Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Rathbun Lake

Mystic, Iowa · Appanoose County

Over 700 campsites are available at this 11,000-acre lake in the rolling hills of southern Iowa. Excellent camping, fishing, hunting, boating, state fish hatchery, and Honey Creek Resort, are major attractions.

🧭 Get Directions
Advertisement
40.82827, -92.87766
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Rathbun Lake

Over 700 campsites are available at this 11,000-acre lake in the rolling hills of southern Iowa. Excellent camping, fishing, hunting, boating, state fish hatchery, and Honey Creek Resort, are major attractions.

Plan Your Visit to Rathbun Lake

Heading to 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 Rathbun Lake?

No central reservation system listed for Rathbun Lake. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/274) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Rathbun Lake?

From Des Moines, 85 miles southeast on IA 5.

How do I contact Rathbun Lake?

You can reach the park at phone: (641) 647-2464.

Guides & rankings

More on Iowa parks & hiking

View all posts →
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Iowa, Ranked

Iowa's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

By The OutsideAtlas Team2 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Iowa's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Iowa trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team2 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Iowa

Ten gentle, well-marked Iowa trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team2 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Iowa

Iowa's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team2 min
Going down the Grand Canyon. Seeing our destination from afar. So worth! If you find this picture useful, consider donating! Venmo: @diegonachoPhoto: Diego Lozano
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Iowa

Federal parks and recreation areas in Iowa ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in Iowa: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

Iowa's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team3 min