Island View Campground

Hello, fellow Iowans! If you're on the hunt for a truly spacious and scenic camping experience, particularly one that offers breathtaking views of one of our state's most beloved lakes, then you absolutely need to know about Island View Campground. Nestled on the shores of Lake Rathbun near Mystic, Iowa, this Army Corps of Engineers campground is a local gem. From the perspective of Iowans who appreciate ample room, well-kept facilities, and stunning natural beauty, Island View Campground consistently delivers.

Island View Campground is celebrated for its generous site sizes and its prime location overlooking Lake Rathbun. It’s the kind of place where you can spread out, enjoy the tranquility, and truly immerse yourself in the natural landscape that makes Iowa so special. While it offers a more rustic experience with electric-only hookups at most sites, its beauty and excellent maintenance more than make up for it. We'll delve into what makes this campground a standout choice for Iowa locals, from its picturesque setting to the practical amenities that ensure a comfortable stay. Get ready to discover your next favorite Hawkeye State camping destination!

Island View Campground is perfectly situated at 19357 Islandview Pl, Mystic, IA 52574, USA. Mystic is a small town located in Appanoose County, in the southern part of Iowa. This location places the campground directly on the beautiful shores of Lake Rathbun, one of Iowa's largest and most popular recreational lakes, often referred to as "Iowa's Ocean" due to its vast expanse. For residents across Iowa, reaching Lake Rathbun is a familiar and often scenic journey. The drive itself, particularly as you approach the campground, is described as "beautiful," leading you through picturesque landscapes before arriving at the serene lakeside.

The accessibility of Island View Campground is a significant advantage for Iowans. While it’s a couple of miles off the main highway entrance, this short drive contributes to the peaceful and secluded atmosphere once you arrive. Whether you're coming from Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, or other parts of the state, the routes to southern Iowa are well-maintained, ensuring a relatively smooth trip. The remote yet reachable nature of the campground means you can truly escape the hustle and bustle without an excessively long or complicated journey. Being an Army Corps of Engineers campground, it's often part of a network of well-signposted and reliably maintained public lands, making navigation straightforward. This prime location not only offers immediate access to Lake Rathbun's extensive water-based activities but also provides the quiet natural setting that many Iowans seek for their outdoor adventures.

• Spacious Campsites: The campground is noted for its "HUGE sites," with "most were double-wide so you could fit boat or extra vehicle easily," providing ample space and privacy for campers.

• Electric-Only Hookups: Sites offer "Electric only" hookups. Campers will need to "stop at dump station to fill with water" upon arrival, or utilize "a few spigots located throughout park too" for water access.

• Dump Station: A dedicated dump station is available for campers to fill their fresh water tanks and dispose of wastewater.

• Well-Maintained Facilities: The campground is consistently described as "Clean, well maintained sites," indicating a high standard of upkeep across the park.

• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Visitors have noted the presence of "Friendly helpful staff," contributing to a positive and welcoming camping experience.

• Open Space: The campground boasts "Acres of open space throughout," offering expansive areas for recreation, walking, and enjoying the natural surroundings.

• Exceptional Lake Rathbun Views: A major highlight is that "Many of the sites had EXCEPTIONAL views of the Lake Rathbun," providing stunning vistas right from your campsite. This makes it a prime location for enjoying sunrises, sunsets, and the general beauty of the lake.

• Army Corps of Engineers Campground: As an Army Corps of Engineers campground, it benefits from a reputation for being "Clean, well maintained sites" and often offers excellent value, known for providing well-managed outdoor recreation areas across the state.

• Ample Space for Vehicles and Boats: The "HUGE sites" and "double-wide" design are particularly beneficial for campers with boats, multiple vehicles, or those who simply desire more room to spread out and enjoy their campsite without feeling cramped.

• Beautiful Scenic Drive: The approach to the campground, even a couple of miles from the highway, is described as a "beautiful drive," enhancing the overall natural experience from the moment you begin to arrive.

• Peaceful and Uncrowded (especially off-peak): One review noted camping "in mid-September when park was less than 25% full," suggesting that outside of peak season, it offers an incredibly peaceful and uncrowded experience, perfect for quiet retreats.

• Access to Lake Rathbun Activities: Being directly on Lake Rathbun provides easy access to a wide array of water-based activities, including boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming, making it an ideal hub for lake enthusiasts.

• Natural Beauty: The "Acres of open space" combined with the lake views contribute to a truly beautiful natural setting, perfect for enjoying Iowa's outdoor landscapes.

For inquiries or to plan your visit to Island View Campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 19357 Islandview Pl, Mystic, IA 52574, USA

Phone: (641) 647-2079

Mobile Phone: +1 641-647-2079

For Iowans seeking a top-tier camping experience that balances natural beauty with practical amenities, Island View Campground on Lake Rathbun is an exceptional choice. Its suitability for locals stems from several key aspects that resonate deeply with our state's outdoor enthusiasts. Firstly, the emphasis on "HUGE sites" is a massive draw. We Iowans appreciate our space, and the generous dimensions, often double-wide, mean you can comfortably fit your RV, an extra vehicle, or even your boat right at your site. This convenience is particularly valuable for those who love to fish or boat on Lake Rathbun.

Secondly, the exceptional views of Lake Rathbun are a major highlight. As Iowans, we take pride in our beautiful lakes, and waking up to or unwinding with such breathtaking vistas directly from your campsite is a truly special experience. Being an Army Corps of Engineers campground also instills a level of trust; we know these facilities are generally "Clean, well maintained," and well-managed, providing a consistent and positive camping environment that we can rely on.

The location in southern Iowa, while a bit of a drive for some, is a familiar and often pleasant journey, leading to a sense of true escape. The "beautiful drive" to the campground itself sets a relaxing tone for the adventure. While the electric-only sites require a small adjustment (filling water at the dump station or spigots), this is a minor trade-off for the expansive sites, stunning views, and overall tranquility offered. For Iowans who prioritize spaciousness, cleanliness, natural beauty, and direct access to one of our state's premier lakes, Island View Campground stands out as an ideal local destination. It's not just a place to camp; it's an opportunity to truly experience and enjoy the best of Iowa's great outdoors.