Boat Ramps are available for usage at all eight parks and Honey Creek Resort. The Corps of Engineers manages six boat ramps. A day use pass is required at Corps of Engineers managed boat ramps. South Fork Park boat ramp is now available year round.
Sail boaters can find plenty of room to maneuver on Rathbun Lake’s nine-mile fetch of open water on the main body of the lake. The size of the lake combined with the prevailing winds makes Rathbun Lake one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
Buck Creek Marina provides fuel mooring facilities and other supplies.
Day use fees are required for launching at Corps managed boat ramps. A daily fee of $5.00 is charged to launch at ramps. In lieu of the daily permit an annual pass may be purchased for $40.00. This pass is good at any Corps of Engineers facility nationwide. Buck Creek Marina lessees now manage both ramps at their facility. Buck Creek Marina has launching fees that differ from the fees at Corps managed ramps. Annual Day Use Passes and Corps Camper Passes are not honored at the Buck Creek Marina ramps.
Boaters should be aware that hazardous boating areas do occur on Rathbun Lake. Use caution at all times while boating. Remember to follow safety rules while boating at Rathbun Lake.
Handicapped Docks and Loading Facilities
The Corps of Engineers has a handicapped loading facility available near the Island View Park Dedication Site boat ramp. This facility provides a three level loading ramp, which provides easier and better boating access to everyone.
A handicapped accessible fishing dock is available at the Island View Dedication Site boat ramp located closest to the main dam.
Six campgrounds are conveniently located around Rathbun Lake. The Corps manages four of these campgrounds; Buck Creek, Prairie Ridge, Bridge View, and Island View Parks. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources manages Honey Creek campground and a private concessionaire manages the Buck Creek Marina campgrounds.
User fees are charged for camping in parks that the Corps of Engineers operates. The amount of the fee is based on the type of facilities provided.
Campgrounds contain level campsites, many with electrical hookups, lantern hanging posts, picnic tables, and fire rings. Shower buildings, sanitary dump stations, playgrounds, and fish cleaning stations are located in most parks. Please click on campground specific information for a complete list of amenities and fees for each campground.
Entrance stations are located at most campgrounds and all campgrounds are patrolled routinely by Park Rangers and Appanoose County Sheriff's Deputies. To reserve a Corps of Engineers campsite visit www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.
EMERALD ASH BORER/FIREWOOD WARNING
Campgrounds
Bridgeview Campground
Fees include 30 amp electric sites for $22.00 and 50 amp electric sites for $25.00 and non electric sites for $15.00 from May 1 through September 30. This park is located on the northwest end of the lake and facilities include: 104 reservable campsites (92 electric sites), boat ramp, dump station, shelter, shower houses, fish cleaning station, and playground.
Campsite Map
Make a Reservation
Buck Creek Campground
Fees include 30 amp electric sites for $22.00 and 50 amp electric sites for $25.00 from May 8 through September 30. This park is located on the east end of the lake and facilities include: 42 electric reservable campsites, dump station, shower house, fish cleaning station, and playground.
Campsite Map
Make a Reservation
Island View Campground
Fees include 30 amp electric sites for $22.00 and 50 amp electric sites for $25.00 from May 1 through September 30. This is the largest campground at Rathbun and is located on the southeast end of the lake. Facilities include: 192 electric campsites, boat ramp, dump station, shower houses, 2 reservable shelters, playground, swimming beach and fish cleaning station.
Group Camp
Fees include $150.00 per night Sunday through Thursday and $230.00 per night Friday and Saturday. The area is located within the Island View Campground and includes 12 electric sites, picnic shelter, shower house, and dump station.
Campground Map
Make a Reservation
Prairie Ridge Campground
Fees include 50 amp electric sites for $25.00 from May 15 though September 15. This campground is located on the north side of the lake and facilities include: 56 reservable electric sites, boat ramp, dump station, shower houses, playground, fish cleaning station, and shelter.
Group Camp
Fees include $70.00 per night Sunday through Thursday and $120.00 per night Friday and Saturday. The area is located within Prairie Ridge campground and includes 9 non-electric campsites and a picnic shelter nearby.
Campground Map
Make a Reservation
Rathbun Lake is an 11,000-acre lake that provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler. This primarily includes crappie, channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass.
