About BUCK CREEK (RATHBUN LAKE)
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.
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
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Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BUCK CREEK (RATHBUN LAKE)
Heading to BUCK CREEK (RATHBUN LAKE)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BUCK CREEK (RATHBUN LAKE)?
No central reservation system listed for BUCK CREEK (RATHBUN LAKE). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233438) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BUCK CREEK (RATHBUN LAKE)?
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.
How do I contact BUCK CREEK (RATHBUN LAKE)?
You can reach the park at phone: FOR CAMPGROUND INQUIRIES DURING MAY- SEPTEMBER PLEASE CALL 641-724-3206. DURING CLOSED SEASON OCTOBER -APRIL PLEASE CALL 641-647-2464.
References & Official Resources
