Camp Observer1 of 2 photos
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.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.
Camp site features
Across 103 camp sites:
- Electric hookups: 94 of 103 sites
- Picnic table: all 103 sites
- Pets allowed: all 103 sites
- Longest rig: 58 ft
- Largest party: 16 people
- Power up to 50 amps
- Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer
Directions
From Moravia, IA, travel 10 miles west on Highway J18 and follow signs into
the campground.
Stay Limit
Check in from 4 PM, check out by 4 PM.
Reviews
Ratings (145)
5 stars
87
4 stars
31
3 stars
13
2 stars
9
1 stars
5
Jeremy C
Loop:Bcir
Site:B05
Reviewed a day ago
Was a very clean and well managed campground. Bathrooms and shower house were clean as well. Would recommend to others and we plan on more trips in the future!
Michael M
Loop:Bcir
Site:A01
Reviewed 2 days ago
This was our first time camping at Rathbun. We really liked our site. Close to the privies. Lots of good dog walking around the roads. In exploring the area, we found some sites in other campgrounds that we're going explore next year. Overall it was a great experience.
Kelly B
Loop:Bcir
Site:M06
Reviewed 12 days ago
This is one of our favorite spots for camping and boating. A beautiful area and lake.
Chad D
Loop:Bcir
Site:H06
Reviewed 15 days ago
This was our first time camping at Bridgeview, as we usually camp at Island View. We were impressed with the friendly attendnats, clean shower house, and quiet grounds. We will most definitely be back to this campground again.
Greg T
Loop:Bcir
Site:A18
Reviewed 17 days ago
We had a great time . The park was very clean and the camp host was great.
Teng X
Loop:Bcir
Site:R01
Reviewed a month ago
Lovely campground as usual. Camp care takers are attentive and really cares about your experience!
Terry F
Loop:Bbic
Site:F10
Reviewed a month ago
Had a real good time, as usual enjoy Bridgeview Campground.
Beverly J
Loop:Bcir
Site:A11
Reviewed a month ago
I wish there were more trees and bushes between each campsite.
The bathrooms were clean.
The camp hosts are very nice.
Roger H
Loop:Bcir
Site:B07
Reviewed a month ago
Volunteers are always helpful. Plenty of room in the camping spots. Close to the facilities. Good access to boat ramps.
Ralph Z
Loop:Bcir
Site:A21
Reviewed 2 months ago
Bridgeview is fine, except for the fact that… There are very many campsites next to THE WATERS edge
Candace J
Loop:Bcir
Site:A13
Reviewed 2 months ago
Filthy fire pit, even worse shower house, it was beyond filthy.
Matthew H
Loop:Bcir
Site:H10
Reviewed 2 months ago
Was beautiful place nice an quiet was able to enjoy our family reunion
Elizabeth M
Loop:Bbic
Site:F11
Reviewed 2 months ago
Bridgeview is separated into two campgrounds the first one has the shower house and running water bathrooms, the other just has a small bathroom that is porta Jon style. Great views and good spacing. Overall great time.
Kevin D
Loop:Bcir
Site:H01
Reviewed 2 months ago
Camp spots were okay. Campgrounds clean. Bathrooms were never cleaned the whole time we were there. 4 nights. Showers had lukewarm water. Not very welcoming after a long day fishing in cold weather. Staff very friendly and polite.
Michael R
Loop:Bcir
Site:B22
Reviewed 2 months ago
Beautiful campground, the bugs were terrible and for two yrs in a row, chiggers!!!! It would be nice if they could spray some kind of bug deterent to help keep them under control, do not have that problem at other campgrounds!
Matthew W
Loop:Bcir
Site:M06
Reviewed 7 months ago
Very Clean and quiet Campground, The campground hosts were very helpful and cheerful, the amount of trees really is nice for shade in the summer heat, would definitely recommend
David L
Loop:Bbic
Site:F11
Reviewed 9 months ago
The Rangers and volunteer staff are awesome. Bogies Steak house and the Mexican Affair are excellent places to eat.
Laura P
Loop:Bbic
Site:F05
Reviewed 10 months ago
Every visit to this campground is wonderful. Awesome camp hosts. Beautiful scenary. Quiet and dark (which is great for any nighttime photography). I hate to tell my friends about this campground as I don't want to make it harder to get a campsite. Probably one of the best kept secrets in Iowa.
julie s
Loop:Bcir
Site:A12
Reviewed 10 months ago
We never did see a camp host. We were never checked in or provided a pass for the boat ramp. It would be much better if the grass between campsite and the lake was maintained. We didn't use the facilities so we can't tell you their condition of them. We will not revisit Bridgeview camp ground due to our experience.
