Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)

BRIDGEVIEW (RATHBUN LAKE)

Overview

Bridgeview Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just 13 miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing and picnicking are popular activities at this waterfront recreation area.

Facilities

This large campground offers 106 family sites, 95 of which have electric hookups. A day-use group picnic shelter for up to 24 people is also available. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, boat ramp, playground and horseshoe pits.

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.

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.

Whether power boating or sailing, Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, has something to offer everyone. In particular, the water's prevailing winds make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.

Nearby Attractions

Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is just three miles from the campground. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres of an abandoned rock quarry.

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.

Contact Info

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

Important Notices

14 Day Policy on Rathbun Lake: Campers are only allowed to camp at the same camping loop a maximum of 14 nights within a 30 night period. After the 14th night, they will be required to move (physically move the camping unit) to a different camping loop, which can be in the same campground.
Please register for campsites during booth hours, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. and 3 p.m.-8 p.m.
If late, you must contact this park within 24 hours after your original check-in time or you will be considered a 'no show' resulting in the cancelation of your reservation.
For more information, visit the Rathbun Lake website http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Rathbun-Lake/
Purchase firewood from a local source.
If you must bring your own firewood, don't leave any firewood behind at your campsite.
Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Available Activities

Camping - Camping
Boating - Boating
Fishing - Fishing
Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
Biking - Biking
Canoeing - Canoeing
Day Use Area - Day Use Area
Hiking - Hiking
Ice Climbing - Ice Climbing
Information Site - Information Site
Kayaking - Kayaking
Picnicking - Picnicking
Sailing - Sailing
Swimming - Swimming
Water Access - Water Access

Directions

From Moravia, IA, travel 10 miles west on Highway J18 and follow signs into the campground.

Contact Information

Phone: FOR CAMPGROUND INQUIRIES DURING MAY-SEPTEMBER PLEASE CALL 641-724-3062. DURING CLOSED SEASON PLEASE CALL 641-647-2464

20112 HWY J-5T
CENTERVILLE, IA 52544-8308

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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