Can you reserve a site at Island View (Rathbun Lake)?

Yes, Island View (Rathbun Lake) is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Island View (Rathbun Lake)?

145 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Island View (Rathbun Lake)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Island View (Rathbun Lake).

Are campfires allowed at Island View (Rathbun Lake)?

Campfires are allowed at Island View (Rathbun Lake). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Island View (Rathbun Lake)

Campground · Iowa · 192 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

Rathbun Recreation Area (Recreation Area) · Open Access

192
Bookable sites: 145 ft
Max rig length: up to 200
People per site: 1
Accessible site: 938 ft
Elevation

Overview

Island View Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just nine miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa and 8 miles southwest of Moravia.

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.

The prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.

Facilities

This large campground offers 187 family sites and one group site, all with electric hookups. Three group picnic sites are also available.

Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. A boat ramp, dock, marina, playgrounds, and horseshoe pit are all on-site.

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 nearby, offering 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 just 20 minutes from the campground. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres in an abandoned rock quarry.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464.

The facts

192 bookable sites
4 sites for day use only
1 accessible site
Vehicles up to 145 ft
Up to 200 people per site
Loops: BALL, DEDI, ICIR, INT, NWPI, SHEL, VPL

Site types

187 Standard Electric
4 Group Picnic Area
1 Group Standard Electric

Amenities

Electric hookups
Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Picnic tables
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

192 campsites at Island View (Rathbun Lake)

