Available sites
54 total sites
RV Sites
About Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Birding
Fishing
Hiking
Year-round
Birding
Fishing
Hiking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Water Access
- Lake Access
Rates, Sites & Availability
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54 Sites Available
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Reviews (203)
What Guests Are Saying
Prairie Ridge at Rathbun Lake is praised for its great fishing, peaceful atmosphere, and family-friendly environment, making it ideal for reunions. Campers appreciate the friendly staff, clean facilities, and beautiful lake views, although some express concerns about the rough access roads and inadequate shower facilities. Overall, visitors enjoy the campground's tranquility and plan to return despite some minor drawbacks.
What Guests Are Saying
Prairie Ridge at Rathbun Lake is praised for its great fishing, peaceful atmosphere, and family-friendly environment, making it ideal for reunions. Campers appreciate the friendly staff, clean facilities, and beautiful lake views, although some express concerns about the rough access roads and inadequate shower facilities. Overall, visitors enjoy the campground's tranquility and plan to return despite some minor drawbacks.
Review Summary
Eric S
VerifiedJune 5, 2024 • Stayed at: A16, Loop: PRIP
Love staying in A loop but would love to have an updated bath house there. Traveling to B loop for a shower is not convenient.
Eric S
VerifiedJune 5, 2024 • Stayed at: A16, Loop: PRIP
Love staying in A loop but would love to have an updated bath house there. Traveling to B loop for a shower is not convenient.
Eric S
VerifiedJune 5, 2024 • Stayed at: A16, Loop: PRIP
Love staying in A loop but would love to have an updated bath house there. Traveling to B loop for a shower is not convenient.
Kevin D
VerifiedJune 10, 2024 • Stayed at: B24, Loop: PUMP
Early June, mid-week stay for two nights: nearly deserted (only two other campers), so it was a tranquil experience. Well kept lawns, restrooms/showers were above average. Good separation on sites, our site 24 was nice, on a point above the boat landing. Recommended if you find yourself in the area.
Kevin D
VerifiedJune 10, 2024 • Stayed at: B24, Loop: PUMP
Early June, mid-week stay for two nights: nearly deserted (only two other campers), so it was a tranquil experience. Well kept lawns, restrooms/showers were above average. Good separation on sites, our site 24 was nice, on a point above the boat landing. Recommended if you find yourself in the area.
Kevin D
VerifiedJune 10, 2024 • Stayed at: B24, Loop: PUMP
Early June, mid-week stay for two nights: nearly deserted (only two other campers), so it was a tranquil experience. Well kept lawns, restrooms/showers were above average. Good separation on sites, our site 24 was nice, on a point above the boat landing. Recommended if you find yourself in the area.
Mary S
VerifiedJune 25, 2024 • Stayed at: A01, Loop: PRIP
Once you’re there it’s ok. The gravel to get there was horrible. It’s pretty remote, nothing close enough to bike to or trails. Great views. The lake is down a pretty steep cliff from this site.
Mary S
VerifiedJune 25, 2024 • Stayed at: A01, Loop: PRIP
Once you’re there it’s ok. The gravel to get there was horrible. It’s pretty remote, nothing close enough to bike to or trails. Great views. The lake is down a pretty steep cliff from this site.
Mary S
VerifiedJune 25, 2024 • Stayed at: A01, Loop: PRIP
Once you’re there it’s ok. The gravel to get there was horrible. It’s pretty remote, nothing close enough to bike to or trails. Great views. The lake is down a pretty steep cliff from this site.
Lynne H
VerifiedJuly 8, 2024 • Stayed at: A07, Loop: PRIP
This section (A) of Praire Ridge could use a little cleaning and update. I was suppose to stay 3 nights but got up and left next morning. My family and I camp at Bridgeview every year and have camped at Praire Ridge many times but never in "A" section. Won't camp in that section again. Also had to drive a ways just to shower.
Location & Directions for Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)
20112 Hwy J5 T, Centerville, IA 52544-8308 United States
Elevation: 286 ft
Getting There
From Moravia, IA, travel 4 mi west on Highway J18, then south 2.5 mi on 200th Avenue (gravel). Follow signs into campground.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- Contact the park within 24 hours if you are going to be late to avoid cancellation.
- Register for campsites during booth hours.
Site capacity
- Campers can stay a maximum of 14 nights in the same loop within 30 nights, after which they must move to a different loop.
General
- For more information, visit the Rathbun Lake website http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Rathbun-Lake/
Fires & fuel
- Buy firewood from local suppliers.
- If you bring your own firewood, do not leave any behind.
- Do not move firewood to protect against pests; buy locally and burn on-site.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Population: 5,372
Elevation: 1,007 ft
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