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Rathbun Lake

The best camping in Rathbun Lake, IA

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Discover Rathbun Lake: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers.

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Stories from the community

Judy

3 weeks ago

13 ft travel trailer

1 night at Red Rock Springs

We loved this very private and roomy campsite! We heard owls, cranes, and coyotes, and we saw geese and trumpeter swans fly overhead. The stars were amazing! We also found the solar lighted bathroom with the composting toilet to be quite a luxury for boondocking. I would highly recommend this site. My only advice…the ground is very rocky, so wear boots or good solid shoes. Enjoy!

dave

3 weeks ago

13 ft travel trailer

1 night at Red Rock Springs

We loved this spot. The restroom was well lit and clean. Beautiful spot with actual owls we heard at night.

Carrie

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

Nice little getaway! I loved that it was secluded enough but you could still drive to town if need be. I like to use this app because of my fear reactive dog. She needs space from humans and dogs, and we both enjoy getting away and relaxing in nature. The neighbors did have dogs that barked through out the night and she found it very hard to settle with the barking. That was my only complaint! The weather did change on us while we were there so we did pack up and leave a little early, but I would definitely come back and give it another go in the future.

Cristian

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Nature Heaven

Great location, and accommodating host. Great directs and signs as you go through. Defined trailed with class 2 base gravel for easy 2wd access. Saw multiple deer both day for short time I was there. Well maintained.

Jenny

October 2025

14 ft travel trailer

1 night at Red Rock Springs

We loved our first experience taking out our little Falcon camper and we are so happy it was here. This is a private site with a lighted composting toilet area, with TP and a hand washing station 😊. It has a fire pit and an option to purchase firewood. The view of the trees is stunning, especially this time of year and we enjoyed walking around the grounds. Also there are many paved trails close by within a short drive. Joshua is kind and helpful. Thanks Joshua. We plan on returning and telling our friends and family about your little gem.🌳🐿🦌

Sara

October 2025

15 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

We loved camping here, and our dogs had so much fun exploring. The tripod to cook over the fire was handy as well as being able to venmo for firewood. We plan to return!

Beth

October 2025

3 nights at The Point at Lake Red Rock

A cozy camper and beautiful nature to boot! The lake is serene with all kinds of wild life! Debbie the host made sure all was great.

Zach

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

Joshua was very helpful and the stay was great! The property was very nice and private, all in all a great experience!

Luke

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Red Rock Springs

Great host, calm grounds and beautiful scenery would definitely camp again

alicia

October 2025

24 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

Incredible spot! Wish we had more time here. Directions via Google maps were perfect, look for the cones. Fire wood available restroom available. The site is magical, had an amazing time, my dogs loved being able to explore and relax. Area was well tended too, enjoyed finding old machinery on the lot and so many cute frogs. Some traffic during day but absolute silence in the evening. If you're looking for off grid, peace and quiet with wonderful walking trails and beautiful scape, this is the place!

Kat

October 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Red Rock Springs

My pup and I had a great stay! We spent most of the daytime on the lower part of the property in the shade, which was such a beautiful area with its own picnic table and even a fire pit. The property trails were well maintained. I got two firewood bundles, which were hefty and worth the price: you can see in the attached photo just one bundle and how much wood it supplied. Outhouse was well maintained and didn’t stink. Beautiful open sky at night and peaceful nature sounds. Loved the nearby paved biking trails and recreational areas. Would definitely visit again!

Site 3. is on a hill top. One part of the site is in the shade and another part is on a limited open spaces. This site have beautiful view of pond, hills and lake. very nice sunset view if weather permit.

Georgia

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Nature Heaven

Wow this place is just so gorgeous. We fit one 2 person tent and one 4 person tent very comfortably next to each other. When you’re in or around your tent, or sitting at the bonfire it’s incredibly private, but you can still walk out just 30 feet and see the beautiful wide open view. Definitely will be back soon a recommending this site to all of my friends!!!

Cristian

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

10/10 returning soon again beautiful area quiet away from everyone perfect spot

Rob

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

Great spot! Clean, private, and quiet! Host had fantastic communication. Can’t wait to go back!

Carrie

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Point at Lake Red Rock

Debbie’s place was great! Perfect escape for a girls trip with dogs. Camper was clean and had the basics. Nice, easy walk to the boathouse and lake and close to town in case you forgot anything.

Sam

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Point at Lake Red Rock

Beautiful prairie. So quiet and peaceful. Comfortable accommodations inside and out! My wife and I enjoyed our stay and the host was GREAT!

