About Island View (Rathbun Lake)
Number of accommodations: 186
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Boating
Fishing
Swimming
Rates, Sites & Availability
186 Sites Available
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Site Details
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186 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (301)
What Guests Are Saying
Island View at Rathbun Lake offers a beautiful camping experience with spacious sites, stunning lake views, and friendly staff. Many campers appreciate the clean facilities, although there are concerns about bathroom cleanliness and the need for improved grass maintenance. Overall, visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and plan to return, making it a favored destination for camping.
What Guests Are Saying
Island View at Rathbun Lake offers a beautiful camping experience with spacious sites, stunning lake views, and friendly staff. Many campers appreciate the clean facilities, although there are concerns about bathroom cleanliness and the need for improved grass maintenance. Overall, visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and plan to return, making it a favored destination for camping.
Review Summary
Shirley C
VerifiedMay 21, 2024 • Stayed at: Q17, Loop: ICIR
A nice campground with a lot of room between camp sites and different loops to pick from.
Dennis C
VerifiedMay 17, 2024 • Stayed at: M40, Loop: ICIR
terry c
VerifiedOctober 8, 2023 • Stayed at: B14, Loop: ICIR
Was told after getting there even though we had reservations that if the government had not come to a agreement Saturday morning we would have to be out of the park by 4 pm. If that wasn't bad enough they closed the showers and toilets before 9am. When i asked the ranger why the bathrooms were being closed so early he told me because of the end of the season. I have been coming there the last weekend of September for 47 years and this has never happened before. If this was true why was i able to reserve Saturday night ?
Erin H
VerifiedOctober 1, 2023 • Stayed at: B14, Loop: ICIR
This campsite was very good. It was big and spacious and very quiet. There was also lots of nature around and walking access to the water.
Sherri G
VerifiedSeptember 24, 2023 • Stayed at: H25, Loop: ICIR
Very peaceful time.
Richard H
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2023 • Stayed at: Q16, Loop: ICIR
Great staff. Awesome campground
Cristina B
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2023 • Stayed at: R03, Loop: ICIR
Only spent a short night, but it's a very pretty park, nice big sites, lots of views of the lake. Only drawback was the cigarette butts everywhere.
Mary H
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2023 • Stayed at: A09, Loop: VPL
Great view of the water!
Tim A
VerifiedSeptember 18, 2023 • Stayed at: Y12, Loop: ICIR
We camped in mid-September when park was less than 25% full. HUGE sites, most were double-wide so you could fit boat or extra vehicle easily. Electric only at site, so you need to stop at dump station to fill with water. (A few spigots located throughout park too.) Campground is a couple of miles from highway entrance but such a beautiful drive. Acres of open space throughout.
Craig P
VerifiedSeptember 18, 2023 • Stayed at: M16, Loop: ICIR
Love this campground. I never feel crowded camping here. Lake views are beautiful 😍
Location Island View (Rathbun Lake)
Address:
19409 Island View Place
Mystic Iowa, IA, 52544-8303
United States
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 40.8325 / -92.918
Elevation: 285 feet
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: June 6, 2026