About ISLAND VIEW (RATHBUN LAKE)
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.
How to Get 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to ISLAND VIEW (RATHBUN LAKE)
Heading to ISLAND VIEW (RATHBUN LAKE)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for ISLAND VIEW (RATHBUN LAKE)?
No central reservation system listed for ISLAND VIEW (RATHBUN LAKE). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233522) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ISLAND VIEW (RATHBUN LAKE)?
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.
How do I contact ISLAND VIEW (RATHBUN LAKE)?
You can reach the park at phone: FOR CAMPGROUND INQUIRIES DURING MAY-SEPTEMBER PLEASE CALL 641-647-2079. DURING CLOSED SEASON OCTOBER-APRIL PLEASE CALL 641-647-2464.
References & Official Resources