Out side the dome portable fire pit. A perfect spot to watch sunsetting.
There is an additional sitting area behind the dome with another fire pit and picnic table. Additional spaces behind the dome for hammocks car parking etc.

Eric

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Loved the location, the view. And the fun setup. Had a great time!

The recreational bike trail (13 miles) is located immediately adjacent to the camping area.

Adam

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Trail-Side Rural Retreat

I stayed one night on Sandi and Pat's beautiful property on my way across the country. Sandi and Pat greeted me on arrival and gave me a walkthrough of all of the fun amenities they have available on their land, and provided a fire ring to set up at my site. Sandi's chickens even popped out of the coop to say hi too! The fantastic grass lawn provided an extra comfortable place to set my tent up, I enjoyed a lovely evening by the fire as the sun set, and fell asleep to a cool breeze blowing through the trees. A very peaceful and comfortable site!

Kit

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Nature Heaven

My friend and I had a lovely time camping on Anna’s land! When we arrived there was someone already in our spot but Anna quickly sorted out another spot for us that we think was even nicer than what we had planned. We had a great view with a gentle breeze. All the spots offer lots of privacy.

Cody

September 2025

30 ft toy hauler

With kids

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Anna’s Hipcamp spot near Lake Red Rock is beautiful-lovely prairie with peaceful sunsets and sunrises. It’s great for stargazing and telescope use, with private access, a water fill, fire pits, and good campsites. The hosts are great, and it’s boondocking on restored land that feels truly serene.

Top public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Rathbun Lake

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Prairie Ridge Park Campground

3.7mi from Rathbun Lake · 55 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rathbun Lake

Bridgeview Park Campground

4.5mi from Rathbun Lake · 106 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rathbun Lake

Buck Creek Campground

4.3mi from Rathbun Lake · 42 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rathbun Lake

Island View Campground

2.1mi from Rathbun Lake · 188 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rathbun Lake

Top-rated campgrounds

Red Rock Springs

100%

(32)

35mi from Rathbun Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV · Knoxville, IA

Private secluded camp spot Near Lake Red Rock. Enjoy your own private 6.5 wooded acres to explore. There is a Spring-fed stream that runs through this property. Spot Abundant wildlife including turkey, deer, owls and eagles. Several trails wind through this camp. Pull your camper or pitch a tent. The restroom has enough solar power to charge all your devices. This property Borders Army corps of engineers land. Competine Creek is only 1200 feet from this camp and feeds into Lake Red Rock. Great for canoes or kayaks. This camp is Less than a 5 min drive to Lake Red Rock boat ramp. 8 min to Knoxville, 10 min to Pella. This is an off grid property with a clean, simple bathroom featuring a composting toilet and hand-washing sink. (sink currently winterized but hand sanitizer provided)

The Point at Lake Red Rock

98%

(32)

36mi from Rathbun Lake · 1 site · Lodging · Knoxville, IA

Our 32 acres is a unique property on Iowa’s largest lake, Lake Red Rock. It features 17 acres of woods and 15 acres of native pollinator flowers and plants. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching and much more! Gorgeous sunsets and quiet surroundings will give you a memorable get away!

Nature Heaven

96%

(315)

36mi from Rathbun Lake · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Knoxville, IA

The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has it’s special nature-beauty, so we open year around. This seclude, beautiful pet friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa with view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and rest of the world. Each site has a firepit, picnic table and a solar light. The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity on. There are tons of nature features, you may see deer, rabbits and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distances to keep privacy from each other. A recently built a 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent nature's gifts. For surrounding areas, the close by White Breast Beach is open from May 23-September 3, 2024, boating, hunting and hiking activities in the lake red rock. For our camper's safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come for hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public hunting grounds are near our camping ground. The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on a top of hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and lake view while enjoy the great nature and have a comfortable stay. The cell phone signals are good from most providers; you may use your cell phone hotspot work remotely at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^. Hope you will find joy, peace and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and the Red Rock Lake areas. A little history of this land: These 40 acres of land was a surface mining site. The reclamation works done during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Master's and PhD in soil and environment health background, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for the nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds, hills and tall grass, Butterflys... The site is totally different from what the Google map shows now.

