Prairie Ridge
Open for the 2026 season, operating mid-May through mid-September. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Registration booth hours are 8-10 a.m. and 3-8 p.m. 14-night limit per 30-day period within the same loop.
Flood Watch issued June 11 at 2:02PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
...The National Weather Service in Des Moines IA has issued a Flood Watch for the following rivers in Iowa... Thompson River at Davis City affecting Decatur County. ...The Flood Watch continues for the following rivers in Iowa... Missouri... East Fork 102 River at Bedford affecting Taylor and Nodaway counties. Chariton River near Chariton affecting Monroe, Appanoose, Wayne and Lucas Counties. * WHAT...Flooding is possible. * WHERE...The Chariton River near Chariton, or from Wolf Creek to Rathbun Reservoir. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 19.8 feet, Wate affects 450th St. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1:45 PM CDT Thursday the stage was 18.7 feet. - Forecast...Rises on the river are possible over the next few days. The river may reach flood stage. - Flood stage is 19.5 feet.
Flood Warning issued June 11 at 9:07AM CDT until June 12 at 9:15AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...A portion of south central Iowa, including the following counties, Appanoose, Lucas, Monroe and Wayne. * WHEN...Until 915 AM CDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Numerous roads have been closed due to flooding especially across the southwest half of Monroe County. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 906 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the warned area. Between 3 and 6 inches of rain have fallen. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Chariton, Albia, Eddyville, Rathbun Lake, Lake Sundown, Moravia, Russell, Lovilia, Williamson, Melrose, Unionville, Millerton, Honey Creek State Park, Red Haw Lake State Park, Albia Municipal Airport and Chariton Municipal Airport.
About
Prairie Ridge Park occupies a scenic ridge overlooking Rathbun Lake in southern Iowa's rolling prairie landscape. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the campground features 54 large electric sites spread across two camping areas (Camp A and Camp B), with Camp B designated as pet-friendly. Sites are equipped with electric hookups, fire rings, grills, lantern hangers, and picnic tables seating up to eight people. Gravel pads accommodate RVs up to 90 feet. The campground includes two modern shower houses with hot water, drinking water spigots, RV dump stations, and a playground. The boat ramp is protected on three sides and features a courtesy dock with fish cleaning station, making it popular with motorized craft, windsurfers, and catamarans. Rathbun's most extensive trail system begins here, with 8 miles of hiking and biking through native and enhanced prairie, woodland draws, and timbered hillsides linking to Honey Creek Resort. The location provides access to fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and convenient proximity to bait shops, dining, and the Rathbun Fish Hatchery.
Directions
From Moravia, IA, travel 4 miles west on Highway J18, then south 2.5 miles on 200th Avenue (gravel). Follow signs into 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 - $70 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 90ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 90ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (641) 724-3103 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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