About Buck Creek (rathbun Lake)
Number of accommodations: 42
Campground Amenities
-
Potable Water -
Lake Access -
Showers -
Marina -
Dump Station -
Playground
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
42 Sites Available
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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 (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
Randy G
VerifiedJuly 20, 2025 • Stayed at: F05, Loop: LOOP F
We camp about 7 time each summer. This year two weekends we did not get our camp site mowed at all. The grass was very long with long weeds. We enjoy camping at buck creek other than those two visits.
Thanks for your efforts to improve our camping experience.
Deb B
VerifiedJuly 7, 2025 • Stayed at: A18, Loop: LOOP A
Beautiful setting! Bugs were under control better than at our home. Rathbun lake is MUCH cleaner than Red Rock.
Dave D
VerifiedJune 30, 2025 • Stayed at: F04, Loop: LOOP F
Very nice campground with plenty of space between campsites. Bathrooms could use some sprucing up. Especially the showers.
Aimee G
VerifiedJune 24, 2025 • Stayed at: A11, Loop: LOOP A
Great spot!
Ward S
VerifiedJune 22, 2025 • Stayed at: B04, Loop: LOOP B
Weather was cool temps that week. Didn’t have to run ac. Slept good. We caught our limits of walleye. Lots of catfish we didn’t keep. Plenty of action.
Noelle B
VerifiedJune 20, 2025 • Stayed at: F06, Loop: LOOP F
We love Buck Creek and this spot is great!
Don B
VerifiedMay 27, 2024 • Stayed at: B04, Loop: LOOP B
Nice level pull through site, it made set up a breeze. Wonderful view of lake and boaters passing by. Shower house was clean and plenty of hot water. Enjoyed our stay.
Willis H
VerifiedOctober 10, 2023 • Stayed at: F04, Loop: LOOP F
Katherine Z
VerifiedJune 28, 2023 • Stayed at: A09, Loop: LOOP A
Loved the place. Very quiet and serene while we were there. Our site was such that you could not see other campers, but close enough if you wanted to be social. The Ranger was so nice and helpful. The shower facility was good. The only drawback was all the black wasps at the bathroom. Asked Administration to have the wasps eradicated, but maybe they could not because they are wildlife? We will camp there again.
Barb K
VerifiedJune 25, 2023 • Stayed at: B06, Loop: LOOP B
Nice Campground
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 40.8628 / -92.8678
Elevation: 288 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| General |
ALL campsites are 100% Reservable. Campsite ust be paid for prior to setting up a camping unit. |
| General |
Swimming beach is located within the park, but not in the campground loops |
| General |
For more information, visit the Rathbun Lake website http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Rathbun-Lake/ |
| General |
Purchase firewood from a local source. |
| General |
If you must bring your own firewood, don't leave any firewood behind at your campsite. |
| General |
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. |
