Sites & Rates
54 total sites · $25.83 avg/night
About Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)
Number of accommodations: 54
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
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Rates, Sites & Availability
54 Sites Available
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Site Details
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54 Sites Available
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Reviews (186)
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
carl c
VerifiedJuly 14, 2024 • Stayed at: B11, Loop: PPL.
The campground was clean and taken care of. Was not impressed with the shower house at all. Was very unhappy with some of the other campers. Had to finally flag one down and chew him out for driving way to fast in the campground with kids around (of course he was drunk). We also said we wanted to try it so we did but probably won’t go back. Didn’t like the gravel. Got everything all dusty going in then it rained so got all muddy leaving. Also didn’t like not being able to see the lake from there. Like I said. Well kept but won’t return to there.
Carol Y
VerifiedJuly 11, 2024 • Stayed at: B24, Loop: PUMP
The current camp hosts are the best. I look forward to seeing them each visit. O
We did complain about the low branches at the dump station. Someone is sure to damage their A/C unit while going through there.
Carol Y
VerifiedJuly 11, 2024 • Stayed at: B24, Loop: PUMP
The current camp hosts are the best. I look forward to seeing them each visit. O
We did complain about the low branches at the dump station. Someone is sure to damage their A/C unit while going through there.
Carol Y
VerifiedJuly 11, 2024 • Stayed at: B24, Loop: PUMP
The current camp hosts are the best. I look forward to seeing them each visit. O
We did complain about the low branches at the dump station. Someone is sure to damage their A/C unit while going through there.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Location Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake)
Address:
20112 Hwy J5 T
Centerville, IA, 52544-8308
United States
From Moravia, IA, travel 4 miles west on Highway J18, then south 2.5 miles on 200th Avenue (gravel). Follow signs into campground.
Latitude & Longitude: 40.8769 / -92.8872
Elevation: 286 feet
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: May 20, 2026
