Honey Creek State Park — Attraction in Centerville

Honey Creek Campground at Honey Creek State Park is on Lake Rathbun, one of the largest lakes in Iowa. My wife's and my experience has been that state campgrounds, especially the newer (or remodeled) tend to have a "tract home" vibe. We were pleased to discover Honey Creek to feel less sterile, in fact, quite nice. The campground has two loops, an older loop away from the lake a bit (not in clear view) and a newer loop that extends out onto a peninsula with a number of sites providing good views of the lake. Both loops have electric, water, and restroom/shower facilities, but the older loop away from the lake also has sewer connections. It's important to note that really large rigs would probably need to stay in the older camping loop. A lot of the sites on the peninsula are somewhat smaller, although not all.

I have a small "tall" teardrop trailer that you can stand up in, and I stayed in the new loop, for three nights at a campsite near the restrooms and more wooded, with shade. My fourth night I moved to a campsite near the end of the peninsula with a great view of the lake; however, it was quite windy, so I was outside less and did not build a campfire.

One thing nice about Honey Creek, and especially the new loop, is that cell phone signal strength is good. I'm always looking for this so that I have places to camp with my wife and so that she can still work online. Our tiny trailer is both our recreation trailer and a mobile office.

The restrooms were clean, and the sites maintained well. In the summer heat, there would be fewer choice spots for those who need shade. There were a good number of "walk-in" sites so people can show up and find a spot. There were also a number of tent spots. One thing that made this stay fun was that Honey Creek Resort, a state park resort, is about four miles down the road, so I was able to go one morning and have a great omlet for breakfast.

Finally, there are great trails, some paved and some mowed, for bicycling and hiking. There's a lot to see at this park, and my wife and I are looking forward to camping again and exploring more. I should mention that I camped in late September during the weekdays. A weekend during vacation time would probably be a much more social experience. When I camped, I was the only camper in the...

Our recent visit to Honey Creek State Park left us captivated by its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. This park truly offers something for everyone, from breathtaking hiking trails to serene picnic spots and convenient camping facilities. Our day began with an invigorating hike, accompanied by our faithful four-legged companion. The trails were well-maintained and showcased the park's diverse ecosystems, providing us with a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure.

After a refreshing morning hike, we found ourselves drawn to the park's enchanting lake. The lake access was abundant, allowing us to find a peaceful spot to relax and soak in the picturesque surroundings. The gentle lapping of the water and the soothing sounds of nature created a serene atmosphere, making it the ideal place to unwind. We appreciated the park's dog-friendly policies, which allowed us to enjoy the company of our furry friend throughout our visit. The policy is to keep your dog on a leash and pick up after them.

Overall, Honey Creek State Park offers a nature lover's paradise, with its well-marked hiking trails, peaceful picnic areas, and ample lake access. The park's dog-friendly atmosphere and scenic beauty made our day truly memorable. If you're seeking a place to connect with nature, hike with your furry friend, and bask in the tranquility of a lake, this park is definitely...

This seems to be the campground the state of Iowa forgot. We came here for a family reunion since it was centrally located. The full hookup sites had a nice pad but they were extremely close to one another. We stayed in the electric only sites. The campsites were mowed. It appeared there was a gravel pad at one time but it has been over grown and in now mostly weeds and mud. The hiking trails within the park were poorly maintained. The bathroom was very clean. We never saw any park employes during our five day stay. No DNR, no camp host. There was no map posted or emergency numbers posted. A nice quiet campground that had few campers.

Down the road is the Honey Creek Resort. This seems to be where the state has put all their resources. We were able to rent a pontoon. And enjoy the lake. They also had jet ski rental, a water park and a golf course. We learned all this from another camper since we never saw any camp staff at the park. The campground at the resort is basically a field. My recommendation would be to camp at Honey Creek State Park but utilize the Honey Creek Resort facilities. We will not be...