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Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — CENTERVILLE · Iowa · Rathbun Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Rathbun Lake |
| Location | CENTERVILLE · Iowa · Rathbun Lake · 40.86278, -92.86778 · Map |
| Sites | 42 public sites counted from the federal listing — 42 standard electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 42 of 42 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 42 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 42 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 42 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 128 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 42 sites · 30 ft: 42 sites · 35 ft: 42 sites · 40 ft: 42 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 4:00 PM · Out 4:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 42 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | FOR CAMPGROUND INQUIRIES DURING MAY- SEPTEMBER PLEASE CALL 641-724-3206. DURING CLOSED SEASON OCTOBER -APRIL PLEASE CALL 641-647-2464 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview 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. 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. 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. 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. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464. 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.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
1 mi straight-line · CENTERVILLE IowaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersIsland View (Rathbun Lake)
3 mi straight-line · Mystic Iowa IowaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersBridgeview (Rathbun Lake)
8 mi straight-line · CENTERVILLE IowaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersHowell Station
35 mi straight-line · Pella IowaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersNorth Overlook Picnic Shelter (Ia)
35 mi straight-line · Knoxville Iowa
Trip Card — Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)
CENTERVILLE · Iowa · Rathbun Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | CENTERVILLE · Iowa · Rathbun Lake |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 42 |
| Max RV | Up to 128 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 42 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233438 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.