Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) Campground

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.

Facilities

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.

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.

Natural feaures

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.

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.

Driving directions to Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) Campground

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.

Location and contact info

Highway J5T, IA 52571

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

Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) Campground details

Campfire allowed
Checkin time: 4:00 PM
Checkout time: 4:00 PM
Max num of people: 8
Max num of vehicles: 1
Max vehicle length: 52 ft
Pets allowed

Camping with an RV

Have you ever wanted to sleep at the foot of a mountain or wake up to the sound of the ocean’s waves gently crashing on the shore? When on a road trip, do you like to stop at every weird and wonderful roadside attraction? Do you ever just want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and get out into the great outdoors? Then renting an RV is definitely for you.

Camping in an RV allows you to adventure on your terms. Whether you’re looking to bond over an open fire with family and friends or you just want to get away for a while, there’s no better way to do it than from behind the wheel of an RV.

How Outdoorsy Works

Find the perfect RV

Choose your location, dates, and send the host a request to book.

Delivery or Pickup

Arrange a pick up time with the host or have it delivered to your driveway or destination.

Let us help

Most hosts have the option to deliver and set up the RV right to your destination.

Adventure awaits!

Enjoy the freedom of the open road nd the assurance of 24/7 roadside assistance.

After your trip, return the RV to the host in the same condition you recieved it.

Amenities at Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) Campground

other
Shade

RV Hookups
Electricity hookup

supplies
BBQ
Fire pit
Picnic table

Activities at Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) Campground

Water access

Camping

Hiking

Picnicking

Wildlife viewing

Fish hatchery

Fishing

Biking

Sailing

Day use area

Swimming

Kayaking

Canoeing

RV Travel Tips

Seatbelt and car seat laws for children differ based on which RV you're renting. Let's break down the requirements by RV type for a safe family road trip. Learn more

Content by

Find the perfect RV for Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) Campground

Forest River Cherokee plenty of room for the Family!Travel trailerSleeps 928 ft
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Keystone Hideout easy pull for most mid size trucks and suvs!Travel trailerSleeps 618 ft
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2016 Jayco Jay FlightTravel trailerSleeps 1033.5 ft
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2016 Shasta FlyteTravel trailerSleeps 426 ft
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2020 Forest River CherokeeTravel trailerSleeps 836 ft
Boone, IA

5 (21)

2013 Jayco Jay Feather Ultra LiteTravel trailerSleeps 618 ft
Ankeny, IA

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Apex Coachman family camper fully stocked and ready to camp! separate bedroTravel trailerSleeps 1034 ft
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A great rolling vacationClass ASeats 5, Sleeps 636 ft
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Questions about RVs?

Q.
What type of RV should I choose?

Start by determining how many people are planning to travel with you. Going on a solo-journey? Choose a camper van or a teardrop trailer. Bringing the whole family along for the ride? Consider a spacious Class A or five-wheel.

You’ll also want to consider amenities. For example, if you’re planning to cook on the road, you’ll want a kitchenette. If your campground doesn’t have public restrooms, you’ll want to search RVs with bathrooms. Check out full descriptions of our models to help you decide here.

Q.
Do the RVs have bathrooms?

Yes. Class A’s, Class B’s, and Class C’s and five-Wheels typically have bathrooms. Depending on where you plan on camping, you’ll want to double-check the availability of restrooms if selecting a rig without a bathroom. Nervous about renting an RV with a bathroom? Owners can help show you how to clean the tank or will offer to do it for you for a fee.

Q.
How does check-in work?

Once an Owner approves your RV reservation, you can coordinate a time to pick up your rig or have it delivered to your doorstep or campsite. At that point, the owner will do a key exchange with you and walk you through the RV and answer any questions you might have.