Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)

Rathbun Lake

Buck Creek Campground is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just 9 miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking are popular activities at this lakefront campground.

This campground offers 42 sites with electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, boat ramp and playground. A marina and bait shop are located nearby.

Need to Know

• 14 Day Policy on Rathbun Lake: Campers are only allowed to camp at the same camping loop a maximum of 14 nights within a 30 night period. After the 14th night, they will be required to move (physically move the camping unit) to a different camping loop, which can be in the same campground.

• ALL campsites are 100% Reservable. Campsite ust be paid for prior to setting up a camping unit.

• Swimming beach is located within the park, but not in the campground loops
• For more information, visit the Rathbun Lake website http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Rathbun-Lake/
• Purchase firewood from a local source.
• If you must bring your own firewood, don't leave any firewood behind at your campsite.
• Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Natural Features

Rathbun Lake is situated in the gently rolling hills of the Chariton River Valley in southeast Iowa. The campground consists of open grassy areas dotted with trees.

Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake.

Nearby Attractions

The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is located near the main dam, and offers self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round. Hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye are produced here each year.

Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is nearby. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres of an abandoned rock quarry.

Recreation

The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler. Crappie, channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass are most common.

Although power boating is also popular, the prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.

Contact Information

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20112 HWY J5T CENTERVILLE IA 52544-8308

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: FOR CAMPGROUND INQUIRIES DURING MAY- SEPTEMBER PLEASE CALL 641-724-3206. DURING CLOSED SEASON OCTOBER -APRIL PLEASE CALL 641-647-2464

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Centerville, IA, travel 5 miles north on HWY 5 to HWY J-29, then 4 miles northwest to HWY J5T. Travel 2 miles north and follow signs to campground.

Available Campsites

• Site F02, Loop LOOP F, Type Standard Electric
• Site F04, Loop LOOP F, Type Standard Electric
• Site F09, Loop LOOP F, Type Standard Electric
• Site F10, Loop LOOP F, Type Standard Electric
• Site A05, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site F05, Loop LOOP F, Type Standard Electric
• Site B06, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Electric
• Site A09, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A13, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A07, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site F01, Loop LOOP F, Type Standard Electric
• Site B08, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Electric
• Site B07, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Electric
• Site B03, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Electric
• Site B01, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Electric
• Site A11, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A17, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site F06, Loop LOOP F, Type Standard Electric
• Site A03, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A06, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site F07, Loop LOOP F, Type Standard Electric
• Site A22, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site B02, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Electric
• Site A02, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A04, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A18, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A19, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site B04, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Electric
• Site F03, Loop LOOP F, Type Standard Electric
• Site A08, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A21, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A10, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A23, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A01, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site B05, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Electric
• Site A24, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A15, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A14, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A20, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site A12, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric
• Site F08, Loop LOOP F, Type Standard Electric
• Site A16, Loop LOOP A, Type Standard Electric

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