Honey Creek State Park

Open — Currently open for first-come, first-served camping through December 31, 2025. The campground closes January 1, 2026 and reopens April 1, 2026. Shower houses and modern restrooms are closed for winter; vault toilets remain open. Starting in April 2026, the campground becomes 100% reservable with same-day reservations accepted.

About

Honey Creek State Park encompasses 828 acres of rolling, timbered hills set against the beautiful backdrop of Rathbun Lake, Iowa's second largest lake. The park was established following the completion of Rathbun Dam in 1969 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which created the lake for flood control and recreation. The campground features two areas, North and South, with 118 total sites including 17 full hookup sites, 69 electric sites, and 22 non-electric sites. Pull-through sites accommodate RVs up to 90 feet in length, making this a big rig friendly destination. Four rustic pine log cabins offer a pioneer-style experience with electricity, microwaves, small refrigerators, and climate control, though without water or sanitary facilities inside. Rathbun Lake serves as the park's centerpiece for recreation, known for excellent crappie and walleye fishing along with channel catfish. The North Boat Ramp is the largest on the lake and designated for 24-hour fishing access. Trails include five miles of multi-use paths and the Woodland Interpretive Trail, which guides visitors past eleven ancient Woodland period Native American mounds. The park is located near Honey Creek Resort State Park, which features a lodge, golf course, and water park.

Directions

From County Road J18 turn south onto 160th Avenue.

Nearby Campgrounds