Island View (Rathbun Lake)

4.24

405 reviews

19409 ISLAND VIEW PLACE

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Iowa Swimming Camping Iowa

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

$22 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

187 campsites

Season

Open season from May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

$22 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

187 campsites

Season

Open season from May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Island 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...

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

641-647-2464

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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 405 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

19409 ISLAND VIEW PLACE

Island View (Rathbun Lake)

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak for swimming, boating and lake activities; reviewers note bugs and some maintenance issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as ideal with mild weather and fewer bugs; positive seasonal reviews.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring (late season) praised as ideal; some reviewers mention mayfly infestations but overall positive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed from Sep 29 to May 1; winter camping not available.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is 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.

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.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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.

HikingDetailed descriptions of hiking trails are missing, but some reviewers highlighted walking trails and open spaces for exploration.

FishingFishing 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.

SwimmingSwimming is available approximately one mile from the campground. No safety details or specific facilities are mentioned in the reviews.

BikingBiking is enjoyed by campers within the campground. Reviewers highlight the level ground and spaciousness as being well-suited for bike riding.

BoatingBoating facilities include a boat ramp and dock. The lake is highly regarded for sailing, earning the nickname 'Iowa's Ocean.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, and wild turkey can be observed. Reviewers appreciated the natural beauty and wildlife diversity.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGnats 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.

Fire PolicyCampfires must use locally purchased firewood. Fire pits are available at each site but vary in condition.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific information about quiet hours was provided.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include Centerville for hospitals and police, approximately 9 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are mentioned but not in detail. Multiple users requested better distribution, particularly for longer-term campers.

Water FeaturesLocated on Rathbun Lake, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and nearby swimming beaches.

Camp HostCampground is staffed by volunteers during peak season. Hosts reportedly handle issues like electrical failures promptly.

Weather at Island View (Rathbun Lake)

Reviews

4.2

405 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 405 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 405 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 405 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 405 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 405 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 405 reviews

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 405 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were noted.

Based on 405 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 405 reviews

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