The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is located below the main dam and is a warm-water fish hatchery. That is, the fish would grow best between 50 and 90 degrees F. The hatchery is designed to raise channel catfish, walleye, saugeye (a hybrid walleye/sauger cross) and largemouth bass. Fish produced at the Rathbun Hatchery are stocked statewide.
Visitors are welcome at the hatchery. Tours of the visiting facilities are generally made on a self-guided basis. Employee-guided tours for large groups can be scheduled. Visiting hours are Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on the fish at Rathbun Lake visit http://www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/DNRStaffOffices/FishHatcheries/RathbunFishHatchery.aspx .
Fishing Information
Rathbun Lake is an 11,000 acre on-stream impoundment built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The gently rolling hills of the Chariton River valley surround this southeast Iowa lake. There are over 900 campsites, 13 boat ramps, 3 swimming beaches, a marina and Honey Creek Resort available for the recreational enthusiast at various sites around the reservoir.
Fishing for crappie is very popular on Rathbun Lake. These fish are most vulnerable in the spring. Crappie become shore-bound by late April and fishing becomes hot and heavy by May. Spring fishing methods differ from summer because the crappie are spawning near shore among submerged brush and rocks. If conditions are right, one might try quietly easing up to the brush and presenting a minnow directly among the limbs. This method usually works when all else fails. Jigs may also be fished with white or chartreuse twister grubs.
Summer crappie fishing will mean new techniques. Crappie move offshore after spawning and suspend. However, they still must feed and are susceptible to hook and line. They are present in deeper bays and in the main lake near underwater structure, such as flat areas near drop-offs, along deep shorelines, and points. A good place to start is along the 15 to 20 foot contour. Crappie often suspend from the surface to the bottom with prime depths between 10 and 15 feet. A depth sounder can be an invaluable tool to help locate these fish. Probably the best bait presentation is to drift minnows at these depths during early morning and evening hours. When a crappie is caught, you can bet it will have a few friends down there, so anchor (quietly) and fish until the action dies down, then begin to drift again. Sometimes drifting the same area several times will work to fill a stringer. When fishing the bays, keep your eyes along the shore and watch for fish feeding on schools of young shad that concentrate among the partially submerged willows to feed. Minnows fished with bobbers near the brush can produce crappie and bonus fish, such as white bass and channel catfish.
Ice fishing for crappies is not only very productive, but also a good way to prevent cabin fever. Early and late winter offer the best action. Look for crappies to hang out in about 15 feet of water near the old creek channel. Much like open water, crappies are generally found suspended, and it may be necessary to experiment at several depths until they are located. Small minnows are the most common wintertime bait.
Crappie can be caught throughout the lake; however, there are several areas that are better than most. The number of fish harvested will depend upon wind conditions, depth occupied by the crappie, and water clarity. Start searching where all of the above conditions will be at their best. A few examples of good crappie fishing areas include the face of the dam, points and bays of Honey and Buck Creek, and the timber areas of Crappie Cove and Bridgeview.
Walleye fishing is in its prime from the first part of June until the end of July. Trolling artificial lures is one of the more productive methods to fish walleye. Artificial favorites include bomber baits, crank baits (either deep or shallow runners). Colors that seem to turn the walleye on include crappie colors - silver background with black spots or stripes, crawdad colors, chartreuse and lures with orange or red on them. Trolling or drifting worm harnesses is another good fishing method on Rathbun Lake. One other trick is to drift jigs or spoons and bounce them on the bottom as the boat moves over different types of structure. The best areas to fish appear to center around the lower lake area. Fishing is good around Island View, the face of the dam, the "cut" (Buck Creek Connecting Channel) into the main lake and the points and drop-offs along the northern shoreline.
White bass are caught on a variety of spoons, jigs and plugs. Watch for schools of these aggressive fish to break the surface as they feed. Popular spots include Island View, Honey Creek, face of the dam, and the "cut" (Connecting Channel). Channel catfish angling becomes very productive from the end of June until September. These whiskered wonders can be caught just about anywhere on the lake. Bays are probably the best place to fish. Favorite baits include night crawlers, cut-bait (cut up fish), chicken liver, and stink baits. Channel catfish can be caught during the day but most of the action occurs after dark. A very good tactic to try later in the summer is to fish feeder streams after a good hard rain. As the streams rise, they collect and carry food organisms that draw the channel catfish near and into the mouth of these streams.
