Rathbun Lake is Iowa’s second-largest lake and a top outdoor destination! The 11,000-acre lake has 155 miles of shoreline and plenty of outdoor adventures on and off the water.
This vast lake has something for everyone! And there’s no doubt you’ll find plenty to do while you’re there. You can go boating, fishing, golfing, biking, hiking, swimming, and (much) more.
With all there is to do, you’ll want to stay awhile! The good news is that overnight accommodations include camping, cabins, and a resort hotel.
Table of Contents
- Things to Do at Rathbun Lake
- Campgrounds and cabins at Rathbun Lake
- Know before you go!
- Things to Do Nearby
- Visit Rathbun Lake today!
A Brief History of Rathbun Lake
Flood management, conservation, and outdoor recreation are reasons the 34,000-acre Rathbun Lake project exists.
The Flood Control Act of 1954 authorized the construction of Rathbun Dam and Reservoir. Construction of the rolled earth-fill dam started ten years later, in 1964. It was complete five years later, in 1969, and was fully operational in 1970. Then, in 1971, President Nixon was the keynote speaker for its dedication.
The US Army Corps of Engineers built and continues to operate the Rathbun Lake project.
Fun facts:
- The dam is nearly two miles long and 100 feet tall. And visitors can drive across it.
- The lake has 11,000 surface acres, with a flood control pool of 20,900 acres.
- The lake provides flood protection for over 140,000 acres of land.
- It’s one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
- The lake provides drinking water to thousands of rural households through Rathbun Regional Water Association (RRWA).
Things to Do at Rathbun Lake
There are many places to explore and have fun at Rathbun Lake. You can spend the day on the water, hit the trails, play a round of golf, and more! Read on for everything Rathbun Lake has to offer.
Go boating at Rathbun Lake
As one of the largest lakes in Iowa, Rathbun is often called “Iowa’s ocean!” And it’s one of the top boating destinations in the state.
There are several coves, channels, and beaches to stop and relax. And any variety of boat will do.
Whether you have a ski boat, fishing boat, or sailboat, Rathbun is the place to go. There’s plenty of space to do whatever you enjoy on the water. And a nine-mile fetch area makes for some of the best sailing in Iowa.
Boat Rentals
The Rathbun Lake Marina has several pontoon boat rentals to choose from. And Honey Creek Resort also has pontoon boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (see their website for details).
Boat ramps
Many boat ramps are available for lake access. See this map for boat ramp locations (note that day use fees may apply).
Below are the main boat ramps at the lake:
- Bridgeview Park (Corps of Engineers)
- Prairie Ridge Park (Corps of Engineers)
- Island View Park has three boat ramps (Corps of Engineers)
- Rathbun Marina (special access passes required, check with marina for details)
- Rolling Cove Park (Corps of Engineers)
- South Fork Park (Corps of Engineers)
- Honey Creek State Park north boat ramp
- Honey Creek State Park south boat ramp
- Honey Creek Resort Marina & Boat Launch
Important information on boating at Rathbun Lake:
- There are $5 day-use fees for using the Corps of Engineers boat ramps, or you can buy an annual pass for $40. National park passes work too! And if you’re camping at Corps campgrounds, day-use fees get waived. Automatic fee machines (credit card only) are at ramps and the Rathbun Lake Information Center (on the south side of the dam).
- The Rathbun Lake Marina (Buck Creek) has over 200 boat slips, a store, fuel, repairs, towing, storage, and more.
- Check lake levels before heading out on the water. When water levels are high, boaters may encounter debris and closed ramps.
- Go to this page to see which boat ramps are open.
- Life vest loaner stations are at Island View Dedication site boat ramp and Bridgeview Boat Ramp. The loans are free and on the honor system.
- You might have to wait for an open lane at the ramps. Please be courteous to other boaters.
Kayak or Canoe
Rathbun Lake is great for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards too. But most paddlers will stick to the shorelines and coves away from the larger boats and waves.
There are two designated water trails around the shores of the lake:
- The South Shore Water Trail is a 14.5-mile trail with several entry points and a wilderness trail section. It’s less affected by wind and waves and rated for beginners. Along the route, paddlers can stay at one of three campgrounds.
- The North Shore Water Trail is 5.3 miles between Buck Creek Marina and Honey Creek State Park. Paddle-in primitive tent sites are along the route at Paddler’s Pines Camp. Depending on the wind and boat traffic, this trail can be a bit more challenging in some sections.
For more on the water trails, see the Rathbun Water Trail map.
Go fishing at Rathbun Lake
Rathbun Lake is an excellent place to fish by boat or shore! Popular fish species at the lake include Walleye, Black Crappie, Catfish, Largemouth Bass, White Bass, and Wiper.
