Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)

Rathbun Lake
Near Moravia, Iowa

Facilities

Fifty-four family friendly, Large, campsites are available in two seperate camp areas. Two shower houses, drinking water and RV dump stations is available. A modern playground offers activities for our younger visitors.

Natural Features

Rathbun's most extensive trail, eight miles in length, takes hikers and bikers into Iowa's wild, and links to Iowa's Premier destination park at Honey Creek Resort.

Recreation

Prairie Ridge Boat Ramp is protected on three sides and has been long popular with both motorized craft and a launching area for wind surfers and catamarans. A courtesy dock with fish cleaning station aid families on and off the water.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Electric
  • Group Picnic Area
  • Group Standard Nonelectric
  • Overnight
  • Day

Activities

  • Camping
  • Biking
  • Canoeing
  • Boating
  • Day Use Area
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Picnicking
  • Sailing
  • Swimming
  • Water Access
  • Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

  • Boat Dock
  • Boat Ramp
  • Campfire Rings
  • Drinking Water
  • Dump Station
  • Electric Hookups
  • Entrance Station
  • Fish Cleaning Stations
  • Flush Toilets
  • Grills
  • Lake Access
  • Lantern Posts
  • Paved Roads
  • Picnic Area
  • Picnic Shelters
  • Picnic Tables
  • Pit Toilets
  • Playgroiund
  • Playground
  • Scenic Overlooks
  • Shade
  • Showers (Seasonal)
  • Trash Collection
  • Vault Toilets
  • Water (Seasonal)

Nearby Attractions

The park is within a few minutes of lake conveniences, bait, dining, and fuel. Rathbun's fish hatchery is open to the public on weekdays. Groups are encouraged to make appointments. 14 minutes west, on Hwy S70, one of Southern Iowa's best off-roading opportunities is at the 125 Acre Rathbun OHV Park. There's even a tot lot beginner's area. Search Rathbun OHV Park on-line for actual dates of operation and applicable rules.

Getting Here

Latitude
40° 52' 36.9998" N
Longitude
92° 53' 13.9999" W
From Moravia, IA, travel 4 miles west on Highway J18, then south 2.5 miles on 200th Avenue (gravel). Follow signs into campground.

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.
  • If late, you must contact this park within 24 hours after your original check-in time or you will be considered a 'no show' resulting in the cancelation of your reservation.
  • Please register for campsites during booth hours, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. and 3 p.m.-8 p.m.
  • 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.

    • Contact Information

    20112 HWY J5T
    CENTERVILLE, IA 52544-8308

    This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464.

    Additional Information