How much does camping cost at Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)?

Camping fees at Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) range from $22-$25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Buck Creek (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 Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) before I book?

Yes! Buck Creek (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 Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)?

Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) is open May 08 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 Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)?

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

How many campsites does Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) have?

Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) has 42 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)?

Pets are not allowed at Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)?

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

What activities can I do at Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)?

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

Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)

4.26

136 reviews

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

Tent CampingSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

ElectricShowers

Book on Buck Creek Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

ElectricShowers

Book on Buck Creek Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)

$22.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC-106687: $25.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

641-724-3206 (May-Sept), 641-647-2464 (Oct-April)

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Centerville, IA - 9 miles northwest

Weather at Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)

Best Time to Camp at Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — expect warm, sunny days (highs commonly in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, occasionally reaching the low 90s) with steady lake breezes that make Rathbun Lake ideal for boating, sailing, swimming, and evening lakeside fishing. All campground services and the swimming area are open May through late September, and the electric-hookup sites make summer RV stays comfortable for families. Be prepared for busy holiday weekends and occasional severe summer storms, so reserve in Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; summer praised for boating, fishing, swimming and pleasant temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 8 to September 29 for peak-season reservations.

About Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)

Buck Creek sits on the shore of Rathbun Lake in south-central Iowa, 10 miles north of Centerville. This Corps of Engineers campground offers electric hookups, hot showers, and a swim beach during the peak season. Campers fish for crappie and catfish, launch boats from the nearby ramp, and bike the rolling terrain around Iowa's largest reservoir.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — expect warm, sunny days (highs commonly in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, occasionally reaching the low 90s) with steady lake breezes that make Rathbun Lake ideal for boating, sailing, swimming, and evening lakeside fishing. All campground services and the swimming area are open May through late September, and the electric-hookup sites make summer RV stays comfortable for families. Be prepared for busy holiday weekends and occasional severe summer storms, so reserve in Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation925 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads across grassy meadows with mature shade trees at 925 feet elevation. The open layout provides views of the lake and surrounding rolling hills. Bald eagles soar overhead, white-tailed deer graze at dusk, and Canada geese frequent the shoreline. Wild turkeys appear near the campground edges. The terrain is accessible without challenging climbs, shaped by the Chariton River Valley's geography.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational opportunities include self-guided tours of the Rathbun Fish Hatchery near the main dam. Tours are available Monday through Friday year-round, showcasing the production of hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye annually.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Visitors can stay a maximum of 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site is not explicitly stated.

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 through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly detailed in authoritative content or user reviews.

Site SizeSites accommodate RVs and tent campers while providing good space for parking and additional setups. For example, Craig S noted spacious parking accommodating an SUV towing a boat.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site but is generally good according to user reviews. Katherine Z stated, "Our site was such that you could not see other campers, but close enough if you wanted to be social.

Total Campsites42 campsites

Recommended SitesSite F04 is described as accommodating for tent campers and offers convenient water access. Other highly-rated sites include A16, A17, and F06.

Best CampsitesSite F06 gets called "the best site in the whole campground" in reviews. Sites near the water earn consistent praise. Katherine Z found her site private enough that you couldn't see other campers, but close enough to be social if wanted.

Need help booking Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Buck Creek Campground at Rathbun Lake offers a range of amenities designed for convenience and recreation. Facilities include electric hookups at all 42 campsites, flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, a boat ramp, and a playground. Additionally, a marina and bait shop are located nearby. Many user reviews praise the clean and well-maintained facilities, such as restrooms and showers, although some have noted occasional issues with cleanliness and water temperature in the showers.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

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.'

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

136 reviews

Satisfactory

Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 136 reviews.

F06Loved
Notable campsite reviews include F06, described as "the best site in the whole campground" by Janet S.
F04Loved
Craig S praised F04 for its suitability for tent camping, while Patricia A had a negative experience at A13 due to trash and dog feces.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Campgrounds

Rathbun Lake

Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)

About Rathbun Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake), sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Over 700 campsites are available at this 11,000-acre lake in the rolling hills of southern Iowa. Excellent camping, fishing, hunting, boating, state fish hatchery, and Honey Creek Resort, are major attractions.

Directions

From Des Moines, 85 miles southeast on IA 5.