How much does camping cost at Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)?

Camping fees at Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake) are $25 - $120/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake) first-come first-served or reservation?

Prairie Ridge (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 Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake) before I book?

Yes! Prairie Ridge (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 Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)?

Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake) is open May 15 to September 14. 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 Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)?

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

How many campsites does Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake) have?

Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake) has 54 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)?

Pets are not allowed at Prairie Ridge (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 Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)?

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

What activities can I do at Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)?

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

Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

4.03

90 reviews

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

Top 14% in IASummer

C-Report Card

Scenic ViewsTent CampingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

922 ft

Price

$25 - $120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Rathbun Lake Campground Services Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

922 ft

Price

$25 - $120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Rathbun Lake Campground Services Official Website

Get Directions

Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

$25.00 - $120.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA-128330 Prairie Ridge: $25.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Prairie Ridge Group Camp: $70.00 (+$50.00 weekend); STANDARD ELECTRIC:...

Group Site Fee$70.00

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Provider

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

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Campground Map

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

Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

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

Nearby places

Centerville (approximately 6 miles, 10 minutes)

Moravia (4 miles, 10 minutes).

Weather at Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

Best Time to Camp at Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, reliably dry weather (typical highs in the mid-70s to upper-80s °F / 24–31°C and evening lows in the 60s °F) and full access to Rathbun Lake, making it ideal for boating, swimming, and warm-water fishing. Trails and prairie blooms are at their peak, the playground and shower houses are fully serviced, and long daylight hours maximize time on the water or hiking the ridge. Expect moderate to high crowds and busy holiday weekends, so reserve sites early for June–August weekends Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in IA

Open May 15–Sep 14; summer is peak season with full lake access and best conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to 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)

Prairie Ridge sits on the shore of Rathbun Lake in south-central Iowa, operated by Rathbun Lake Campground Services. The mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups alongside tent sites, with direct lake access for boating, fishing, and swimming. Spacious sites overlook the water, and the property includes a swim beach, trails through prairie landscape, and facilities that support both RV and tent campers during the active summer season.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, reliably dry weather (typical highs in the mid-70s to upper-80s °F / 24–31°C and evening lows in the 60s °F) and full access to Rathbun Lake, making it ideal for boating, swimming, and warm-water fishing. Trails and prairie blooms are at their peak, the playground and shower houses are fully serviced, and long daylight hours maximize time on the water or hiking the ridge. Expect moderate to high crowds and busy holiday weekends, so reserve sites early for June–August weekends Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation922 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a ridge at 922 feet elevation, where restored prairie grasslands meet wooded draws. Native grasses and prairie plants cover open areas, while timbered hillsides add shade and habitat diversity. Views of Rathbun Lake stretch out from higher sites. The terrain reflects Iowa's glacial history, with rolling grasslands shaped by ancient ice and wind. Prairie blooms peak in summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are mentioned in the provided information.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the authoritative source or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.

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.

Best CampsitesPerch Point gets praise for lake views. Loop A sites sit closer to facilities. Reviewers recommend choosing shaded sites for better comfort in summer heat.

Need help booking Prairie Ridge (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

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Amenities available

Prairie Ridge at Rathbun Lake offers a variety of amenities designed for family-friendly outdoor recreation. Facilities include two shower houses, drinking water, RV dump stations, and a modern playground for children. "Fifty-four family friendly, Large, campsites are available in two separate camp areas." These amenities cater to both tent and RV campers. User reviews provide mixed feedback, with positive mentions of the convenience of water/electric hookups for RVs and spacious sites but significant concerns about the shower houses and bathroom cleanliness: "Shower house was nasty didn't look clean. I had to remove over an inch of hair from the drain" (Nicole B).

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

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.

Boating4.5/5Top 3% in Iowa

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Swimming3.5/5

Swim beach and direct lake access; some mentions of a rocky shore rather than sandy beach.

Biking3.5/5

8-mile trail noted as suitable for biking and connects to nearby attractions.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Ridge overlooks, prairie and lake vistas provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

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Questions & answers

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

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

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

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

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

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews are not specifically mentioned in the authoritative source or user reviews.

Based on 90 reviews

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Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

$25.00 - $120.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA-128330 Prairie Ridge: $25.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Prairie Ridge Group Camp: $70.00 (+$50.00 weekend); STANDARD ELECTRIC:...

Group Site Fee$70.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

Go if

You want spacious lakefront sites with full hookups and direct access to boating and swimming.

Skip if

You need pristine restroom facilities or prefer campgrounds with short walks to shower houses.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.3

(155)

Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)

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

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.

Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

Quick Facts

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About Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

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