HONEY CREEK STATE PARK
Honey Creek State Park in southern Iowa features 828 acres of rolling, timbered hills with the beautiful backdrop of Iowas second largest lake, Rathbun Lake. Many wooded areas offer visitors a secluded setting for wildlife viewing, especially abundant eer and turkey, along with numerous bird species. Honey Creek State Park is a few miles down the road from Honey Creek Resort State Park.
Stay overnight in one of four rustic camping cabins or at the park's campground. The pine log cabins feature covered porches, basic furnishings, electricity, microwaves, small refrigerators and heating and air conditioning. Water and sanitary facilities are not available in the cabins, but restrooms and showers are in the campground. The campground has modern sites, a universally accessible site, electricity and a dump station. One fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and advance reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Honey Creek State Park.
Located in Appanoose County, the area now known as Honey Creek State Park was originally inhabited by Native American tribes. European settlers arrived and used the land primarily for agriculture and settlement purposes throughout the 19th century.
The park's establishment dates back to when conservation efforts recognized its natural beauty and recreational potential. It officially opened to visitors seeking outdoor activities like camping, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Historical features within this region include remnants of early settler life such as farm structures or tools found occasionally on hikes. The surrounding areas have a rich history tied to Iowa's development during westward expansion.
Facilities were added including campgrounds with modern amenities; trails were improved for better accessibility while preserving ecological integrity. Land management practices evolved focusing on sustainability-protecting wildlife habitats while accommodating public enjoyment.
Recent years saw additional enhancements: upgraded lodging options introduced alongside educational programs.
1. Modern Campground: Offers electric hookups and modern restrooms/showers.
2. Non-Electric Sites: Available for tents or RVs without the need for electricity.
3. Group Camping Area: Designed to accommodate larger groups with multiple camping units.
4. Cabins: Year-round cabins available for rent, some with full amenities including kitchens and bathrooms.
5. Equestrian Campsites: Specialized sites that allow campers to bring horses along.
1. Honey Creek State Park offers a sandy beach for swimming on the shores of Rathbun Lake.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is free and open to all park visitors during daylight hours only.
4. The lake's clear water makes it suitable for both adults and children to enjoy swimming activities safely.
5. There are no designated lanes or areas specifically set aside for competitive swimmers in this state park.
Boat or Fish in the waters of Rathbun Lake. The lake is a focal point of the area, and several recreational opportunities such as fishing and paddling can be enjoyed. The North Boat Ramp is the largest on the lake, providing fishing and boating access.
Anglers can enjoy fishing from the shores or boats in Rathbun Lake. Species include crappie, walleye, catfish and largemouth bass. Fishing equipment rentals are available on-site for convenience. Ice fishing is popular during winter months too.