Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

4.13

90 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

922 ft

Price

$25 - $70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Rathbun Lake Campground Services site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

922 ft

Price

$25 - $70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Rathbun Lake Campground Services site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

$25.00 - $70.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary by season: Standard Electric sites are $25/night, Group Picnic Area $25/night, and Group Standard Non-electric sites are $70/night ($50...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$70.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

May–September: 641-724-3103; October–April: 641-647-2464

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What Campers Say

4.13

Satisfactory

Based on 90 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspaciouslakebeach

"User reviews reveal a mix of positive experiences and recurring complaints. Positive feedback emphasizes the clean and spacious campsites, helpful staff, and beautiful lake views. However, many reviews criticize the gravel road leading to the campground, shower house cleanliness, and outdated bathrooms."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

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

Driving directionsFrom Moravia, IA, travel 4 miles west on Highway J18, then south 2.5 miles on 200th Avenue (gravel). Follow signs into campground.

The campground is accessed via a 3-mile gravel road, which user reviews frequently describe as poorly maintained, with 'washboard bumps,' 'large potholes,' and 'dust issues.' Roads inside the campground also have potholes and some uneven surfaces.

Nearby places

Centerville (approximately 6 miles, 10 minutes)

Moravia (4 miles, 10 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Several lake conveniences, including bait shops, dining, and fuel, are within minutes of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

Prairie Ridge Park transforms with the seasons, offering year-round camping adventures for those who embrace nature's rhythms. Winter brings crisp, clear days with temperatures hovering between a brisk 23°F and a mild 37°F, creating perfect conditions for cozy campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. Summer emerges as the prime camping season, when warm breezes sweep across the prairie and families fill the campgrounds with laughter and adventure. While occasional storms may temporarily challenge road conditions, they also bring dramatic skies and the fresh scent of rain-washed prairie grass that makes the experience all the more memorable.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season May 15–Sep 14; boating, swimming, fishing and trails attract visitors in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

2.0 / 5

Reservations end Sep 14 so only early fall is available; limited access for fall foliage stays.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Park opens for reservable camping May 15; limited spring access before that date.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Reservable camping closed mid-Sep–mid-May and winter activities are not reported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15–September 14.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 15 to September 14 for reservable camping; closed for reservations from September 14 to May 15.

About Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

Discover Prairie Ridge Park, where 54 thoughtfully designed family campsites beckon from two distinct camping areas, each offering its own character and stunning vantage points over the sparkling waters of Rathbun Lake. Whether you're drawn to the gentle rustling of prairie grasses or the convenience of modern amenities, this outdoor haven delivers with two well-appointed shower houses, fresh drinking water throughout, convenient RV dump stations, and a state-of-the-art playground where young adventurers can play while you set up camp. The crown jewel? An impressive 8-mile trail system that winds through diverse landscapes, perfect for morning bike rides or sunset hikes as you explore every corner of this remarkable park.

Prairie Ridge provides multiple camping options, including RV sites with water/electric hookups, tent camping, and group facilities.

Historical SignificanceYour Prairie Ridge adventure extends beyond the campground borders to fascinating nearby attractions that showcase the region's commitment to conservation and outdoor recreation. Just a short drive away, the renowned Rathbun Fish Hatchery opens its doors to curious visitors on weekdays, offering an educational glimpse into aquatic conservation efforts and the lifecycle of Iowa's native fish species. For those seeking more adrenaline-pumping pursuits, the nearby Rathbun OHV Park has earned its reputation as a premier destination for off-road enthusiasts, where riders can test their skills on challenging terrain while respecting the natural environment.

Weather and SeasonsPrairie Ridge Park transforms with the seasons, offering year-round camping adventures for those who embrace nature's rhythms. Winter brings crisp, clear days with temperatures hovering between a brisk 23°F and a mild 37°F, creating perfect conditions for cozy campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. Summer emerges as the prime camping season, when warm breezes sweep across the prairie and families fill the campgrounds with laughter and adventure. While occasional storms may temporarily challenge road conditions, they also bring dramatic skies and the fresh scent of rain-washed prairie grass that makes the experience all the more memorable.

ElevationThe park's rolling topography creates natural amphitheaters and gentle slopes throughout the camping areas, though specific elevation details await your personal discovery as you explore the varied terrain.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking tapestry of Iowa's prairie ecosystem, where native grasses dance in the wind and woodland draws create intimate pockets of shade and wildlife habitat. The park's landscape tells the story of careful conservation, with enhanced prairie restoration bringing back the region's natural heritage alongside timbered hillsides that provide both beauty and biodiversity. From the park's high ridges, panoramic vistas of Rathbun Lake unfold before you, offering photographers and nature lovers alike the perfect backdrop for capturing memories, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

Geological RegionPrairie Ridge Park sits proudly within Iowa's cherished prairie life community, a living testament to the state's natural heritage where rolling grasslands meet wooded draws in perfect harmony. The landscape reveals itself in layers - from the restored prairie ecosystems that showcase native plants and wildlife to the timbered hillsides that provide shelter and diversity. The park's commanding position on a high ridge not only offers those spectacular views of Rathbun Lake but also tells the geological story of ancient glaciers and wind-swept plains that shaped this remarkable terrain over millennia.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in during booth hours, 8 AM–10 AM and 3 PM–8 PM.

