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
Rick S
VerifiedOctober 4, 2021 • Stayed at: A16, Loop: LOOP A
Great location! Excellent views! Clean area. Camp hosts are knowledgeable and helpful. We recommend Buck Creek campground.
steve a
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2021 • Stayed at: A16, Loop: LOOP A
Very nice place and clean.
Arlene Y
VerifiedAugust 10, 2021 • Stayed at: F04, Loop: LOOP F
Nice open campgrounds with plenty of parking at the site, quiet and relaxing, right on the water.
Kelley W
VerifiedJuly 31, 2021 • Stayed at: F01, Loop: LOOP F
The lady at the front desk was very rude and unwelcoming. First time campers with little knowledge and she made us feel like we were stupid. The box that she was in smelled like an ashtray also. The first come first serve process needs to be spelled out more clearly. We will be back to Rathbun but will never stay at Buck Creek thanks to the lady at the check-in area.
Trinity B
VerifiedJuly 20, 2021 • Stayed at: A21, Loop: LOOP A
We usually camp at bridgeview but after staying at Buck creek I think we’ll be camping at buck creek from now on
Greg C
VerifiedJuly 11, 2021 • Stayed at: F09, Loop: LOOP F
Buck Creek is a great campground but if you want to use the first come first served (best sites) watch out for the non-printed local rules. I moved into a sight that had a tiny tent on it with no camping gear, no one in sight, and no receipt showing paid. In the morning I went to the office and moved my reservation to that site. Around noon a guy shows up and says I am in his site and the ranger is on the way. The Ranger and the Army Corp. of Engineers said I would have to move because he owns that site once he puts a "camping unit" on it. I said I wasn't moving because I had a receipt for the site. I found out the guy did not actually use the site until 3 days after I left.
Peter M
VerifiedJune 24, 2021 • Stayed at: A20, Loop: LOOP A
Great campground and even better camp hosts
Rhonda W
VerifiedJune 6, 2021 • Stayed at: A24, Loop: LOOP A
Was nice quiet stay,with clean facilities.
Brian M
VerifiedJune 6, 2021 • Stayed at: A07, Loop: LOOP A
Great place very clean
Dennis N
VerifiedJune 3, 2021 • Stayed at: B08, Loop: LOOP B
We had a great experience at Buck Creek.
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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