Army Corps of Engineers · Iowa

Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)

Army Corps of Engineers · Iowa, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Directions
Sites
104
Hookups
94 electric, 9 no hookups
Season
May 1 to September 29
Max RV length
89 ft
Group sites
Yes
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Showers
Yes
Dump station
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
968 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
Verizon weak · T-Mobile good · AT&T none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Lake
Rathbun Lake
Nearest town
CENTERVILLE
Address
20112 HWY J-5T, CENTERVILLE, IA, 52544-8308
Phone
FOR CAMPGROUND INQUIRIES DURING MAY-SEPTEMBER PLEASE CALL 641-724-3062. DURING CLOSED SEASON PLEASE CALL 641-647-2464
Activities
Biking, Boating, Camping, Canoeing, Day Use Area, Fishing, Hiking, Ice Climbing, Information Site, Kayaking, Picnicking, Sailing

104 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

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.

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.

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.

Contact Info

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

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.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January30°12°-22°56°11 of 11
February37°20°-17°66°11 of 11
March51°32°9°77°10 of 11
April63°42°23°83°5 of 11
May74°56°40°88°0 of 11
June86°65°50°97°0 of 11
July87°69°59°98°0 of 11
August83°67°57°93°0 of 11
September81°62°50°96°0 of 11
October65°46°27°84°2 of 10
November51°34°6°73°6 of 10
December39°26°-7°70°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Iowa · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.