Home › Iowa › Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)
Prairie Ridge (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 · 40.87694, -92.88722 · Map |
| Sites | 56 public sites counted from the federal listing — 54 standard electric; 1 group standard nonelectric; 1 group picnic area |
| 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 54 of 56 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 56 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 56 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 56 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 90 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 54 sites · 30 ft: 54 sites · 35 ft: 54 sites · 40 ft: 54 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 56 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | FOR CAMPGROUND INQUIRIES DURING MAY-SEPTEMBER PLEASE CALL 641-724-3103. 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 Prairie Ridge Park is located 6 miles, SW of the Jct of Iowa Highway 5 and J18 at Moravia. Awesome Sunsets- No Extra Charge! Rathbun's off-the-beaten path park offers unique opportunities for lover's of the outdoors. Nestled between Buck Creek and Honey Creek, the high ridge offers wonderful vistas of the lake while surrounded by Iowa's Natural and enhanced prairie life community, with woodland draws and timbered hillsides. 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. 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. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464. 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.
Directions, from the listing
From Moravia, IA, travel 4 miles west on Highway J18, then south 2.5 miles on 200th Avenue (gravel). Follow signs into 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)
7 mi straight-line · CENTERVILLE IowaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersHowell Station
34 mi straight-line · Pella IowaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersNorth Overlook Picnic Shelter (Ia)
34 mi straight-line · Knoxville Iowa
Trip Card — Prairie Ridge (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 54 |
| Max RV | Up to 90 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 56 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233593 · 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.