Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)
4.4750 reviews20112 HWY J5T, CENTERVILLE, IA 52544-8308, USA
Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)
$22.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Nightly rates for standard electric sites range between $22 and $25 during peak season. Additional fees for reservations may apply, including $10 change or cancellation fees.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shoreline of Rathbun Lake, Buck Creek Campground beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to discover Iowa's hidden waterfront gem. This welcoming retreat features 42 thoughtfully arranged campsites, each equipped with electric hookups to ensure comfort meets adventure. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, watching children splash in the swimming area, or casting a line as the sun sets, Buck Creek delivers the perfect blend of recreation and relaxation. Modern amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and a convenient dump station complement the natural beauty, while the playground keeps young adventurers entertained between lake activities.
Buck Creek Campground accommodates tent campers and RV users with 42 electric hookup sites. Users noted ample parking and the ability to pitch tents near the parking area. Group camping, cabin lodging, and glamping options are not mentioned.
Historical SignificanceJust a short drive from Buck Creek lies the fascinating Rathbun Fish Hatchery, where visitors can embark on self-guided tours through a living laboratory of aquatic conservation. Watch in wonder as skilled technicians nurture hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye from tiny fry to thriving fingerlings, all destined to enhance Iowa's fishing heritage. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into fishery management offers families an educational adventure that perfectly complements a camping trip.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature has blessed Rathbun Lake with consistent breezes that transform its expansive waters into one of Iowa's premier sailing destinations. These prevailing winds create ideal conditions for both seasoned sailors and windsurfing enthusiasts, while also providing natural cooling during warm summer afternoons. The lake's reliable wind patterns have earned it a reputation among the Midwest sailing community as a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure on the water.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, Buck Creek's position within Iowa's heartland places it at a comfortable altitude where prairie meets water, creating an accessible outdoor escape for adventurers of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryBuck Creek Campground unfolds across sweeping grassy meadows punctuated by mature shade trees, creating a park-like setting where tent and RV campers alike can claim their perfect spot. This open landscape serves as nature's amphitheater, where majestic bald eagles soar overhead and white-tailed deer emerge at dusk to graze. Morning brings the distinctive honking of Canada geese, while sharp-eyed visitors might spot wild turkeys strutting through the campground's edges, reminding all that this cultivated comfort exists harmoniously within a thriving ecosystem.
Geological RegionThe campground rests within the enchanting Chariton River Valley of southeast Iowa, where gentle hills roll like frozen waves across the landscape. This ancient terrain, sculpted by millennia of wind and water, creates a topography that's both visually stunning and wonderfully accessible, offering panoramic views without challenging climbs. The valley's rich geological heritage has blessed the region with fertile soils and abundant water resources, making it a natural haven for both wildlife and weekend wanderers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly detailed in authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites accommodate RVs and tent campers while providing good space for parking and additional setups. For example, Craig S noted spacious parking accommodating an SUV towing a boat.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site but is generally good according to user reviews. Katherine Z stated, "Our site was such that you could not see other campers, but close enough if you wanted to be social."
Total Campsites42 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite F04 is described as accommodating for tent campers and offers convenient water access. Other highly-rated sites include A16, A17, and F06.
Best CampsitesSites close to the water are highly praised. Review highlights include F06 as 'the best site in the whole campground', and other sites for privacy or proximity to the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Visitors can stay a maximum of 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum number of guests per site is not explicitly stated.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are organized into loops, such as A, B, and F, with a mix of RV-friendly pull-through sites and spaces for tent camping.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 8 to September 29 for peak-season reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are 100% reservable and must be paid for prior to setting up. Walk-up availability not mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the scheduled arrival date. Cancellation incurs a $10 fee, and late cancellations also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Buck Creek Campground offers a diverse range of recreational activities associated with its location near Rathbun Lake. These include fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The expansive lake is renowned for fishing and sailing due to its size and prevailing winds, which contribute to its nickname 'Iowa's Ocean.'