Chariton Valley Cabins And RV Sites

8.1mi from Rathbun Lake · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Melrose, IA

Our RV Sites sit on our secluded property that overlooks the beautiful Lake Rathbun in southern Iowa. We have 6 sites available. Enjoy the peaceful, starry night sky. We are not off of a main road/highway so it is very quiet and peaceful. Each RV site has full hook up (Electric, water, septic, wifi). PRICING: $30 a night plus tax $360 a month plus tax $3500 a year plus tax Laundry facilities available (if staying an extended period of time)

Chief’s Lookout

22mi from Rathbun Lake · 4 sites · Lodging · Moulton, IA

Two cozy guest cabins (Amish made)that can sleep up to 4 a piece and a kitchen cabin (Chief Keokuk) that also sleeps four. Tucked in a serene wooded cove with a small pond, great for swimming and fishing. Located just two miles North of the Missouri border, and 7 miles south of Moulton, IA. The kitchen cabin has a full bathroom and full kitchen. There is a community fire pit on the patio with three picnic tables offered, horse shoe pit, and a deer hanging post and first come first serve dog kennel with dog house. It is located 2 miles away from 3,000 acres of public hunting land in Iowa, called Sedan Bottoms and a couple miles away from about 3,500 acres of public hunting in Missouri and it’s called Rebels Cove.

Fruits of Our Labor Vinyard

33mi from Rathbun Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV · Knoxville, IA

Within 3.7 miles of Knoxville Raceway, 20 minutes from Pella, and Lake Red Rock. Partly Forested, Partly Vinyard, partly prairie - with lake and Fire pit.

Hoofs 'n Horns Ohnemusbeef Farmstay

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36mi from Rathbun Lake · 2 sites · Lodging · Lacona, IA

We invite you to turn off your phone and unwind on the front porch rocking chair as you watch one of our breathtaking sunsets or sunrises. Pasture and grassland with 7 ponds are accessible by a short hike along the cattle trails. A marked perimeter trail follows Wolfe Creek, home to wildlife and a shady cool spot during the hot days of summer. Mulberry Cottage is at the northeast corner of a 200-acre cattle ranch where we practice rotational grazing on ten paddocks. The cabin, surrounded by Mulberry and Osage Orange (Hedge Trees) are host to berry eating birds and mammals. (And the occasional marsupial). Cattle are fenced outside the cabin area but may be close by where you hear them and see them. Deer and coyotes are common on the property as plenty of birdlife. The cabin is a farm-stay experience with farm fresh eggs, and Mulberry preserves for your baked goods in the morning. You will need your muck boots and cowboy hat to hike our cattle trails and wade in the creeks. Try your hand at "frogging" in the marshes of one of our 7 ponds. Bottle-feeding a calf or collecting eggs are some of the chores you are welcome to participate in. You'll be amazed at the variety of wildflowers and birding opportunities. The head cowboy himself will invite you to chore time or have a farm tour of our grazing and regenerative practices. Our natural beef and tallow products are all for sale at the farm or grill up some "Ohnemusbeef" available at our farm store.

Trail-Side Rural Retreat

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(9)

36mi from Rathbun Lake · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Oskaloosa, IA

Our 3-acre pasture borders a 13-mile recreational trail that encompasses our entire town. Super easy access to the trail via bike, golf cart, or on foot to the middle school, high school, community auditorium, William Penn University or Lacey Recreational Complex. We live approximately 150 yards from the city limits, but are on a gravel road. It is an easy 7-minute drive to the grocery store, 2 minutes to the local hospital, and the trail is accessible to walkers, golf carts and bicyclists. Our property does not have any hookups, but if needed, there is are a couple of spots where a 110 connection could be accommodated (for an additional $5/night) close to our home that we could have discussions about using. My husband and are I both retired and our property is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Please note on the three acres, we do have 15 laying hens who free-range during the day, but are confined at night. They typically do not have any desire to interact with humans unless you are feeding them and should not present any problems. IF you bring a pet, please insure it is kept controlled and not allowed to interact with our hens or the folks using the recreational trail. As a bonus, for $5 per person we would be happy to whip up a farm-fresh egg breakfast each morning you stay with us. During summer months, guests are welcome to use our above-ground fully-enclosed pool complete with outdoor shower (heated by the power of the sun shining on a garden hose which means hot water is VERY limited!). There is a tiki bar, small deck and lawn furniture inside the pool enclosure. Please stop by the main house to check in when you arrive. We look forward to hosting you!

Corydon Lake Park

20mi from Rathbun Lake · 1 site · Corydon, IA

Corydon Lake Park stands out as a serene retreat just a stone's throw from home, enveloped by majestic oak timber. This picturesque park is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you're looking to hike scenic trails, set up camp under the stars, or enjoy a peaceful day of fishing, Corydon Lake Park has something for everyone. The park features 20 campsites equipped with water and electric hookups, available on a first-come, first-served basis for just $20 per night. Guests can enjoy modern amenities, including a shower house with flush toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the electric motor-only policy, which helps maintain the tranquility of the lake. In addition to camping and fishing, Corydon Lake Park boasts two open shelters perfect for picnicking and gatherings. Adventurers can explore the park's well-maintained hiking trails or challenge friends to a game of disc golf. With its diverse offerings and natural beauty, Corydon Lake Park is the perfect destination for a memorable outdoor experience.

