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
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
Willis H
VerifiedOctober 10, 2023 • Stayed at: F04, Loop: LOOP F
Willis H
VerifiedOctober 10, 2023 • Stayed at: F04, Loop: LOOP F
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.
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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