About Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)
Number of accommodations: 42
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
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Rates, Sites & Availability
42 Sites Available
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Site Details
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42 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (58)
What Guests Are Saying
Buck Creek offers a beautiful setting with plenty of space between campsites, and many guests appreciate the clean facilities and enjoyable fishing opportunities. Some sites were noted as needing maintenance, particularly regarding leveling and surrounding conditions, but overall experiences were positive, especially with friendly staff and the pleasant weather. Many campers look forward to returning, highlighting the area's cleanliness and great views.
What Guests Are Saying
Buck Creek offers a beautiful setting with plenty of space between campsites, and many guests appreciate the clean facilities and enjoyable fishing opportunities. Some sites were noted as needing maintenance, particularly regarding leveling and surrounding conditions, but overall experiences were positive, especially with friendly staff and the pleasant weather. Many campers look forward to returning, highlighting the area's cleanliness and great views.
Review Summary
Jeff L
VerifiedDecember 19, 2025 • Stayed at: F09, Loop: LOOP F
High vehicle traffic area with higher than normal lake levels, speeding, in addition to the distance to the shower house. Site was pretty level, no issues with 50 AMP hook up.
Kenneth T
VerifiedOctober 23, 2025 • Stayed at: A11, Loop: LOOP A
very nice every thing was great
Lowell S
VerifiedOctober 14, 2025 • Stayed at: F07, Loop: LOOP F
Clean park lots of room
Ward S
VerifiedOctober 5, 2025 • Stayed at: B08, Loop: LOOP B
Good time camping when the weather cools off and I can open the windows and not run my ac. September is a good month to camp with fishing and small game hunting seasons open. Also nobody rented my spot the night before our arrival date. Was nice to arrive any time of the day we wanted to without worrying if someone was still in our spot we paid for and they didn’t.
Patricia A
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2025 • Stayed at: A13, Loop: LOOP A
We camped at site A13. We were very disappointed in the condition of the site and area surrounding it. The picnic able had been placed over a huge washout. There were huge tire ruts all around the site and mole holes everywhere. I would have complained and moved, but there were no other sites for our time frame. We have camped at this site for years and this was just unacceptable. We could not enjoy the fire pit as the picnic table was in the way. I cannot fathom how you knew this site was reserved and never made any attempts to repair it. Shame on you.
Patricia Anderson
Steve S
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2025 • Stayed at: A16, Loop: LOOP A
Loved waking up to….quiet!
Frank R
VerifiedSeptember 3, 2025 • Stayed at: F05, Loop: LOOP F
Becky the camo host is wonderful. At least I think thats her name. Always welcomes us when we come from Texas to camp.
John W
VerifiedAugust 17, 2025 • Stayed at: B03, Loop: LOOP B
No water at sites.site #B 03 was not level at all,it was a pull thur.
Teresa M
VerifiedJuly 29, 2025 • Stayed at: A22, Loop: LOOP A
No
TIM B
VerifiedJuly 20, 2025 • Stayed at: B03, Loop: LOOP B
The camp spot (B3) was almost impossible to level our 5th wheel. Because the spot was washed out and not maintained And the tree branches need trimmed back so they don’t rub the roof of camper. I talked to a person at the corps office she didn’t have a good answer other then trees do have branches
Location Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)
Address:
20112 Hwy J5 T
Centerville, IA, 52544-8308
United States
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.
Buck Creek is accessible via HWY 5 and HWY J-29, located approximately 5 miles south and 4 miles southeast respectively from the campground.
Latitude & Longitude: 40.8628 / -92.8678
Elevation: 288 feet
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: June 4, 2026