Also, stop by the Rathbun Fish Hatchery while you’re in the area for a self-guided tour! It’s open Monday through Friday during limited hours. See the Iowa DNR Fish Hatchery page for details.
See the Iowa DNR Rathbun Reservoir page for fishing reports and regulations.
Go swimming
There are three swimming beaches at Rathbun Lake. Find them at the following parks:
- Buck Creek Park
- Island View Park (& sand volleyball)
- Honey Creek Resort
About the swimming beaches
- Buck Creek and Island View are maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers have day-use fees (free for campers)
- Do not have lifeguards.
- Are roped off and buoyed to exclude boats and help protect swimmers.
- Have parking and pit latrines on site.
Visit the marina(s)
Rathbun Lake has two marinas: Rathbun Lake Marina & Honey Creek Resort Marina.
Rathbun Lake Marina
Rathbun Lake Marina is a protected channel at Buck Creek Park on the lake’s eastern shore. It’s a full-service marina with everything you want and need for a day on the water! It features:
- over 200 covered and uncovered slips
- pontoon rentals
- a bistro
- ship store
- 130+ campsites
- 12 room hotel
Honey Creek Resort Marina
If you’re staying at the campground, cabins, or lodge, you can use the Honey Creek Resort Marina. The marina features:
- Boat launch
- 40 boat slips
- Pontoon boat rentals
- Fishing pier
- Fishing gear, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards (included with your stay)
Trails
Rathbun Lake North Shore Trail is an 8-mile limestone path for hiking and mountain biking. It stretches from Ham Creek Trailhead near Honey Creek Resort to Prairie Ridge Recreation Area. Pass through woods, wetlands, and prairie and catch lovely views of the lake. See the map for details.
Honey Creek Resort Trail is a paved trail along the resort road and marina. Also, Savanna Ridge Trail is a gravel path that winds through the trees and prairie and has lake views. See the resort map for details.
Honey Creek State Park has five miles of short multi-use trails, plus an interpretive trail on Native American mounds. See the park map and brochure for details.
Rathbun Lake has two water trails for kayaking and canoeing (see details in the Kayak or Canoe section above).
The Paris Snowmobile Trail is a 47-mile(!) trail surrounding the lake, making Rathbun a fun winter destination for snowmobilers. See the Paris Snowmobile Trail brochure for details.
The OHV Park is a 120-acre park on the lake’s south shores with dirt and gravel trails for ATVs, dirt bikes, and UTVs. See the OHV Park section below for more information.
See this map for more Rathbun Lake trail information.
Have a picnic
Many picnic areas and shelters at the Rathbun Lake area are excellent for an outing! Most are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. But some shelters are reservable.
Are you planning a large group gathering? You might want to make reservations at one of the reservable picnic shelters. Make reservations for the following through Recreation.gov.
- Bridgeview Shelter
- Prairie Ridge Shelter
- Island View 5
- Island View Dedication Site
- Island View Peninsula
Two picnic shelters are reservable at Honey Creek State Park. Make reservations for them at Reserve America.
Rathbun OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) Park
Cruise through the woods, catch a lake view, and climb challenging hills at a former rock quarry! This 125-acre park has different dirt and gravel trails for UTVs and ATVs, plus an MX track. There’s a large parking area and restrooms on-site. See the Iowa DNR park information and rules for details.
Go hunting
Woods on the lake’s north side provide excellent habitat for hunting deer and turkey. And the lake’s south shore is good for upland game. Also, hunt for waterfowl in several of the lake’s wetland areas.
Hunting is only allowed in certain areas, and state hunting laws apply. Please see the US Army Corps of Engineers Rathbun Lake Hunting page for an interactive hunting map and other information.
Go camping
As you can see, there are a ton of fun things to do at Rathbun Lake! The good news is, there are plenty of options for overnight stays – so you can fit in all the fun stuff.
There are nearly 700 Corps of Engineers campsites available around Rathbun Lake. Also, there are campgrounds at Honey Creek State Park and Honey Creek Resort.
…Or rent a cabin
The Cottages at Rathbun Lake (at Honey Creek Resort) provide modern amenities. Resort benefits include the water park, marina, activities, and equipment rentals. (Or book a room at the lodge or RV park!)
Honey Creek State Park has four camping cabins for up to six people. For details and reservations, go to Reserve America.
Also, Buck Creek Cabins Resort, Whispering Winds Cabins, and Foxtail Cabins have private cabin rentals nearby.
