Iowa's Ocean
Only 6 miles from Sundown Lake you will discover Rathbun Lake. Rathbun Lake; 55 square miles of land and water located in Appanoose, Wayne, Lucas and Monroe Counties! Whether power boating or sailing, Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, has something to offer for all. Rathbun Lake has 8 parks, 2 marinas, 11,000 acres of water and 21,000 acres of south-central Iowa real estate providing space for limitless outdoor recreational activities. Camping, sightseeing, fishing, boating, picnicking and hunting are some of the favorite activities this area has to offer.
Boating:
Boat Ramps are available for usage at all eight parks. Power boaters on Rathbun Lake can enjoy cruising and water-skiing on the lake's nine-mile stretch of open water. If the wind blows too hard, the Buck Creek, Honey Creek and South Fork arms of the lake offer protection from rough water.
Sail boaters can find plenty of room to maneuver on Rathbun Lake. The size of the lake combined with the prevailing winds makes Rathbun Lake one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
Marinas at both ends of the lake - Buck Creek Marina on the east end and South Fork on the west - provide fuel mooring facilities and other supplies.
Camping:
Seven campgrounds are conveniently located around Rathbun Lake; Buck Creek, Prairie Ridge, Bridge View, Island View, Rolling Cove Park, Honey Creek and South Fork campgrounds.
Boat Ramps:
Boat ramps are available for usage at all eight parks. Island View Park has three boat ramps available, Buck Creek Park and Honey Creek State Park has two each, and the remaining six parks have one boat ramp each. Enjoy a day on the water angling for Walleye, Crappie and Large Mouth Bass.
Swimming:
Rathbun Lake has three designated swimming beaches, two are located in Buck Creek Park, and the other is located in Island View Park. These beaches are marked each summer for the safety of swimmers and also have parking, change houses and rest rooms The Buck Creek 5 and Island View 5 have volleyball nets.
Wildlife:
Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, crappie, walleye, channel catfish and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fisherman, and hunter's ample opportunities for their sports.
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