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
BD	BALL	Group Picnic Area	—	—	—	75	🐾
Dedication Shelter	DEDI	Group Picnic Area	—	—	—	200	🐾
B01	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	46 ft	8	🐾
B02	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	58 ft	8	🐾
B03	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	46 ft	8	🐾
B04	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	45 ft	8	🐾
B05	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	45 ft	8	🐾
B06	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	61 ft	8	🐾
B07	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	47 ft	8	🐾
B08	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	61 ft	8	🐾
B09	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	41 ft	8	🐾
B10	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	66 ft	8	🐾
B11	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	46 ft	8	🐾
B12	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	64 ft	8	🐾
B13	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	50 ft	8	🐾
B14	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	58 ft	8	🐾
B15	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	61 ft	8	🐾
B16	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	64 ft	8	🐾
B17	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	66 ft	8	🐾
B18	ICIR	Standard Electric	Pull Through	Gravel	87 ft	8	🐾
B19	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	60 ft	8	🐾
B20	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	70 ft	8	🐾
B21	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	74 ft	8	🐾
B22	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	60 ft	8	🐾
B23	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	60 ft	8	🐾
B24	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	56 ft	8	🐾
B25	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	77 ft	8	🐾
B26	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	61 ft	8	🐾
B27	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	70 ft	8	🐾
B28	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	46 ft	8	🐾
B29	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	53 ft	8	🐾
B30	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	62 ft	8	🐾
B31	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	62 ft	8	🐾
B32/B33	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	50 ft	16	🐾
B34	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	46 ft	8	🐾
B35/36	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	51 ft	16	🐾
B37	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	50 ft	8	🐾
B38/B39	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	57 ft	16	🐾
B40	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	37 ft	8	🐾
B41	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	60 ft	8	🐾
F01	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	75 ft	8	🐾
F02	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	85 ft	8	🐾
F03	ICIR	Standard Electric	Pull Through	Gravel	118 ft	8	🐾
F04	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	56 ft	8	🐾
F05	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	60 ft	8	🐾
F06	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	57 ft	8	🐾
F07	ICIR	Standard Electric	Pull Through	Gravel	110 ft	8	🐾
F08	ICIR	Standard Electric	Pull Through	Gravel	78 ft	8	🐾
F09	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	76 ft	8	🐾
F10	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	75 ft	8	🐾
F11	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	76 ft	8	🐾
F12	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	83 ft	8	🐾
F13	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	47 ft	8	🐾
F14	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	70 ft	8	🐾
F15	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	55 ft	8	🐾
H01	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	62 ft	8	🐾
H02	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	62 ft	8	🐾
H03	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	63 ft	8	🐾
H04	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	65 ft	8	🐾
H05	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	64 ft	8	🐾
H06	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	64 ft	8	🐾
H07	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	62 ft	8	🐾
H08	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	66 ft	8	🐾
H09	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	61 ft	8	🐾
H10	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	62 ft	8	🐾
H11	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	56 ft	8	🐾
H12	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	65 ft	8	🐾
H13	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	63 ft	8	🐾
H14	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	69 ft	8	🐾
H16	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	69 ft	8	🐾
H17	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	62 ft	8	🐾
H18	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	67 ft	8	🐾
H19	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	62 ft	8	🐾
H20	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	67 ft	8	🐾
H21	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	60 ft	8	🐾
H22	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	65 ft	8	🐾
H23	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	69 ft	8	🐾
H24	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	59 ft	8	🐾
H25	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	58 ft	8	🐾
M01	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	72 ft	8	🐾
M02	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	60 ft	8	🐾
M03	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	68 ft	8	🐾
M04	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	61 ft	8	🐾
M05	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	48 ft	8	🐾
M06	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	54 ft	8	🐾
M07	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	74 ft	8	🐾
M08	ICIR	Standard Electric	Pull Through	Gravel	145 ft	8	🐾
M09	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	70 ft	8	🐾
M10	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	71 ft	8	🐾
M11	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	61 ft	8	🐾
M12	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	68 ft	8	🐾
M13	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	58 ft	8	🐾
M14	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	61 ft	8	🐾
M15	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	57 ft	8	🐾
M16	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	75 ft	8	🐾
M17	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	63 ft	8	🐾
M18	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	88 ft	8	🐾
M19	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	68 ft	8	🐾
M20	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	68 ft	8	🐾
M21	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	73 ft	8	🐾
M22	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	58 ft	8	🐾
M23	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	83 ft	8	🐾
M24	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	58 ft	8	🐾
M25	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	72 ft	8	🐾
M26	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	64 ft	8	🐾
M27	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	76 ft	8	🐾
M28	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	45 ft	8	🐾
M29	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	81 ft	8	🐾
M30	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	52 ft	8	🐾
M31	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	70 ft	8	🐾
M32	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	51 ft	16	🐾
M33	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	80 ft	8	🐾
M34	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	54 ft	8	🐾
M35	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	74 ft	8	🐾
M36	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	51 ft	8	🐾
M37	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	74 ft	8	🐾
M38	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	73 ft	8	🐾
M39	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	55 ft	8	🐾
M40	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	79 ft	8	🐾
M41	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	78 ft	8	🐾
Q01	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	51 ft	8	🐾
Q02/Q03	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	43 ft	16	🐾
Q04	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	53 ft	8	🐾
Q05/Q06	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	46 ft	16	🐾
Q07	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	41 ft	8	🐾
Q08	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	61 ft	8	🐾
Q09	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	38 ft	8	🐾
Q10	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	62 ft	8	🐾
Q11	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
Q12	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	66 ft	8	🐾
Q13	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	72 ft	8	🐾
Q14	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	71 ft	8	🐾
Q15	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	58 ft	8	🐾
Q16	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	67 ft	8	🐾
Q17	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	68 ft	8	🐾
R01	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	69 ft	8	🐾
R02	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	65 ft	8	🐾
R03	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	57 ft	8	🐾
R04	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	78 ft	8	🐾
R05	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	65 ft	8	🐾
R06	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	62 ft	8	🐾
R07	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	69 ft	8	🐾
R08	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	78 ft	8	🐾
R09	ICIR	Standard Electric	Pull Through	Gravel	119 ft	8	🐾
R10	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	73 ft	8	🐾
R11	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	53 ft	8	🐾
R12	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	43 ft	8	🐾
R13	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	56 ft	8	🐾
R14	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	60 ft	8	🐾
R15	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	66 ft	8	🐾
R16	ICIR	Standard Electric	Pull Through	Gravel	98 ft	8	🐾
R17	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	50 ft	8	🐾
R18	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	59 ft	8	🐾
Y01	ICIR	Standard Electric	Pull Through	Gravel	80 ft	8	🐾
Y02	ICIR	Standard Electric	Pull Through	Gravel	91 ft	8	🐾
Y03	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	73 ft	8	🐾
Y04	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	59 ft	8	🐾
Y05	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	78 ft	8	🐾
Y06	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	66 ft	8	🐾
Y07	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	62 ft	8	🐾
Y08	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	77 ft	8	🐾
Y09	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	45 ft	8	🐾
Y10	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	75 ft	8	🐾
Y11	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	68 ft	8	🐾
Y12	ICIR	Standard Electric	Pull Through	Gravel	92 ft	8	🐾
Y13	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	80 ft	8	🐾
Y14	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	62 ft	8	🐾
Y15	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	77 ft	8	🐾
Y16	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	67 ft	8	🐾
Y17	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	60 ft	8	🐾
Y18	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	57 ft	8	🐾
Y19	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	81 ft	8	🐾
Y20	ICIR	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	56 ft	8	🐾
IVPENN	INT	Group Picnic Area	—	—	—	50	🐾
IV Group Camp	NWPI	Group Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	100	🐾
IV 5 Shelter	SHEL	Group Picnic Area	—	—	—	200	🐾
A01	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	67 ft	8	🐾
A02	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	75 ft	8	🐾
A03	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	78 ft	8	🐾
A04	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	73 ft	8	🐾
A05	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	83 ft	8	🐾
A06	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	76 ft	8	🐾
A07	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	80 ft	8	🐾
A08	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	88 ft	8	🐾
A09	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	73 ft	8	🐾
A10	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	85 ft	8	🐾
A11	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	78 ft	8	🐾
A12	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	97 ft	8	🐾
A13	VPL	Standard Electric	Pull Through	Gravel	101 ft	8	🐾
A14	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	37 ft	8	🐾
A15	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	70 ft	8	🐾
A16	VPL	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	57 ft	8	♿ 🐾