Largemouth bass can be found throughout the lake near several types of cover. Bass in the two major forks of the reservoir will be associated with the old stream channel and vast amounts of standing timber. Main lake bass are more oriented to rocky points, drop-offs, old river channels and coves. The location of largemouth bass in the main reservoir and the two forks will depend on the time of year, water quality, and level of the lake. Prime times for bass fishing at Rathbun Lake are during late April through the middle of June and again during late September and October.
The most effective bass lures include artificial night crawlers, shallow and deep running crank baits, buzz baits and spinner baits. Darker colored artificial night crawlers and crank baits in the colors of silver, blue or black over silver and crawdad appear to be the way to go. Buzz baits fished with trailer hooks late in the summer and early fall during early morning or late evening hours can be effective. Spinner bait colors will vary with water quality and time of day.
Rathbun Lake fishing reports are available to the angling public by contacting the Iowa DNR Website: https://programs.iowadnr.gov/lakemanagement/FishingReport/Reporting.aspx Or calling the Rathbun Hatchery at 641-647-2406
GPS Locations of Fish Attractors:
Cedar trees, South Fork N 40° 50.700 W 93° 01.184
Cedar trees, South Fork N 40° 50.990 W 93° 01.459
Berkley fish habitat, Honey Creek N 40° 51.723 W 92° 55.120
Berkley fish habitat, Prairie Ridge N 40° 51.557 W 92° 53.640
Pallet structures, Buck Creek N 40° 50.217 W 92° 52.405
Berkley fish habitat, Buck Creek N 40° 50.294 W 92° 52.217
Rathbun Lake offers many opportunities for a variety of game. Deer, pheasant, quail, turkey, duck, geese, rabbit and squirrel may be found on public hunting lands.
The north side of Rathbun Lake has more wooded areas and blocks of timber than the south side. The oak-hickory stands of the north side provide excellent habitat for turkey, deer and squirrel. The south shore of the lake has more areas of warm season grass and smaller woodlots. Upland species such as pheasant and quail are hunted here.
Waterfowl hunters can take advantage of the six marshes located on the two forks of the lake. Consult the Rathbun Lake map for hunting and refuge areas.
The Corps of Engineers issues permanent duck blind permits for sites located east of Highway S70. Permitees may construct a permanent blind and leave decoys in designated areas for hunting during regular seasons.
For information on this years duck blind drawing please contact Scott Frieden at 816-389-3106.
Rathbun Lake Interactive Hunting Map
Duck Blind Map
For State Regulations http://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/HuntingLicensesLaws.aspx
To Turn in Poachers https://www.iowadnr.gov/tip
For U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service https://www.fws.gov
Tree Stand Policy
The US Army Corps of Engineers encourages the wise use of public lands for hunting. In order to protect our forests for future generations, the following restrictions for tree stands placed on Corps Managed property will be enforced:
1. Only portable stands are allowed on US property.
2. Stands may not alter the tree in any way. The use of any spike, nail, pin, or other object which is driven or screwed into a tree is prohibited.
3. Stands may be placed 7 days before the 1st deer hunting season begins, and must be removed within 7 days after the last deer season ends.Stands in place outside of the designated times may be confiscated.
4. Stands left on US property do not guarantee the owner exclusive use of the blind when unattended, or exclusive use of the site.
If you have any questions, please contact the Ranger staff at the Rathbun Project Office at 641-647-2464.
Rathbun Marina (Buck Creek Area)
21646 Marina Place
Moravia, Iowa 52571-8939
Phone: 641-724-3212
Open April 1 thru October 31
Offers covered slips, open slips, buoy ties, bank ties, snack bar, campground, grocery store fuel services, boat rental, restaurant, motel, boat mechanic, and boat sales.
For more information on the marinas at Rathbun Lake visit www.rathbunlakemarina.com/
The picnic shelters in the parks surrounding Rathbun Lake are available on a first come first serve basis. However, the shelters below can be reserved for that family reunion or large group outing you are planning. In addition to picnic shelters, group camp areas can also be reserved.
