Honey Creek State Park
00 review12194 Honey Creek Pl, Moravia, Iowa, 52571-8879, United States
Honey Creek State Park
$15.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsite fees range depending on the type of site. Group sites may reach higher fees, and walk-in or hike/bike sites are available at lower costs.
About this campground
Nestled among 828 acres of rolling, timbered hills, Honey Creek State Park beckons adventurers to experience the pristine shores of Rathbun Lake, Iowa's largest body of water. Whether you're settling into a modern campsite beneath towering oaks, retreating to a cozy cabin, or exploring miles of multi-use trails that wind through the forest, this natural haven offers the perfect basecamp for your outdoor escape. Days here unfold with endless possibilities—from morning paddles on the glassy lake surface to afternoon picnics in shaded shelters overlooking the water.
Honey Creek State Park offers a mix of camping accommodations, including modern sites with full hookups, tent camping, and rustic cabins.
Historical SignificanceLong before modern campers pitched their tents, ancient Woodland Indians called these hills home, leaving behind mysterious earthen mounds that still dot the landscape today. An interpretive trail winds through these sacred sites, where thoughtfully placed displays tell the story of the area's earliest inhabitants. As you walk this historic path, you'll discover how these ancient peoples lived, worked, and thrived in harmony with the land thousands of years ago.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Honey Creek in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where crisp air and frost-covered trees create a serene atmosphere for hardy campers. As spring arrives, the park awakens under clear skies and comfortable temperatures—perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Summer brings warm, humid days ideal for swimming and boating on Rathbun Lake, while autumn's moderate weather and brilliant foliage create a photographer's paradise throughout the rolling hills.
ElevationThe park's signature rolling hills create a dynamic landscape that rewards hikers with constantly changing vistas. These gentle slopes and valleys, carved by time and weather, offer both challenging climbs and leisurely strolls, ensuring every fitness level can find their perfect trail through this undulating terrain.
Natural Features and SceneryHoney Creek's landscape reads like a love letter to the Iowa wilderness. Dense timber crowns the rolling hillsides, where oak, hickory, and maple trees provide a living canopy that changes with the seasons. Below, Rathbun Lake stretches to the horizon, its waters reflecting the sky and surrounding forests. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem—white-tailed deer browse at forest edges, wild turkeys strut through clearings, and countless bird species fill the air with song. Wildflowers carpet the meadows in spring and summer, while autumn brings a spectacular display of fall colors that transforms the entire park into a natural masterpiece.
Geological RegionHoney Creek State Park encompasses 828 acres of South Central Iowa's most captivating terrain, where ancient geological forces sculpted the rolling, timbered hills that define the region today. This dramatic landscape serves as the perfect complement to Rathbun Lake, Iowa's largest lake, creating a diverse ecosystem where water meets woodland in spectacular fashion. The interplay between these landforms has created a unique environment that showcases the natural beauty of Iowa's heartland.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park has one universally accessible campsite.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest avoiding south campsites due to leveling issues.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Cabin renters must provide their own bedding, pillows, towels, toiletry items, cooking utensils, pots and pans, and dinnerware.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The campground offers universally accessible campsites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Honey Creek State Park provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including hiking on trails, fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing. These activities cater to both adventurous and relaxed visitors.
Hiking
The park offers five miles of multi-use trails, including the Woodland Interpretive Trail, which features 11 ancient Woodland Indian mounds and educational displays about the area's history.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Rathbun Lake, known for crappie, walleye, and channel catfish. The North Boat Ramp is designated for 24-hour fishing access.Swimming
Swimming is permitted at the park's beach area on Rathbun Lake.Boating
Boating activities are supported with excellent launching ramps, including the largest boat ramp on the lake. Popular boating activities include sailboating, powerboating, and jet skiing.Wildlife viewing
The park offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, although specific species and recommended areas are not detailed.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational displays are available at the beginning of the Woodland Interpretive Trail, focusing on the history of the area and its ancient inhabitants.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are available on Rathbun Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsSome reviews cite uneven campsites and issues with the location of dump stations. One reviewer mentioned being hassled by DNR officials.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available greater than 10 miles away, including hospitals.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility, but there is no specific information on recycling facilities or schedules.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located adjacent to Rathbun Lake, which includes boat ramps and fishing access.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight issues such as closed shower facilities during certain months, uneven campsites on the south side, and poorly designed dump station access.
Campground Map
12194 Honey Creek Pl, Moravia, Iowa, 52571-8879, United States
Driving directionsFrom County Road J18 turn south onto 160th Ave.
The park is accessible from County Road J18, turning south onto 160th Ave. Roads are presumably paved but specific seasonal closures or terrain challenges are not detailed.Nearby places
Moravia - 12 miles
Iconium - 4 miles
Albia - 24 miles
Centerville - 24 miles.
Nearby supplies
Convenience stores, fuel stations, and other essentials are located greater than 10 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Honey Creek State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Honey Creek State Park are mixed. Positive comments highlight the cleanliness and quiet environment, while complaints focus on the lack of hot water, uneven campsites, and the seasonal closure of shower houses.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean campsites, modern restrooms, and a quiet atmosphere are frequently praised by visitors. One reviewer, Brian Andersen, described it as 'very quiet / not busy' during their visit.
Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of hot water in showers, uneven campsites, and the inconvenient location of the dump station. A reviewer, Matthew Frideres, noted that 'the camp sites on the south are...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend checking the availability of shower houses and considering the season when certain facilities may be closed. Bringing extra leveling equipment for RVs might also be advised.
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that some facilities, such as shower houses, may close during the off-season, impacting comfort and convenience.
Camper Quotes
1. 'No hot water in the showers.' - Matthew Frideres. 2. 'Clean sites, modern restroom houses with showers.' - Brian Andersen. 3. 'The camp sites on the south are ridiculously out of level.' -...
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Site-Specific Reviews
South campground sites are noted to be uneven, with one review indicating a discrepancy of '4 feet in the length of a camper.'
Accessibility Features
The park includes one universally accessible campsite, but no specific user reviews address accessibility experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025