Available sites
54 total sitesAbout 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
54 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
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.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
54 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 (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
Richard T
VerifiedAugust 7, 2021 • Stayed at: B18, Loop: PPL.
It was a very nice campground. We will use it again when we go camping.
Scott J
VerifiedAugust 16, 2021 • Stayed at: A10, Loop: PRIP
Secluded, close to the lake and very nice park attendants.
Shelly S
VerifiedAugust 16, 2021 • Stayed at: B27, Loop: PUMP
Great view nice place. Must travel the gravel to get to campground. Showers have a push button you have to keep pushing during shower. Overall it was nice and some lots are big we had 2 trucks 30 ft camper a 28 ft boat and a small suv parked on our gravel lot.
Scott J
VerifiedAugust 16, 2021 • Stayed at: A10, Loop: PRIP
Secluded, close to the lake and very nice park attendants.
Shelly S
VerifiedAugust 16, 2021 • Stayed at: B27, Loop: PUMP
Great view nice place. Must travel the gravel to get to campground. Showers have a push button you have to keep pushing during shower. Overall it was nice and some lots are big we had 2 trucks 30 ft camper a 28 ft boat and a small suv parked on our gravel lot.
Scott J
VerifiedAugust 16, 2021 • Stayed at: A10, Loop: PRIP
Secluded, close to the lake and very nice park attendants.
Shelly S
VerifiedAugust 16, 2021 • Stayed at: B27, Loop: PUMP
Great view nice place. Must travel the gravel to get to campground. Showers have a push button you have to keep pushing during shower. Overall it was nice and some lots are big we had 2 trucks 30 ft camper a 28 ft boat and a small suv parked on our gravel lot.
John B
VerifiedAugust 29, 2021 • Stayed at: B20, Loop: PPL.
Great campground
Terry N
VerifiedAugust 29, 2021 • Stayed at: B18, Loop: PPL.
We live 170 mi away and have come to the lake since 1976 for vacations. I wish we could make reservations for Buck Creek.
Christy H
VerifiedAugust 29, 2021 • Stayed at: A11, Loop: PRIP
Beautiful spot right next to water. My very favorite place to camp at Rathbun Lake! Very clean, sites are spaced apart nicely. Love the trails and enjoy walking there. Already planning for next year.
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