Available sites
42 total sites
RV Sites
About Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
Playground
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Showers
On Site Services
- Playground
Water Access
- Lake Access
- Marina
Rates, Sites & Availability
42 Sites Available
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No available sites
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Site Details
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42 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (79)
What Guests Are Saying
Buck Creek Campground offers a peaceful environment with spacious sites and beautiful lake views, making it ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities. While some facilities, like the showers, could use updates and certain sites may be uneven, the campground is well-maintained and generally clean. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere, friendly hosts, and the opportunity for enjoyable fishing experiences.
What Guests Are Saying
Buck Creek Campground offers a peaceful environment with spacious sites and beautiful lake views, making it ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities. While some facilities, like the showers, could use updates and certain sites may be uneven, the campground is well-maintained and generally clean. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere, friendly hosts, and the opportunity for enjoyable fishing experiences.
Review Summary
Tina S
VerifiedSeptember 18, 2026 • Stayed at: A08, Loop: LOOP A
Beautiful site. Hosts and rangers weee attentive in fixing minor issues. Bathrooms and showers clean. Only downside site was probably the most unlevel site but could have been due to the heavy rain that washed the gravel down the slope
Greg B
VerifiedSeptember 16, 2026 • Stayed at: B04, Loop: LOOP B
Overall the facility was nice. Our campsite was perfect! However the facilities need attention. The showers were not so inviting.
Lakisha B
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2026 • Stayed at: A02, Loop: LOOP A
We typically love staying here and have stayed many time in the past. We have family nearby and the area is very peaceful.
Jeremy J
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2026 • Stayed at: A03, Loop: LOOP A
Nice place to stay!
Pat H
VerifiedAugust 31, 2026 • Stayed at: A12, Loop: LOOP A
Great and enjoyed my stay and was second time this year we have stayed at buck creek
Dana N
VerifiedAugust 25, 2026 • Stayed at: B04, Loop: LOOP B
Beautiful camground with good access to water. Quiet and peaceful except for boaters which were pretty respectful.
Vickie l
VerifiedAugust 24, 2026 • Stayed at: A15, Loop: LOOP A
Such a nice place . Clean, neat and very well taken care of
Kenneth T
VerifiedAugust 14, 2026 • Stayed at: A11, Loop: LOOP A
a nice quiet campground just sit & relax enjoy
Ward S
VerifiedAugust 2, 2026 • Stayed at: B08, Loop: LOOP B
We camp Monday thru Friday. All neighbors were quiet was a good stay.
Barb S
VerifiedJuly 29, 2026 • Stayed at: F07, Loop: LOOP F
Beautiful campground, Well maintained. Sites are spacious with fantastic lake views from some sites. Very quiet during weekdays.
Location & Directions for Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)
20112 Hwy J5 T, Centerville, IA 52544-8308 United States
Elevation: 288 ft
Getting There
From Centerville, IA, travel 5 mi north on HWY 5 to HWY J-29, then 4 mi northwest to HWY J5T. Travel 2 mi north and follow signs to campground.
Highway access
Buck Creek is accessible via HWY 5 and HWY J-29, located approximately 5 miles south and 4 miles southeast respectively from the campground.
Policies & Rules
General
- 14 Day Policy on Rathbun Lake: Campers are only allowed to camp at the same camping loop a maximum of 14 nights within a 30 night period. After the 14th night, they will be required to move (physically move the camping unit) to a different camping loop, which can be in the same campground.
- ALL campsites are 100% Reservable. Campsite ust be paid for prior to setting up a camping unit.
- Swimming beach is located within the park, but not in the campground loops
- For more information, visit the Rathbun Lake website http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Rathbun-Lake/
- Purchase firewood from a local source.
- If you must bring your own firewood, don't leave any firewood behind at your campsite.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 21, 2026
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Explore Centerville, IA
Population: 5,372
Nearby city: Des Moines, IA
Approx. 64 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 1,007 ft
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