Rathbun Lake Recreation

With 11,000 acres of gorgeous water and 150 miles of shoreline, it’s Iowa’s second largest lake. Bring your own watercraft and use our marina with a boat launch, fishing pier and 40 boat slips.

Included in every overnight stay at Honey Creek is the use of:

• Stand up paddle boards (SUP)
• Kayaks
• Fishing equipment (license not included; can be purchased separately at the hotel gift shop)
• Beach volleyball 
• Buccaneer Bay Indoor Water Park
• Bicycles, including helmets
• Access to daily resort activities
• Naturalist programs
• Among other fun activities! 

Or, choose from a variety of seasonal watercraft rental including:

• Jet skis
• Ski boats
• Pontoons

All activities are first come, first serve, while supplies last.

Watercraft Rentals

Rentals are available seasonally, and will be weather-dependent. All marina operations open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Watercraft rentals include:

• Jet skis (fits 3 people)
• Ski boats (fits 8 people)
• Pontoons (fits 10, 12, or 14 people)

Reserve a Watercraft

About Rathbun Lake

Rathbun Lake is a flood protection lake managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps has a Visitors Center that provides information about Rathbun Lake's natural resources. For more information, visit their website or call 641-647-2464.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources manages both Honey Creek Resort and the original 850-acre Honey Creek State Park. Honey Creek State Park offers camping, cabins, heated shower facilities, trails, and boat ramp. For more information, visit their website.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources also operates the Rathbun Fish Hatchery, which raises primarily channel catfish and walleye to stock them in other Iowa lakes. Visitors are welcome year-round. For more information, visit their website or call 641-647-2406.

To get the most updated Rathbun Lake conditions and fishing reports, visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.