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
brandon i
VerifiedMay 24, 2021 • Stayed at: A23, Loop: LOOP A
Been here for a week and the water is cold in the shower house. Have another week to go and most likely will be the same. They know about it but can’t figure it out not for sure what’s to figure out...heater water.
Steve B
VerifiedSeptember 6, 2020 • Stayed at: B04, Loop: LOOP B
SITES AND GROUNDS ARE CLEAN AND WELL MAINTAINED. SHOWERS ARE CLEAN ALTHOUGH HOT WATER IS A FUNCTION OF WHAT TIME YOU VISIT . OVER ALL WELL MANAGED.
Maureen D
VerifiedAugust 9, 2020 • Stayed at: B02, Loop: LOOP B
Excellent campgrounds, clean and well kept, quiet!
Marsha A
VerifiedJune 18, 2020 • Stayed at: F03, Loop: LOOP F
Great spots and camp host is nice.
Gary F
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: F05, Loop: LOOP F
other than severe storm stay was enjoyable
Wayne T
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 • Stayed at: B05, Loop: LOOP B
September 2019 -- Nice RV park with helpful staff.
Lynnette L
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 • Stayed at: B02, Loop: LOOP B
There is not a bad camp site in this campgrounds. I have stayed in many different sites and have enjoyed them all.
Chad W
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: B04, Loop: LOOP B
Great camping experience!
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
