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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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
Gary R
VerifiedJuly 20, 2026 • Stayed at: A11, Loop: LOOP A
Moravia, Ia Rathbun Buck Creek COE campground. We were at sits A11. Back in gravel not the most level. We did have a lake view and a short walk to the water to fish. Nice to ride e bikes around the campground. Showers are not the best , definitely needs an update. Electric on each campsite. You will need to fill up water as you enter if you need it. Dump site on the way out. Campground was almost full over the weekend, but was still very quiet. We will be back.
Deb B
VerifiedJuly 3, 2026 • Stayed at: A15, Loop: LOOP A
This was our 2nd trip to Buck Creek and it won't be our last. Beautiful and clean!
Ward S
VerifiedJune 28, 2026 • Stayed at: B08, Loop: LOOP B
The lake was up five feet because of rains. Made a challenge to find crappie. Ended up fishing deeper and caught some fish. We don’t need to limit out when fishing. Caught enough for fish tacos. Learned to fish deeper on high water reservoirs. And fish are better to eat by themselves. And tacos are better with hamburger or flank steak.
Aimee G
VerifiedJune 21, 2026 • Stayed at: A12, Loop: LOOP A
Great location!
LARRY R
VerifiedJune 16, 2026 • Stayed at: A14, Loop: LOOP A
We stayed at A14 at Buck Creek, Great Site, Bathrooms were extremely clean. While all the sites in the park will state they are tent friendly many are uneven. A14 had a nice level spot for us to setup camp. Site was quiet at night although the park was not overly busy on this weekend due to severe thunderstorms.
Denise S
VerifiedJune 5, 2026 • Stayed at: F02, Loop: LOOP F
Very nice park will camp there again.
Mike M
VerifiedMay 21, 2026 • Stayed at: F04, Loop: LOOP F
This campground is a nice place to stay. Numerous trees and the sites are far enough apart. The shower facility is a hike for some spots but is kept clean. One thing that would be a nice addition is if they had a fish cleaning facility at the campground; there is not one currently.
Michele D
VerifiedMay 19, 2026 • Stayed at: B03, Loop: LOOP B
I reserved site B3 at buck creek for May 8-17. We arrived in the 9th. The site was so un level so i called and canceled the reservation. I wasn't given the option to modify our reservation while
In the phone for 45 minutes. I made another reservation at buck creek on the 9 th to A-5. I asked to be reimbursed for
May 9th -17 but it wasn’t approved. We stsy at Lake Rathbun every year.
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
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.
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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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