Available sites
186 total sitesAbout Island View (Rathbun Lake)
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Boating
Fishing
Swimming
Year-round
Fishing
Spring
Boating
Summer
Boating
Swimming
Fall
Boating
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
- Showers
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
Water Access
- Lake Access
Rates, Sites & Availability
186 Sites Available
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Site Details
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186 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 (380)
What Guests Are Saying
Island View at Rathbun Lake offers a relaxing camping experience with spacious, shaded sites, clean facilities, and friendly staff. Many visitors appreciate the beautiful views and convenient amenities, such as nearby restrooms and playgrounds for children. However, some campers reported issues with bugs and noise from nearby group sites, which affected their enjoyment of the outdoors.
What Guests Are Saying
Island View at Rathbun Lake offers a relaxing camping experience with spacious, shaded sites, clean facilities, and friendly staff. Many visitors appreciate the beautiful views and convenient amenities, such as nearby restrooms and playgrounds for children. However, some campers reported issues with bugs and noise from nearby group sites, which affected their enjoyment of the outdoors.
Review Summary
Connie M
VerifiedOctober 6, 2026 • Stayed at: M31, Loop: ICIR
Host were prompt and friendly. The pit toilet in our area went 2 days without toilet paper. The main shower house needs cleaned. Two weeks I used the same stall, same glob of hair on the drain, same mold on the wall. ( Shower curtains replacing doors does not give privacy) The private shower house could be nice if the drains were lower so water could actually drain not have 2 inches of water to walk in. Also, the amount of insects and spiders was overwhelming
Harry D
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2026 • Stayed at: A13, Loop: VPL
Place was very nice
John R
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2026 • Stayed at: M27, Loop: ICIR
Beautiful park. We got our favorite site. Only issue was the 30amp breaker was broke. Notified a host and was told maintenance was alerted previously but did nothing because it was the end of the season. Disappointing
Danny B
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2026 • Stayed at: A08, Loop: VPL
The power station really old needs replaced
Judy H
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2026 • Stayed at: A10, Loop: VPL
I didn’t read enough to know I was signing up in a 30 amp area.
My husband is on an oxygen concentrator and it couldn’t keep up with just 30 amps. By the time we figured out what was happening, we thought it was best to return home.
Danielle D
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2026 • Stayed at: B35/36, Loop: ICIR
Very relaxing and peaceful
Ronald H
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2026 • Stayed at: A11, Loop: VPL
Really nice campground. Some great views of the lake and a boat ramp and fish cleaning station right next to the A loop.
Mike R
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2026 • Stayed at: R09, Loop: ICIR
Shoreline maintenance is badly overdue. Island view has been the crown jewel of Lake Rathbun for decades. Mostly because of the beautiful view of the lake. However, the volunteer scrub brush and trees have grown up around the entire campground shoreline. The ticks are bad here likely due to not mowing enough perimeter
Traci S
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2026 • Stayed at: Y06, Loop: ICIR
The park is good. Lots of trees for shade. It really could use some insect control. The mosquitos were hortible!
Kylie A
VerifiedSeptember 6, 2026 • Stayed at: Y15, Loop: ICIR
Fantastic stay and the people who checked us in were amazing! And so friendly to talk to
Location & Directions for Island View (Rathbun Lake)
19409 Island View Place, Mystic Iowa, IA 52544-8303 United States
Elevation: 285 ft
Highway access
The campground is accessible via Iowa State Highway 2, which is approximately 5 miles to the north. US Highway 63 is also nearby, providing access to larger road networks.
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.
- Swimming beach is approximately 1 mile from the campground
- Please register/ pay for campsite prior to set up. Park Attendant will check you in on your campsite during their morning or evening rounds.
- If late, you must contact this park within 24 hours after your original check-in time or you will be considered a 'no show' resulting in the cancelation of your reservation.
- 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 18, 2026