Check-out

Not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unknown

Groups

Group sites are available, but no details about the maximum number of guests or vehicles are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into two distinct areas, Loop A and Loop B, with spacious sites and shaded options.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information on walk-up availability provided.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees if canceled late. Changes to reservation dates outside the original booking incur a $10 modification fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the authoritative source or user reviews.

Site SizeFifty-four family-friendly, large campsites are available" as stated in the official source. User reviews also confirm ample space: "Some lots are big; we had 2 trucks, a 30ft camper, a 28ft boat, and a small SUV parked," wrote Shelly S.

PrivacyThe sites offer good privacy according to user reviews. "Plenty of room between campsites so you don’t feel crowded at all," noted Kevin C.

Total Campsites54 campsites

Recommended SitesSites in Loop A offer shade and proximity to the lake, while Loop B offers spacious areas ideal for families or larger groups.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Campground activities at Prairie Ridge include camping, fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, and water access. Additionally, guests can enjoy picnicking and scenic overlooks. "Rathbun's most extensive trail, eight miles in length, takes hikers and bikers into Iowa's wild," and connects to Honey Creek Resort.

HikingPrairie Ridge features an eight-mile trail that offers scenic views and links to Honey Creek Resort. User reviews highlight hiking opportunities: "Played down in the water quite a bit after a short walk. Also rode our bikes on the snowmobile/hiking trails," shared Stephen C.

FishingFishing facilities include a courtesy dock and fish cleaning stations, making the campground well-suited for anglers. User reviews describe good fishing opportunities but emphasize that better maps of fishing spots are needed: "Maps for the park were difficult to read as we were looking for places to fish," said Dan S.

SwimmingSwimming is available, with direct access to the lake. One user review notes: "Beautiful spot right next to water," although no designated swimming area or specific safety details are mentioned.

BikingThe eight-mile trail is suitable for biking and connects to nearby attractions. Stephen C mentioned riding bikes on the trails with family during their stay.

BoatingBoating is a prominent activity at Prairie Ridge, supported by a boat ramp and courtesy dock. "Campground has its own boat ramp so that is very convenient," said Kevin C. Types of boats mentioned include wind surfers and catamarans.

Wildlife viewingThe area is surrounded by Iowa's natural prairie life, woodland draws, and timbered hillsides, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. No specific species are highlighted in user reviews.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe gravel road leading to the campground is poorly maintained, creating hazards for trailers and vehicles. Construction and maintenance issues with internal roads also present concerns.

Fire PolicyFirewood must be purchased locally or brought by campers, but unused wood should not be left behind. Burn on-site to prevent introducing pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be accessed in nearby Centerville or Moravia, IA.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are mentioned, but no details are provided about locations or pickup schedules.

Water FeaturesThe campground features a boat ramp and courtesy dock for easy lake access.

Camp HostCampground hosts check in visitors and ensure smooth operations. User reviews indicate hosts are responsive and helpful.

Weather at Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

Reviews

4.1

90 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews reveal a mix of positive experiences and recurring complaints. Positive feedback emphasizes the clean and spacious campsites, helpful staff, and beautiful lake views. However, many reviews criticize the gravel road leading to the campground, shower house cleanliness, and outdated bathrooms.

Review Summaries

Based on 90 reviews

What Campers Love

Prairie Ridge is praised for beautiful lake views, spacious campsites, and friendly staff. "Loved staying at the park. My only wish is better bathrooms. Host came right away and checked us in so all...

Based on 90 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring complaints include rough gravel roads leading to the campground, unclean shower facilities, and outdated bathrooms. "The gravel road leading into the camp area is horrendous," wrote Dawn A....

Based on 90 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest planning for the rough road trip, bringing extra toiletries, and choosing shaded campsites for better comfort. "Be careful opening your cabinets," Kevin C advised, referencing the bumpy...

Based on 90 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight better camping experiences during warmer months, with Memorial Day being a particularly popular time for family outings. Winter activities are not mentioned.

Based on 90 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Beautiful view and the grounds were well kept." (Scott D) 2. "Our stay at Prairie Ridge was excellent as always. We have camped at this location for many years and love it." (John B) 3. "The...

Based on 90 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users often share specific campsite experiences, such as "Campsite A14, Loop PRIP: The road gravel road coming into the campground is horrific." Conversely, campsite B01 in Loop PPL was described as...

Based on 90 reviews