How much does camping cost at Island View (Rathbun Lake)?

Camping fees at Island View (Rathbun Lake) range from $22-$230/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Island View (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 Island View (Rathbun Lake) before I book?

Yes! Island View (Rathbun Lake) has 3 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 Island View (Rathbun Lake)?

Island View (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 Island View (Rathbun Lake)?

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

How many campsites does Island View (Rathbun Lake) have?

Island View (Rathbun Lake) has 187 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Island View (Rathbun Lake)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Island View (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 Island View (Rathbun Lake)?

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

What activities can I do at Island View (Rathbun Lake)?

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

Island View (Rathbun Lake)

4.14

453 reviews

19409 ISLAND VIEW PLACE

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Iowa Swimming Camping Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

$22 - $230/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

187 campsites

Season

Open season from May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

$22 - $230/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

187 campsites

Season

Open season from May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Island View (Rathbun Lake)

$22.00 - $230.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA- Island View IV5: $50.00; GROUP PICNIC AREA-144452 Island View Peninsula: $25.00; GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC- Island View Group Camp:...

Group Site Fee$150.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

FOR CAMPGROUND INQUIRIES DURING MAY-SEPTEMBER PLEASE CALL 641-647-2079. DURING CLOSED SEASON OCTOBER-APRIL PLEASE CALL 641-647-2464

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Island View (Rathbun Lake)

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Campground Map

19409 ISLAND VIEW PLACE

Island View (Rathbun Lake)

19409 ISLAND VIEW PLACE

Nearby places

Centerville - 9 miles

Moravia - 8 miles.

Weather at Island View (Rathbun Lake)

Best Time to Camp at Island View (Rathbun Lake)

Best season: fall. Early fall (September) offers the most comfortable lake conditions — crisp mornings and warm afternoons (typical daytime highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s F, nights in the 40s–50s F) — with far fewer crowds than July and August. Boating, shore- and boat-fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing are all at their peak as waterfowl migration begins and the oak/hickory hills start to show color; camp amenities (electric sites, hot showers) stay available through Sept. Because the park closes after Sept. Peak months: September, June, July, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring described as ideal with mild weather and fewer bugs; good wildlife and migratory bird viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season from May 1 to September 29; closed season from September 29 to May 1.

About Island View (Rathbun Lake)

Island View sits on the eastern shore of Rathbun Lake in south-central Iowa, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through Recreation.gov. This very large campground offers electric hookups, showers, and a dump station across well-spaced sites with lake views. Campers come for boating, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing along Iowa's largest lake, with fall bringing waterfowl migration and oak-hickory foliage.

Island View accommodates various camping styles, including family sites with electric hookups and one group site. Tent camping, RV sites, and group camping options are available. Glamping or cabin lodging is not mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall (September) offers the most comfortable lake conditions — crisp mornings and warm afternoons (typical daytime highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s F, nights in the 40s–50s F) — with far fewer crowds than July and August. Boating, shore- and boat-fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing are all at their peak as waterfowl migration begins and the oak/hickory hills start to show color; camp amenities (electric sites, hot showers) stay available through Sept. Because the park closes after Sept. Peak months: September, June, July, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation938 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads across open meadows and rolling hills dotted with mature oak and hickory trees, typical of the Chariton River Valley. Rathbun Lake dominates the landscape, with select sites offering direct lake views. Wildlife sightings are common: bald eagles, white-tailed deer at dawn and dusk, and Canada geese during migration. The terrain creates a mix of sun and shade across the loops, though mature tree cover varies by site.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Groups

Details about group site capacity are not provided, but it is confirmed that one group site exists.

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 online via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo specific features for accessibility were described in the materials.

Site SizeSite sizes are generally large and spacious, as confirmed by multiple reviewers who appreciated their roominess.

PrivacySites provide decent privacy, with spaces adequately spaced apart. However, some reviews mention close proximity in specific loops or setups.

Total Campsites187 campsites

Recommended SitesLake view sites are recommended for scenic vistas, while sites further from the water may avoid insect issues.

Best CampsitesSites M23 and F04 get high marks for size and lake views. Reviewers recommend requesting lakefront sites when booking, though you'll pay more for the view.

Need help booking Island View (Rathbun Lake)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

This large campground offers a variety of amenities tailored to campers' needs. Its features include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, and a dump station. Recreational facilities such as a boat ramp, dock, marina, playgrounds, and horseshoe pit are on-site. Reviewer experiences vary widely regarding maintenance and cleanliness, with some praising well-kept facilities while others expressing dissatisfaction with lack of upkeep and missing supplies (such as hose ends and TP).

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Island View (Rathbun Lake) offers diverse recreational activities with highlights such as fishing, sailing, and wildlife viewing. The 11,000-acre Rathbun Lake provides opportunities for water-based activities like boating, kayaking, and fishing for crappie, catfish, walleye, and bass. Reviewers also mentioned biking trails and swimming facilities as noteworthy features.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

4.1

453 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews for Island View vary significantly, with many praising the spacious sites, natural beauty, and lake views. Complaints often focus on issues like muddy sites, unclean restrooms, and inadequate maintenance. Several reviews highlight friendly volunteers and staff.

Review Summaries

Based on 453 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 453 reviews.

M23Loved
Positive reviews were noted for spacious sites like M23, which were described as fantastic and accommodating for large groups.
Site H07Issues noted
Site H07 was criticized for poor setup conditions including an upside-down fire pit and dirty table.
B37Issues noted
B37 reviewers noted muddy conditions and excessive vehicles nearby.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects commonly mentioned include large, well-spaced sites, clean facilities (although inconsistently maintained), and beautiful lake views. Users also appreciated the wildlife diversity...

Based on 453 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve poor restroom maintenance, muddy sites, lack of water connections at individual sites, and unclean picnic tables and fire pits. Some users also expressed dissatisfaction...

Based on 453 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing long hoses for water tanks due to limited hydrants, navigating carefully after rain to avoid muddy spots, and reserving lake-view sites for optimal experiences. Multiple...

Based on 453 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are described as ideal for camping due to mild weather and fewer bugs. Summer reviews indicate issues with gnats and high grass. Winter camping activities are not described.

Based on 453 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Beautiful view of the lake. Great amenities." (Gregory K) 2. "Huge campsites, easily fit boats and extra vehicles." (Tim A) 3. "Clean restrooms and showers, very spacious." (Justin D) 4. "Sites...

Based on 453 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Several reviewers commented on pet leash policies, with complaints about dogs running free and barking excessively. Others appreciated the pet-friendly atmosphere.

Based on 453 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want roomy sites with lake views, full amenities, and easy access to boating and fall waterfowl migration.

Skip if

You need consistently maintained facilities or dry sites during wet weather.

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Honey Creek State Park

12194 Honey Creek Pl, Moravia, Iowa, 52571-8879, United States

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.