Patricia W
Loop:Bcir
Site:A14
Reviewed 10 months ago
Was by water and scenery was just great. Nice camp host and was great to visit with all. Just all in all it was a great place to visit and camp at. It is close to our home so we can keep eye on home yet enjoy our camping seasons. Only thing I didn't like is they put some speed bumps in that are entirely way too high up and hurts my back as I go over them. That is the only thing about this I didn't like. Many stated this. One could of put speed bumps in but didn't need to make them as high as they are.
Nathen B
Loop:Bcir
Site:H04
Reviewed 10 months ago
Peaceful, clean facilities, and mowed up nice with no trash would recommend to others
Greg T
Loop:Bcir
Site:A09
Reviewed 10 months ago
We had a great experience at Bridgeview until we discovered that someone had stolen our homemade step that we use for our dog and special needs daughter to get in and out of our pickup.
brad m
Loop:Bbic
Site:F02
Reviewed a year ago
The dock/fish cleaning station at Bridgeview boat landing needs upgraded. Over the last 2 season it has caused great damage to many boats. It is dangerous and very hard to tie up to.
At a minimum the dock needs a non abrasive protective surface put around the dock in the mooring areas and with more easily accessible tie offs
Roger H
Loop:Bcir
Site:B06
Reviewed a year ago
Nice facilities that are well maintained. Volunteer help is very good and will do whatever they can to help.
chris m
Loop:Bcir
Site:A14
Reviewed a year ago
Mike and Dora are excellent hosts. They are very friendly and welcoming.
Dennis H
Loop:Bcir
Site:A22
Reviewed a year ago
There were ticks everywhere, someone should treat the area around each campsite. Horrible experience for our entire party.
Terry F
Loop:Bbic
Site:F01
Reviewed a year ago
We have camped at Bridgeview for at least 23 years and have enjoyed it every year. It would be a shame if the Corp ever closed it.
Alan H
Loop:Bcir
Site:H07
Reviewed a year ago
If you want a dock you can grab onto to easily tie to while loading drive the 7 miles up the road and put in at Honey Creek SP
brad m
Loop:Bcir
Site:A04
Reviewed a year ago
The Bridgeview dock and fish cleaning station is completely unacceptable and needs to be replaced. It has damaged many boats and also led to many fish lost along with other equipment.
Vernon L
Loop:Bcir
Site:R04
Reviewed 2 years ago
It was very quiet and we enjoyed a campfire and the view of the lake. The only thing that would improve that is to take down some of the little trees and bushes between the campground and the lake. The sky was awesome and the stars at night were pretty. We sat and watched for a long time. There are very few lights so it doesn't take away from the night sky. We enjoyed our time and the park host was very friendly and we enjoyed visiting with him.
Darin B
Loop:Bcir
Site:A21
Reviewed 2 years ago
We enjoyed our stay, but our site (A21) was not level at all.
Julie M
Loop:Bcir
Site:M16
Reviewed 2 years ago
Lake Rathbun - Bridgeview Campgrounds in Moravia, Iowa has the best camping spots ever! The hosts have become such wonderful friends! Mike & Dora generously offer their expertise to help everybody with everything! Delicious meals & gas & groceries at Brownie's across the road. Plus many excellent restaurants surrounding Lake Rathbun, our perfect Iowa Ocean! 😊 you!
SALLY H
Loop:Bcir
Site:B11
Reviewed 2 years ago
Great campground, very clean. Great hosts!
Nice place for walking and riding bicycles
Russ B
Loop:Bcir
Site:A09
Reviewed 2 years ago
Excellent spacious sites. Quiet place to camp and fish. I will be back.
brad m
Loop:Bcir
Site:B22
Reviewed 2 years ago
Great campground with a great host Mike! He’s the best there is.
The only negative feedback I have is the dock and fish cleaning station at the boat landing has major issues. Saw many boats damaged by the dock
Carrie s
Loop:Bcir
Site:M11
Reviewed 2 years ago
Highly recommend this campground.. the place is always clean. Shower house and restrooms are well kept and the campground attendants are all top notch. Wonderful people who take care of the area!!! Do not hesitate to camp here if you want a peaceful relaxing experience!!
Popularity
Moderate · 49%
Busiest in July, when about 49% of sites are booked. Based on 9 years of reservations.
Location
CENTERVILLE, IA 52544-8308
