Island View (Rathbun Lake)
4.24205 reviews19409 ISLAND VIEW PLACE
Quick Facts
Price
$22 - $150/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
187 campsites
Season
Open season from May...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$22 - $150/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
187 campsites
Season
Open season from May...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsIsland View (Rathbun Lake)
$22.00 - $150.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by site type, ranging from $22 for standard electric sites to $150 for group standard electric sites. Additional fees for weekends and...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$44.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$150.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$219.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider641-647-2464
What Campers Say
4.24
Satisfactory
Based on 205 reviews
336 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleanlakesites
Some mention
reservation
"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."
Fees & Passes at Island View (Rathbun Lake)
$22 - $150/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Electric/Hookup Site
With electric/water hookups
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum stay limit is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Cancellation: Cancellations can be made anytime before the scheduled arrival date, subject to a $10 fee. Late canc...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Recreation.gov website.
Best Time to Camp at Island View (Rathbun Lake)
Summer transforms Island View Park into a bustling outdoor paradise, with warm temperatures perfect for swimming, boating, and lakeside relaxation. While these peak months bring the most visitors and activities, they also welcome clouds of gnats that dance in the evening air—a small price to pay for spectacular sunsets over the water. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, though occasional rain showers can transform the camping areas into muddy adventures, so packing appropriate footwear is essential. Each season paints the landscape in different hues, from spring's fresh greens to autumn's golden tapestry.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 1 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.
- Current Alerts: No specific active alerts were found in the source material.
About Island View (Rathbun Lake)
Nestled along the shores of Iowa's second-largest lake, Island View Park at Rathbun Lake welcomes outdoor enthusiasts with 187 thoughtfully designed family campsites, each equipped with electric hookups for modern comfort. Whether you're planning a family reunion at the dedicated group site or gathering friends for a lakeside celebration at one of the spacious picnic areas, this campground seamlessly blends convenience with natural beauty. Modern amenities including hot showers, both flush and pit toilets, and a well-maintained marina ensure your stay is comfortable, while the playground keeps young adventurers entertained. The convenient boat ramp provides easy access to Rathbun Lake's 11,000 acres of pristine water, making this an ideal basecamp for both water enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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.
Historical SignificanceJust a short drive from the campground, the renowned Rathbun Fish Hatchery serves as a fascinating window into Iowa's commitment to conservation and outdoor recreation. This impressive facility releases hundreds of thousands of channel catfish and walleye into local waters each year, ensuring that anglers at Rathbun Lake continue to enjoy world-class fishing opportunities. The hatchery's educational programs and tours offer campers a unique opportunity to learn about aquatic ecosystems and the delicate balance required to maintain healthy fish populations for generations to come.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Island View Park into a bustling outdoor paradise, with warm temperatures perfect for swimming, boating, and lakeside relaxation. While these peak months bring the most visitors and activities, they also welcome clouds of gnats that dance in the evening air—a small price to pay for spectacular sunsets over the water. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, though occasional rain showers can transform the camping areas into muddy adventures, so packing appropriate footwear is essential. Each season paints the landscape in different hues, from spring's fresh greens to autumn's golden tapestry.
ElevationThe gently undulating terrain creates natural privacy between campsites while offering subtle vantage points across the expansive lake waters.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground unfolds across a stunning tapestry of open meadows dotted with mature shade trees, all framed by the gentle rolling hills characteristic of the Chariton River Valley. This diverse landscape creates perfect habitat for an impressive array of wildlife—keep your binoculars handy for glimpses of majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, graceful white-tailed deer browsing at dawn and dusk, and formations of Canada geese announcing the changing seasons. The interplay of grasslands, scattered groves, and sparkling lake waters creates endless opportunities for photography and quiet contemplation.
Geological RegionIsland View Park rests within the enchanting Chariton River Valley of southeast Iowa, where ancient geological forces carved gentle hills and fertile valleys from the prairie landscape. This region's rolling topography, shaped by millennia of wind, water, and ice, creates the perfect setting for Rathbun Lake—a massive reservoir that transformed this river valley into one of Iowa's premier recreational destinations. The area's rich soils and diverse ecosystems tell the story of Iowa's natural heritage, from prehistoric seas to modern-day outdoor adventures.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific features for accessibility were described in the materials.
Sites SizeSite sizes are generally large and spacious, as confirmed by multiple reviewers who appreciated their roominess.
Sites PrivacySites provide decent privacy, with spaces adequately spaced apart. However, some reviews mention close proximity in specific loops or setups.
Total Campsites187 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLake view sites are recommended for scenic vistas, while sites further from the water may avoid insect issues.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 4 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12 PM.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into multiple loops, such as ICIR and VPL, with clear distinctions for group and family sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season from May 1 to September 29; closed season from September 29 to May 1.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites availability is not explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before the scheduled arrival date, subject to a $10 fee. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night’s fee. For group sites, late cancellations apply within 14 days of arrival.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
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
Detailed descriptions of hiking trails are missing, but some reviewers highlighted walking trails and open spaces for exploration.Fishing
Fishing is popular at Rathbun Lake, with types of fish such as crappie, channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass widely available. Several reviewers noted enjoyable fishing experiences.Swimming
Swimming is available approximately one mile from the campground. No safety details or specific facilities are mentioned in the reviews.Biking
Biking is enjoyed by campers within the campground. Reviewers highlight the level ground and spaciousness as being well-suited for bike riding.Boating
Boating facilities include a boat ramp and dock. The lake is highly regarded for sailing, earning the nickname 'Iowa's Ocean.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, and wild turkey can be observed. Reviewers appreciated the natural beauty and wildlife diversity.Beach activities
Beach activities are available, though details on beach quality or specific activities are sparse. Reviewers noted proximity to a sandy swimming beach.Winter Activities
No winter activities were described for this campground.Water Sports
Water-based recreation like kayaking, canoeing, and sailing are popular at Rathbun Lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must use locally purchased firewood. Fire pits are available at each site but vary in condition.
- Quiet hours are No specific information about quiet hours was provided.
Hazards
General hazardsGnats are prevalent during evenings, and skunks have been reported by campers. Muddy sites and standing water can also pose challenges after rain.
Active alertsNo specific active alerts were found in the source material.
Weather at Island View (Rathbun Lake)
19
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include Centerville for hospitals and police, approximately 9 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to September 29.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are mentioned but not in detail. Multiple users requested better distribution, particularly for longer-term campers.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on Rathbun Lake, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and nearby swimming beaches.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include muddy and waterlogged sites, insufficient restroom facilities, lack of maintenance, and challenges with the reservation system.
HostCampground is staffed by volunteers during peak season. Hosts reportedly handle issues like electrical failures promptly.
Campground Map
19409 ISLAND VIEW PLACE
Driving directionsFrom Centerville, IA, travel 2.5 miles north on HWY 5, then go 4 miles northwest on J-29, then 0.1 mile north on J5T to the park entrance.
Accessibility is good with paved roads leading up to the park entrance. However, some user reviews mentioned challenges in navigating at night due to unstaffed check-in and absence of maps.Nearby places
Centerville - 9 miles
Moravia - 8 miles.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are in Centerville, which is 9 miles away, offering groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
205 reviews
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 205 reviews
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 205 reviewsShow more
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 205 reviewsShow more
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 205 reviewsShow more
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 205 reviewsCamper 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 205 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site H07 was criticized for poor setup conditions including an upside-down fire pit and dirty table. B37 reviewers noted muddy conditions and excessive vehicles nearby. Positive reviews were noted...
Based on 205 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were noted.
Based on 205 reviewsPet-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 205 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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