Buck Creek
Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates seasonally from May 8 through September 29. All 42 sites are reservable via Recreation.gov. The campground is staffed May through September.
About
Buck Creek Campground occupies a scenic position on Rathbun Lake, Iowa's second-largest body of water at 11,000 acres. The campground is set among open grassy areas dotted with mature trees in the gently rolling Chariton River Valley. All 42 sites are equipped with 30-amp electric hookups and gravel driveways, with some sites accommodating RVs up to 49 feet. Facilities include flush toilets, vault toilets, hot showers, potable drinking water, and a dump station. A boat ramp provides direct access to the lake, and a marina with bait shop is located nearby. The campground also features a playground for families. Rathbun Lake, nicknamed "Iowa's Ocean," offers exceptional fishing for crappie, channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass. Prevailing winds make it one of the best sailing lakes in the state. The nearby Rathbun Fish Hatchery offers free self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round, and Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is a short drive away.
Directions
From Centerville, IA, travel 5 miles north on HWY 5 to HWY J-29, then 4 miles northwest to HWY J5T. Travel 2 miles north and follow signs to campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 128ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 128ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (641) 724-3206 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!