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
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake).
Rates, Sites & Availability
42 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
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.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
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
joshua e
VerifiedJune 19, 2023 • Stayed at: F02, Loop: LOOP F
Great place to camp
Cris K
VerifiedJune 6, 2023 • Stayed at: B03, Loop: LOOP B
Relaxing and great fishing!
Douglas J Gonner G
VerifiedJune 5, 2023 • Stayed at: F07, Loop: LOOP F
19th year we have stayed at Buck Creek to do some crappie fishing at Rathbun Lake.
Robert C
VerifiedJune 2, 2023 • Stayed at: A13, Loop: LOOP A
3 of the 4 shower stalls was to dirty to shower in and had stuff stolen from our camper. Been camping there 4 years and never had anything touched till this weekend.
Janet S
VerifiedMay 31, 2023 • Stayed at: F06, Loop: LOOP F
This site has everything you need your close to the water. It’s the best site in the whole campground
Jeremy V
VerifiedMay 28, 2023 • Stayed at: F01, Loop: LOOP F
This is a nice campground. Sites are decently spaced apart, other campers were friendly, and restrooms were clean. Wish they had the option to buy firewood there so we wouldn’t have to haul our own into camp.
jeff c
VerifiedMay 27, 2023 • Stayed at: B03, Loop: LOOP B
well kept quiet campground
Patricia A
VerifiedOctober 7, 2022 • Stayed at: A13, Loop: LOOP A
We were in campsite A13. When we arrived, the site had cigarette butts, food debris, and dog feces everywhere. I spent at least an hour cleaning the site up. We were there for eleven days, there was never a day I did not pick up trash.
John E
VerifiedSeptember 18, 2022 • Stayed at: F03, Loop: LOOP F
The cell phone data coverage at my site was good. There were very limited TV channels available, though. It was September and the acorns were falling constantly! LOL At least there were lots of trees.
PHIL H
VerifiedAugust 7, 2022 • Stayed at: F03, Loop: LOOP F
It would be a great place if the camp rules where enforced.
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