Campgrounds and cabins at Rathbun Lake
There’s no shortage of campgrounds at Rathbun Lake! With nearly 700 campsites at the Corps of Engineers campgrounds, you’re sure to find the ideal campsite for you. Also, find more campsites at Honey Creek State Park and Honey Creek Resort!
US Army Corps of Engineers Rathbun Lake Campgrounds
The Corps of Engineers operates the following campgrounds. Each one has an entrance station where campers check in. (Make reservations at Recreation.gov.)
Bridgeview Campground
20112 Old Hwy 5
Centerville, IA 52544
- Northwest side of Rathbun Lake
- 100 campsites; 95 with electricity
- Dump station
- Picnic shelter
- Modern shower/restrooms
- Playground
- Boat ramp
- Campground map
Prairie Ridge Campground
200th Ave & Prairie Ridge Pl
Moravia, IA 52571
- North side of Rathbun Lake
- 54 campsites; all electric
- Dump station
- Picnic shelter
- Modern shower/restrooms
- Playground
- Boat ramp
- Group camp
- Gravel roads to get there
- Campground map
Buck Creek Campground
13796 Crappie Cir
Moravia, IA 52571
- East side of Rathbun Lake
- 42 campsites; 28 electric
- Dump station
- Modern shower/restrooms
- Playground
- Campground map
Island View Campground
19357 Island View Pl
Mystic, IA 52574
- Southeast side of Rathbun Lake
- 193 campsites; all electric
- Dump station
- Picnic shelter
- Modern shower/restrooms
- Playground
- Swimming beach
- Boat ramp
- Group camp
- Campground map
Other Rathbun Lake Campgrounds
Rathbun Lake Marina/Timber Run Campground
21646 Marina Pl
Moravia, IA 52571
- East side of Rathbun Lake; at Buck Creek Park
- 132 campsites; RV & tent sites (most with electric/water)
- 75% of sites are seasonal rentals (based on a lottery); 25% nightly rentals
- Access to marina amenities
- More marina campground info
Honey Creek State Park Campground(s)
12194 Honey Creek Pl
Moravia, IA 52571
- Two campgrounds – North and South
- 148 campsites; 103 electric (some full hookup), 45 non-electric
- Four camping cabins
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
- Campground map
- Make reservations at Reserve America
Honey Creek Resort RV Campground
12633 Resort Dr
Moravia, IA 52571
- 20 campsites; full hookups
- Pull through sites
- Cottage and lodge stays available
- Access to resort amenities, including pool and marina
- Make reservations here
Know before you go!
Day-Use Fees
You must pay day-use fees for boat ramps, day-use areas, and beaches unless you have an annual pass. The cost is $5/day for one vehicle and $2/day if you walk or bike in. If you are camping at Corps campgrounds, day-use fees get waived.
Day-use fees get paid at automatic fee machines at the entrance to the boat ramps. Find the machines (credit card only) at the Corps ramps and the Rathbun Lake Information Center (on the south side of the dam). Display passes on your dash.
Hours, availability, and conditions
Depending on what you plan to do at Rathbun, you might want to call ahead or check the website for more information.
- US Army Corps of Engineers Website
- Boat Ramps: See this map & the Corps of Engineers website for info on boat ramps.
- Reservations: Go to Recreation.gov to reserve a campsite or shelter.
- Events: Check out the Corps of Engineers website and Facebook page for more info.
- Lake conditions: Daily information here
- Recreation area information
Things to Do Nearby
Honey Creek Resort at Rathbun Lake is on the lake’s north shore. Stay in the resort lodge, a private cottage, or the RV park. And enjoy amenities, like an indoor water park, boat rentals, marina, restaurant, golf course, etc.
Honey Creek State Park is also on the north shore of the lake. Go camping, rent a camping cabin, hike the trails, go boating, fishing, and more!
Sharon Bluffs State Park is just a few minutes southeast of the lake, east of Centerville. Go there to see the wildlife enclosures, hike the trails, and go camping.
The town of Centerville is a great stop for camping, fishing, and boating supplies on your way to the lake. But that’s not all! You can ride a historic trolley, tour a coal mining museum, and find dining options.
Lelah Bradley Park & Reserve is a 165-acre park in Centerville. It has a campground and 10 miles of trails, plus scenic fishing and picnic spots!
Red Haw State Park is about 40 minutes northwest of the lake near Chariton. This scenic 650-acre park is a fantastic place to see the Redbud trees blooming around the lake in the spring. It’s also an excellent spot to hike, fish, boat, or camp!
Visit Rathbun Lake today!
Rathbun Lake is in south-central Iowa, between Chariton and Centerville, Iowa.
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• Explore Iowa!
• Top 12 Lakes in Iowa for Recreation and Relaxation
• Iowa State Parks With Cabins
