Army Corps of Engineers manages this 159-site campground within Rathbun Recreation Area, operating seasonally from May through September with rates from $15-44 per night. Sites accommodate RVs up to 159 feet and offer electric hookups, while tent campers can choose walk-in options. Modern restrooms, drinking water, and a dump station serve the campground.
Several sites provide direct lake views of Rathbun Lake, according to campers who appreciate the waterfront positioning. The campground includes both forested and open terrain areas near the lake and river. Access involves some rough road conditions based on visitor photos showing dirt and gravel surfaces. For additional lakeside options, campers can explore South Fork Marina located nearby.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBridgeview Campground is located in Iowa
Directions
From Moravia, IA, travel 10 miles west on Highway J18 and follow signs into the campground.
Address
20112 HWY J-5T
Centerville, IA 52544-8308
Coordinates
40.8786111 N
93.0266667 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 27 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 53 min from Ames, IA
- 2 hrs 6 min from Iowa City, IA
- 2 hrs 20 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