Individual picnic area sites are also available throughout Rathbun Lake parks on a first come first serve basis.
The Corps of Engineers Park shelters can be reserved by going to www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
The three picnic shelters in Honey Creek State Park may also be reserved by calling 1-877-iaparks (877-427-2757) or on the web at: www.reserveiaparks.com.
Reservable Picnic Shelters
Bridgeview Shelter (Bald Eagle Circle)
$25.00
Island View 5
$50.00 - Includes water, electric, and a playground.
Island View Dedication Site
$50.00 - Includes water, electric, and a playground.
Island View Peninsula
$25.00 - Water available.
Prairie Ridge Shelter (Perch Place)
$25.00
There are three designated swimming beaches located at Rathbun Lake. One is located in Buck Creek Park, one is located in Island View Park, and one at Honey Creek Resort. Designated beaches are designed and constructed to eliminate hazards and underwater obstructions. These beaches are buoyed each summer to delineate the usable portion and to exclude boats. These beaches also have parking, change houses and vault toilets. The Island View 5 beach has a volleyball net for beach users.
At Rathbun Lake, day use fees are charged at designated swimming beaches maintained by the Corps of Engineers. The fee for swimming is $2 per person for walk-ins for those 13 and older or $5 per vehicle. There is also a $20 fee for buses. An annual non-transferable pass may be purchased at the Rathbun Lake Information Center or park attendant booths for $40.00.
Several areas at Rathbun Lake are permanently closed to swimming because of their inherent risks. The area around the control tower, at the boat ramps, courtesy docks, and the marina boat mooring facilities make those areas too hazardous for safe swimming.
You are invited to enjoy a relaxing and refreshing afternoon swim at Rathbun Lake with your friends at a safe swimming area. But, please, think about water safety as you are having fun in the sun.
Being water safe is a high priority for the Corps of Engineers and Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Many Rathbun Lake visitors have shown a growing interest in land based recreation activities. "Off the beaten path" opportunities may be found in the designated trails located on public lands adjacent to Rathbun Lake.
Rathbun Trails Map
Gene Paris Snowmobile Trail
The Gene Paris Snowmobile Trail is a 47 mile trail that circles Rathbun Lake and is maintained by the Rathbun Snow Riders Snowmobile Club. The trail is currently closed with the exception of the North Shore Trail section from Honey Creek Resort to Prairie Ridge Campground.
Trail Map
North Shore Trail
Completed in April 2012, the Rathbun North Shore Trail consists of an 8.2 mile surfaced trail. The trail connects Prairie Ridge Park to Honey Creek Resort State Park. Designed for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling, the trail offers vistas of the lake and tours through Southern Iowa prairie and woodlands.
Trail Map
OHV Trail
Rathbun Lake has Southern Iowa’s only Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Park. Access to the area is approximately 3 miles south of Bridge View Park on Highway S70. Located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River, the area encompasses nearly 125 acres in an abandoned rock quarry on government land.
The Rathbun OHV Park is maintained by the volunteers of the South Central Dirt Riders ATV club. The Iowa DNR provides financial support through the disbursement of ATV Registration fees to the club.
The area is open to the public year round. Vehicles are limited to motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs. Full size vehicles are prohibited on the trails.
Regulations require helmets, mufflers, and current Iowa ORV registration. ORV registration can be obtained at county recorder’s offices.
Iowa law states a person under eighteen years of age shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle on public land or land purchased with all-terrain vehicle registration funds in this state without obtaining a valid safety certificate issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and having the certificate in the person’s possession.
To check on park open/closed status, go to the Iowa OHV Website at: www.iowaohv.com . For additional information, please go to the IOWA DNR ATV Website
Rathbun Water Trail
The Rathbun Water Trail has over 20 miles of water trails mapped for self-guided paddling from beginner to expert level enthusiasts. The map identifies trail heads and access points or with GPS coordinates and describes amenities available near the trail. Road signs direct users to the trail heads as well. Users can plan a short outing to an overnight camping trip at one of the park campgrounds. Appanoose County Trails, Inc. maintains the trail and encourages users to “leave no trace”.
Trail Map