Openings · last 7 days
3
Booking reality
Campsite Sniper detected 3 site openings here in the last 7 days
01 · Detected Opening History · the openings record · file CS-233438
When Buck Creek (rathbun Lake) reopens
Buck Creek (rathbun Lake)'s openings record: every site-date Campsite Sniper detected turning available, logged and time-stamped. Refreshed hourly.
Openings · last 30 days
24
Openings · last 90 days
24
Only 24 openings in the last 90 days: not enough recent activity for a reliable pattern. A free Campsite Sniper alert watches around the clock instead, and pings you the moment one opens.
02 · Availability Outlook · Sep 18 – Sep 29, 2026 · of 42 monitored sites
Of the 504 tracked site-nights (Sep 18 – Sep 29, 2026): 428 open for online reservation · 76 reserved.
Where the open windows are
15.1% of tracked site-nights are not currently open for online reservation. 428 of 504 remain open; here is where they are.
Load status
Sep 18 – Sep 29, 2026Not open online15.1%
Open site-nights428 / 504
Reserved (of online inventory)76 / 504
Weekday openings231
Weekend openings197
Of the open site-nights on mapped sites, 231 fall on weekdays and 197 on weekends (Fri–Sun).
Open dates by month
Sep 2026 – Sep 2026September holds the most room. 428 of 504 site-nights are still open there.
Holiday windows
Sites open per night · of 42 sites| Window | Night | Sites open | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | SAT Sep 5 | 0 | None open |
| SUN Sep 6 | 0 | None open | |
| MON Sep 7 | 0 | None open |
Labor Day: no online availability on any tracked night.
Best-availability sites
Most open site-nights · tracked window| Site | Open site-nights |
|---|---|
| A01 | 12 |
| A02 | 12 |
| A04 | 12 |
| A05 | 12 |
| A06 | 12 |
The 5 sites with the most open site-nights in the current snapshot. Pair a bookable date with a free alert to cover everything else.
Next windows
As of Sep 18, 2026 snapshotNext open dateFri · Sep 18
Next open weekendFri · Sep 18
The next bookable night is Sep 18; the first open weekend starts Sep 18. Campsite Sniper can watch later dates for you.
Stays and site detail
428 open site-nights across 42 sites at Buck Creek (rathbun Lake), from the same hourly snapshot as everything above.
Multi-night stays. 51 2-night, 50 3-night, 31 7-night openings where a single site is free for every night, per Campsite Sniper's current snapshot — soonest Sep 18 at site A01.
RV length. Longest recorded site here is 128 ft. 42 sites take 25 ft, 42 sites take 35 ft, 42 sites take 40 ft.
All 42 sites with current availability
| Site | Max RV | Hookups | Open site-nights | Longest run | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A01 | 43 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A02 | 43 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A04 | 69 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A05 | 60 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A06 | 51 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A07 | 49 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A08 | 50 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A09 | 50 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A11 | 62 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A14 | 49 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A15 | 53 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A16 | 47 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A17 | 50 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A18 | 54 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A19 | 51 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A21 | 51 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A22 | 51 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A23 | 49 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A24 | 49 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| B01 | 66 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| B02 | 53 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| B05 | 77 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| B06 | 56 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| B07 | 56 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| F02 | 60 ft | Yes | 12 | 12 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A03 | 60 ft | Yes | 10 | 7 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A10 | 50 ft | Yes | 10 | 10 nights | Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| F03 | 71 ft | Yes | 10 | 7 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| F04 | 123 ft | Yes | 10 | 10 nights | Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| B03 | 128 ft | Yes | 9 | 9 nights | Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| F01 | 53 ft | Yes | 9 | 6 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| F08 | 76 ft | Yes | 9 | 6 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| F09 | 66 ft | Yes | 9 | 9 nights | Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A12 | 63 ft | Yes | 8 | 5 nights | Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| F10 | 64 ft | Yes | 8 | 5 nights | Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| B04 | 102 ft | Yes | 7 | 4 nights | Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| F05 | 49 ft | Yes | 7 | 4 nights | Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| B08 | 66 ft | Yes | 6 | 3 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 20, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A13 | 62 ft | Yes | 5 | 5 nights | Sep 20, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24 |
| F07 | 50 ft | Yes | 5 | 3 nights | Sep 20, Sep 24, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
| A20 | 46 ft | Yes | 3 | 2 nights | Sep 18, Sep 19, Sep 29 |
| F06 | 78 ft | Yes | 3 | 3 nights | Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29 |
About Buck Creek (rathbun Lake)
Overview
Buck Creek Campground is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just 9 miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking are popular activities at this lakefront campground.
Recreation
The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler. Crappie, channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass are most common.
Although power boating is also popular, the prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
Facilities
This campground offers 42 sites with electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, boat ramp and playground. A marina and bait shop are located nearby.
Natural Features
Rathbun Lake is situated in the gently rolling hills of the Chariton River Valley in southeast Iowa. The campground consists of open grassy areas dotted with trees.
Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake.
Nearby Attractions
The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is located near the main dam, and offers self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round. Hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye are produced here each year.
Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is nearby. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres of an abandoned rock quarry.
42 monitored sitesRVs up to 128 ft42 with hookups42 shadedPets OKFire pitsMax party 8
Getting there
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.
20112 Hwy J5T, Centerville, IA 52544-8308FOR CAMPGROUND INQUIRIES DURING MAY- SEPTEMBER PLEASE CALL 641-724-3206. DURING CLOSED SEASON OCTOBER -APRIL PLEASE CALL 641-647-2464
BikingCampingCanoeingDay Use AreaFish HatcheryFishingHikingKayakingPicnickingSailingSwimmingWater AccessWildlife Viewing
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
03 · Field Photos · roll CS-233438 · facility + sites
Photo gallery
Roll CS-233438 · Buck Creek (rathbun Lake) · Centerville IA12 frames · facility + sites
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Buck Creek (rathbun Lake)?
Reservations for Buck Creek (rathbun Lake) are made through Recreation.gov. The current snapshot shows substantial availability: 428 of 504 tracked site-nights are open (84.9%), though availability can change. Campsite Sniper has also detected 24 site openings here in the last 90 days, so further dates may appear. Pick a site on the map to see its calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
Does Campsite Sniper book this campground for me?
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
How current is this availability data?
Campsite Sniper re-checks public Recreation.gov availability for this facility every hour and republishes whenever anything changes. This facility's data last changed at Sep 18, 2026 16:19 UTC; an older timestamp means nothing has changed since that time, not that checking stopped. Always confirm final availability on Recreation.gov when you book.
How often do new openings appear at Buck Creek (rathbun Lake)?
Campsite Sniper detected 3 site-date openings at Buck Creek (rathbun Lake) in the last 7 days, 24 over 30 days and 24 over the last 90.
Can I get a multi-night stay at Buck Creek (rathbun Lake)?
50 three-night openings are showing, counting only runs where the SAME site is free for all three nights. The soonest starts Sep 18 at site A01. Confirm and book on Recreation.gov.
Which sites at Buck Creek (rathbun Lake) fit a 35-foot RV?
42 of the 42 sites that support RV analysis have a recorded maximum of 35 ft or more; the longest recorded is 128 ft.
Which month has the most availability at Buck Creek (rathbun Lake)?
September 2026, with 428 open site-nights in the current snapshot of 504.
When is the next open date at Buck Creek (rathbun Lake)?
As of the Sep 18, 2026 snapshot: the next open date is Fri, Sep 18 and the next open weekend starts Fri, Sep 18. Detected openings can add earlier dates at any time; a free Campsite Sniper alert catches those the moment they appear.
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