Hiking
Hiking trails are available near the campground, though specific details regarding trail lengths or difficulty are not provided. Hiking is listed as an activity but lacks further description from users or official sources.Fishing
Fishing is excellent at Rathbun Lake, which hosts crappie, channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass. User reviews, such as those from Douglas J. Gonner G and Marvin Ross, emphasize the enjoyment of fishing, with one reviewer calling the campground "relaxing and great for fishing."Swimming
A swimming beach is located within the park but not directly within the campground loops. Chelsea Richards shared that the beach was clean and enjoyable during her previous visit.Boating
Boating at Rathbun Lake is highly popular, with power boating and sailing being standout activities. The lake's prevailing winds make it one of the best sailing destinations in Iowa, as noted in the authoritative description. User Chelsea Richards recommends bringing a boat to explore the lake, describing it as "even more beautiful when you get to explore it on a boat."Wildlife viewing
The campground and surrounding area host diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, and wild turkey. Patricia A described Lake Rathbun as a place with "beautiful scenery, lovely views of the lake and wildlife," calling it her "Happy Place."Beach activities
The beach offers opportunities to sunbathe, swim, and relax. User Chelsea Richards noted, "The beach is just south of [the campground]...it was clean and very nice," providing a positive impression of beach-related activities.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in official content or user reviews.Water Sports
Water sports options include canoeing and kayaking. Craig S mentioned convenient water access and ample parking for boats within the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but visitors are encouraged to purchase firewood locally to prevent pest migration.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsReported issues include cold showers, black wasps near bathrooms, and unkempt campsites. Wildlife interactions are common but not described as dangerous.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.8 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
For emergencies during May-September, contact 641-724-3206; during October-April, contact 641-647-2464.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 8 to September 29 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities include dumpsters near the dump station. Chelsea Richards noted, "They have poles to hang your trash from, and dumpsters by the dump station." Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on Rathbun Lake, access includes marina facilities and a nearby swimming beach.
Common complaintsComplaints from reviews include dirty shower stalls, campsite cleanliness, and cold water in showers. Reservation processes occasionally confuse first-time campers, and some users report lax enforcement of rules such as leash policies.
HostHosts are described in multiple positive reviews as helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly.
Campground Map
20112 HWY J5T, CENTERVILLE, IA 52544-8308, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Road access is via HWY 5 and HWY J5T. Roads are paved and generally accessible year-round. Seasonal closures or road construction are not mentioned, and the terrain appears manageable for standard vehicles.Nearby places
Centerville, IA - 9 miles northwest
Nearby supplies
A marina and bait shop located nearby. Additional information on groceries, fuel, and camping supplies is not provided.
Camper Reviews
4.5
50 reviews
Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Buck Creek Campground receives predominantly positive reviews, emphasizing cleanliness, quietness, and its proximity to Rathbun Lake for fishing and boating. Negative reviews occasionally highlight maintenance issues, such as dirty shower stalls and inadequate enforcement of campground rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 50 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently mention the clean facilities, spacious sites, and convenient location near Rathbun Lake. Chelsea Richards noted, "The showers and bathrooms are clean...there are lots of trees and...
Based on 50 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include issues with cleanliness, such as dog feces and trash at campsites (Patricia A), and cold showers (Brandon I). Others criticize the enforcement of rules, such as leash laws (Annie...
Based on 50 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Chelsea Richards recommends bringing a boat to explore Rathbun Lake, as shore fishing opportunities can be limited. Other users suggest carrying extra toilet paper and firewood, as these amenities...
Based on 50 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the peak season for camping, with most users enjoying activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. Fall reviews highlight the quiet and serene atmosphere, although seasonal concerns...
Based on 50 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Loved the place. Very quiet and serene while we were there." - Katherine Z, "Great camping experience!" - Chad W, "We try to camp at Grant River every year, since we discovered it 1998. The...
Based on 50 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Notable campsite reviews include F06, described as "the best site in the whole campground" by Janet S. Craig S praised F04 for its suitability for tent camping, while Patricia A had a negative...
Based on 50 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not directly addressed in user reviews.
Based on 50 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Annie M highlighted issues with off-leash dogs, which caused problems during her stay. Other users did not explicitly comment on pet policies.
Based on 50 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025