Openings · last 7 days
0
Availability is not tracked here yet
Campsite Sniper does not currently hold availability data for Buck Creek (rathbun Lake). That is a gap in what Campsite Sniper tracks — it does not mean the facility is full, closed, or unavailable. Recreation.gov may well be showing open dates right now.
The site details and map below come from the public Recreation.gov record and are accurate. For current dates and to book, go to Recreation.gov.
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
0
Openings · last 90 days
28
Only 28 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.
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 ↗
02 · 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)?
Online reservations for this facility, where offered, are made through Recreation.gov. Campsite Sniper has also detected 28 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 does not currently hold availability data for Buck Creek (rathbun Lake), so there is nothing to date here. That is a gap in coverage — it does not mean the facility is full or closed. Check Recreation.gov for current dates.
How often do new openings appear at Buck Creek (rathbun Lake)?
Campsite Sniper detected 28 site-date openings here over the last 90 days, none in the last 7. A free alert watches around the clock and pings you the moment one appears.
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.
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We run paced availability checks for Buck Creek (rathbun Lake). One watch covers every matching site.
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When a match opens, you get a push with a Recreation.gov link so you can review and book it yourself.