Getting there

From Centerville, IA, travel 2.5 miles north on HWY 5, then go 4 miles northwest on J-29, then 0.1 mile north on J5T to the park entrance.

40.83250, -92.91797 · 40°49'57.0"N 92°55'4.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 85°F in Jul, down to 31°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	31	37	50	62	71	81	85	84	77	65	50	37
Low °F	13	16	28	39	51	61	66	64	54	42	29	19
Precip in	1.1	1.5	2.0	3.9	5.4	5.2	4.6	4.6	3.8	2.9	2.0	1.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

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Common questions about Island View (Rathbun Lake)

Can you reserve a site at Island View (Rathbun Lake)?: Yes, Island View (Rathbun Lake) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Island View (Rathbun Lake) have?: 192 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Island View (Rathbun Lake)?: 145 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Island View (Rathbun Lake)?: Yes, pets are allowed at Island View (Rathbun Lake).
Does Island View (Rathbun Lake) have hookups?: Electric.
Are campfires allowed at Island View (Rathbun Lake)?: Campfires are allowed at Island View (Rathbun Lake). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Island View (Rathbun Lake)

Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake) 3.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Prairie Ridge (Rathbun Lake) 3.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake) 6.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
North Overlook Picnic Shelter (Ia) 36.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Howell Station 36.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
South Tailwater Picnic Shelter 36.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
South Overlook (Ia) 37.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Whitebreast Camp 37.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
North Tailwater Picnic Shelter 37.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
North Overlook Camp 37.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Miner's Retreat Enclosed Shelter (Ia) 38.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Whitebreast Point Shelter (Ia) 39.3 mi · Campground · we watch it

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.