Pets

Unionville City RV Park

26mi from Rathbun Lake · 1 site · Unionville, MO

Discover the charm of our unique park, conveniently located on US Hwy 5, just north of US Hwy 136 and the four-way stop. This inviting destination offers a blend of recreational activities and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Recent enhancements have transformed our park into a vibrant community hub. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the new swimming pool, take a leisurely stroll along the walking trail, or let the kids explore the upgraded playground equipment. For sports lovers, we have a basketball court, and covered picnic tables are available for gatherings and relaxation. Join us for Bingo nights every Monday at the Lions Club, and don’t miss the Putnam County Fair, which kicks off the week after Labor Day. Throughout the year, you can also participate in various auctions held at the 4-H building or nearby venues. For those looking to stay longer, we offer 77 full RV hookups at just $25.00 per night, along with 8 limited hookups (no sewer) for $20.00 per night. The park also features a few Frisbee golf holes and expansive open terrain on the west end, perfect for outdoor activities. We invite you to enjoy all that our park has to offer. Stay safe and have fun!

Pets

Toilets

Eddyville Inn & RV Park

27mi from Rathbun Lake · 1 site · Eddyville, IA

If you're seeking a unique lodging experience near Eddyville, look no further than our motel, conveniently situated less than a mile from Eddyville's Industrial Complex. This prime location makes us the top choice for contractors and professionals working in the area, providing easy access to your job site. Our motel is designed for longer-term stays, featuring comfortable rooms equipped with a single queen bed and a kitchenette, perfect for those who need a home away from home. We understand the importance of cleanliness and convenience, which is why we offer weekly cleaning services for our long-term guests. For your convenience, we also provide on-site coin-operated laundry facilities, ensuring you have everything you need during your stay. Please note that we do not allow pets, as we strive to maintain a peaceful environment for all our guests. To accommodate our guests effectively, all rooms can be reserved up to two weeks in advance of your arrival date. This policy helps us manage new reservations while continuing to provide excellent service to our existing guests. Experience the comfort and convenience of our motel during your time in Eddyville.

Pets

Eveland Access Campground

29mi from Rathbun Lake · 1 site · Oskaloosa, IA

Eveland Access stands out as a unique 56-acre multi-use recreation area, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure just 4 miles southwest of Beacon at 2890 Galeston Avenue, Oskaloosa, IA 52577. Nestled alongside the scenic Des Moines River, this destination is ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The campground features 44 well-equipped sites, divided into two sections: the east side, encompassing 22.5 acres, and the west side, which spans 33.5 acres, including cozy cabin areas. Each site comes with electric hookups, access to drinking water, picnic shelters, and playground equipment, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for families and groups. One of the highlights of Eveland Access is its exceptional concrete boat ramp, recognized as one of the finest in the county. This ramp serves as a gateway to countless adventures on the Des Moines River, making it a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and boating. With its combination of amenities and natural surroundings, Eveland Access is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Pets

The best camping in Rathbun Lake, IA guide

Overview

About

A lengthy 142.4 river miles away from its confluence with the Missouri River, you’ll find Rathbun Lake and it’s handy dandy dam. The lake has ten recreation spots designed for camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and other shenanigans. Worried about getting your boat in the water? There’s a marina for that, too (well, there are actually two marinas). There’s even an OHV park, with 125 acres of riding fun, and something for every level of experience. Staffers have even been hard at work planting trees, giving some of the less-shady campsites the opportunity to bask in the shadows when the temperatures rise. That’s pretty impressive, considering the lake has hundreds of campsites to maintain!

Notable campgrounds

Honey Creek State Park: Offers a serene camping experience with modern amenities and access to water activities.
Buck Creek Marina: Ideal for those looking to combine camping with boating, complete with rental options.
Prairie Ridge Campground: A family-friendly spot with playgrounds and easy access to fishing areas.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak season, to secure your ideal campsite.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities.
Explore nearby camping options to increase your chances of finding a spot.

When to go

The best time to visit Rathbun Lake is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm temperatures perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winters can be harsh, with some facilities closed, making it less ideal for a visit.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly for a comfortable visit.
Review the Title 36 CFR 327 for rules and regulations before your trip.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's natural beauty.
Accessibility varies across different areas, so plan ahead if you require specific accommodations.
For safety, familiarize yourself with water safety guidelines, especially when participating in water-based activities.

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