Aerial view of the main lodge shows where Honey Creek Resort is located next to Rathbun Lake

Resort Policies

COVID-19 Closure

After careful consideration with Iowa State Parks and public health officials, Honey Creek Resort's lodging, waterpark, activities building, golf course, and restaurant will be closing completely beginning Sunday, March 22, and re-opening Thursday, May 14, in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19.

If you have a reservation booked between now and May 14, and would like to change your reservation to another date or discuss other plans to visit with us at Honey Creek Resort, please call us at 866-797-5308 or re-book online. If you are not able to change your reservation to an alternate date, your reservation will be automatically canceled and your deposit refunded.

We hope this temporary closure supports the national and global effort and look forward to seeing you at our property at a more opportune time this year. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.

Sincerely,

Honey Creek Resort Management

Check-In and Check-Out

Check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m. Arrangements for a late check-out must be made with the Front Desk by calling 641-724-1450.

Deposit Policy

All reservations require a deposit equal to the first night's room rate (including tax and conservation fee). Lodging packages may require full prepayment at the time of reservation.

Cancellation Policy

Requests for cancellation must be received a minimum of three (3) days prior to arrival date in order to receive a refund of deposit. Cancellations made after this time will result in forfeiture of the deposit. Additional restrictions may apply on lodging packages.

Resort Fee Policy

The daily resort fee in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day is $25 plus applicable tax per night. From Labor Day through the week prior to Memorial Day weekend, the resort fee will be $5 plus applicable tax per night.

  • Now to May 21st, 2020 - $5.00 per room, per night.
  • May 22nd, 2020 to September 7th, 2020 - $25.00 per room, per night.
  • September 8th, 2020 to May 20th, 2021 - $5.00 per room, per night.

This fee is not reflected in the grand total quoted on your reservation. If you have questions about the resort fee, please inquire with the Front Desk Agent upon check-in. Added values are subject to availability, and may be substituted at any time.

For detailed information on the resort fee, please click here.

Early Departure

Reductions to length of stay must be received a minimum of three (3) days prior to the scheduled arrival date. If early departure becomes necessary upon or after arrival to the resort, guests will be charged up to and including the full length of stay.

Lodge Room, Cottage, and RV Site Assignments

Lodge room, cottage, and RV site assignments are made the day of arrival. We accept requests for specific units and locations and we will make every effort to honor these requests. However, we cannot guarantee which lodge room, cottage, or RV site will be assigned to you.

Minimum Stay

Most weekends and holidays have a minimum stay of two or three nights.

Discounts

Discounts, if applicable, are taken off of posted rack rate and may not be combined with special packages or offers. Sales tax is not included in the rates.

Smoke-Free

All of our accommodations are smoke-free.

Pets

Up to two (2) pet dogs (max 80 pounds) are welcome in a limited number of designated pet-friendly guest rooms and cottages and at the RV park. When making a reservation, please request a pet unit.

Learn more about pet-friendly accommodations

Firewood

Our cottages and RV campsites feature campfire rings and charcoal barbecue grills. Due to federal safety regulations, firewood from outside of Iowa is prohibited. Firewood and charcoal are available for purchase at the resort.

Regulation details: There is currently a federal firewood transport quarantine established by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, to prevent the spread of emerald ash borer (EAB). It is in direct violation of the USDA APHIS quarantine for guests to bring firewood from quarantined states into uninfested areas like Iowa.

Restaurant Reservations

Reservations at our restaurant, Rathbun Lakeshore Grille, can be made prior to arrival.

Adjoining Rooms

For families and groups, there are nine adjoining guest rooms that may be requested. PLEASE NOTE: specific room locations and requests, including adjoining rooms, can be requested but can not be guaranteed.

Airport

Honey Creek Resort is about 90 miles away from the Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

Conservation Fee

The conservation fee is 3.75%. It is used to help the resort with environmental sustainability initiatives and providing interactive programs for guests.