabin lodging, and glamping options are not mentioned.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Visitors can stay a maximum of 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Buck Creek Campground offers a diverse range of recreational activities associated with its location near Rathbun Lake. These include fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The expansive lake is renowned for fishing and sailing due to its size and prevailing winds, which contribute to its nickname 'Iowa's Ocean.'
HikingHiking trails are available near the campground, though specific details regarding trail lengths or difficulty are not provided. Hiking is listed as an activity but lacks further description from users or official sources.
FishingFishing is excellent at Rathbun Lake, which hosts crappie, channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass. User reviews, such as those from Douglas J. Gonner G and Marvin Ross, emphasize the enjoyment of fishing, with one reviewer calling the campground "relaxing and great for fishing."
SwimmingA swimming beach is located within the park but not directly within the campground loops. Chelsea Richards shared that the beach was clean and enjoyable during her previous visit.
BoatingBoating at Rathbun Lake is highly popular, with power boating and sailing being standout activities. The lake's prevailing winds make it one of the best sailing destinations in Iowa, as noted in the authoritative description. User Chelsea Richards recommends bringing a boat to explore the lake, describing it as "even more beautiful when you get to explore it on a boat."
Wildlife viewingThe campground and surrounding area host diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, and wild turkey. Patricia A described Lake Rathbun as a place with "beautiful scenery, lovely views of the lake and wildlife," calling it her "Happy Place."
Beach activitiesThe beach offers opportunities to sunbathe, swim, and relax. User Chelsea Richards noted, "The beach is just south of [the campground]...it was clean and very nice," providing a positive impression of beach-related activities.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReported issues include cold showers, black wasps near bathrooms, and unkempt campsites. Wildlife interactions are common but not described as dangerous.

Weather at Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)

Reviews

4.3
136 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Buck Creek Campground receives predominantly positive reviews, emphasizing cleanliness, quietness, and its proximity to Rathbun Lake for fishing and boating. Negative reviews occasionally highlight maintenance issues, such as dirty shower stalls and inadequate enforcement of campground rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 136 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the clean facilities, spacious sites, and convenient location near Rathbun Lake. Chelsea Richards noted, "The showers and bathrooms are clean...there are lots of trees and...
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Based on 136 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with cleanliness, such as dog feces and trash at campsites (Patricia A), and cold showers (Brandon I). Others criticize the enforcement of rules, such as leash laws (Annie...
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Based on 136 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Chelsea Richards recommends bringing a boat to explore Rathbun Lake, as shore fishing opportunities can be limited. Other users suggest carrying extra toilet paper and firewood, as these amenities...
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Based on 136 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season for camping, with most users enjoying activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. Fall reviews highlight the quiet and serene atmosphere, although seasonal concerns...
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Based on 136 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Loved the place. Very quiet and serene while we were there." - Katherine Z, "Great camping experience!" - Chad W, "We try to camp at Grant River every year, since we discovered it 1998. The...
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Based on 136 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Notable campsite reviews include F06, described as "the best site in the whole campground" by Janet S. Craig S praised F04 for its suitability for tent camping, while Patricia A had a negative...
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Based on 136 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not directly addressed in user reviews.
Based on 136 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Annie M highlighted issues with off-leash dogs, which caused problems during her stay. Other users did not explicitly comment on pet policies.
Based on 136 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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