Prairie Ridge Park

Are you looking for a peaceful escape from the everyday hustle? Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Prairie Ridge Park in Moravia offers a serene and picturesque campground experience that local Iowans have come to cherish. Often described as a "hidden treasure," this charming park provides an ideal setting for those seeking to reconnect with nature, enjoy stunning vistas, and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Prairie Ridge Park is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park your RV; it's a gateway to the natural beauty that Iowa has to offer. With its strategic location near Rathbun Lake, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of outdoor activities while enjoying the quiet solitude that makes this campground truly special. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking for your next family adventure, Prairie Ridge Park promises an experience that is both refreshing and memorable.

Prairie Ridge Park is conveniently located at 200th Ave, Moravia, IA 52571, USA. Situated approximately six miles southwest of the junction of Iowa Highway 5 and J18 at Moravia, this campground offers a delightful blend of accessibility and secluded charm. Its position between Buck Creek and Honey Creek provides a unique landscape with high ridges that offer breathtaking views of Rathbun Lake, one of Iowa's largest and most beloved bodies of water.

Getting to Prairie Ridge Park is straightforward, with paved and gravel driveways leading to the various camp areas. While it offers an "off-the-beaten-path" feel, it remains easily reachable for local Iowans looking for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation. The park's proximity to Rathbun Lake means that a wealth of water-based activities are just moments away, and local conveniences such as bait shops, dining options, and fuel are within a few minutes' drive. The ease of access, combined with its tranquil setting, makes Prairie Ridge Park a prime choice for those seeking both convenience and a genuine outdoor experience.

Prairie Ridge Park is committed to providing a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all its visitors. The campground offers a range of services and amenities designed to cater to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. Here's a look at what you can expect:

• Spacious Campsites: The park boasts 54 large, family-friendly campsites across two separate camp areas. These sites can accommodate both tents and RVs, with many offering electric hookups. RV sites are available with 20, 30, and 50 amp service, and can handle rigs up to 75-90 feet in length, making them big-rig friendly.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Clean and well-maintained restroom and shower facilities with hot water are available, ensuring a comfortable stay.
• Potable Water: Access to potable water spigots is provided throughout the campground, allowing campers to easily fill their tanks.
• RV Dump Stations: Convenient RV dump stations are on-site for easy waste disposal.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, often including a grill, perfect for enjoying outdoor meals and cozy campfires.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: Pets are welcome at Prairie Ridge Park, though they must be kept on a leash and supervised at all times, ensuring a pleasant experience for all campers.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for sale, so you don't have to worry about bringing your own.
• Boat Ramp and Courtesy Dock: For water enthusiasts, the campground features its own boat ramp, protected on three sides, and a courtesy dock with a fish cleaning station, providing easy access to Rathbun Lake for boating, fishing, and watersports.

Prairie Ridge Park distinguishes itself with several unique features and highlights that enhance the camping experience and draw visitors back year after year. These elements contribute to its reputation as a cherished destination in Iowa:

• Breathtaking Sunsets and Starry Nights: As highlighted by numerous visitors, Prairie Ridge Park offers some of the "BEST SUNSETS AROUND!" The open skies also provide an unparalleled opportunity to "SEE THE STARS FOR MILES!", making for unforgettable evenings under the celestial canopy.
• Secluded and Peaceful Atmosphere: Many visitors praise the park for its "small and tucked back in the woods, very peaceful" ambiance. It's often noted that the campground "never feels overcrowded with people," truly making you feel "out Camping." This tranquil environment is ideal for relaxation and quiet enjoyment of nature.
• Proximity to Rathbun Lake: The campground's location on a high ridge overlooking Rathbun Lake provides spectacular views and direct access to various water-based recreational activities, including swimming, boating, and excellent fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, and walleye.
• Extensive Trail System: An impressive eight-mile trail extends from Prairie Ridge Park, leading hikers and bikers through Iowa's natural landscapes and connecting to Honey Creek Resort. This trail offers wonderful vistas of the lake and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
• Modern Playground: Families with younger visitors will appreciate the modern playground, providing a safe and fun area for children to enjoy.
• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The park is surrounded by Iowa's natural and enhanced prairie life community, with woodland draws and timbered hillsides, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly deer and turkey, along with numerous bird species.
• Nearby Attractions: Beyond the campground, visitors are within easy reach of attractions like the Rathbun OHV Park for off-roading adventures, Honey Creek Resort with its amenities, and the Rathbun Fish Hatchery.

While specific, ongoing promotions for Prairie Ridge Park itself may vary seasonally, it's always a good idea for Iowans to check with the campground directly for any current deals or discounts. Campground rates are generally competitive, starting from around $18 per night for basic sites. It's also worth noting that campgrounds in the Rathbun Lake area, including Prairie Ridge Park, are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and sometimes offer discounts for certain passes, such as federal interagency passes which cover admission and/or amenity fees for federal lands. These passes can provide significant savings for frequent visitors to national parks and federal recreation sites.

For the most up-to-date information on any promotions or special offers, it is highly recommended to contact Prairie Ridge Park directly. Additionally, if planning to rent pontoon boats or other recreational equipment at nearby Honey Creek Resort, keep an eye out for their promotions, such as the Pontoon Boat Special for 2025, which offers $100 off Monday-Thursday rentals. While these are separate from the campground, they can enhance your overall experience in the Rathbun Lake area.

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about Prairie Ridge Park, you can reach out using the following contact details:

Address: 200th Ave, Moravia, IA 52571, USA

Phone: (641) 724-3103

Mobile Phone: +1 641-724-3103

It is always advisable to call ahead to check availability, especially during peak season (typically May 15 - September 15), and to confirm any specific details regarding your stay.

For Iowans seeking a genuine and rejuvenating outdoor experience, Prairie Ridge Park stands out as an exceptional choice. Its reputation as a "hidden treasure" is well-earned, offering a sanctuary of peace and natural beauty that is surprisingly accessible yet feels wonderfully remote. Locals consistently rave about the "best sunsets around" and the unparalleled stargazing opportunities, making it a perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with the simpler pleasures of life. The intimate and uncrowded atmosphere ensures that every visit truly feels like "out Camping," rather than a bustling resort.

Beyond the stunning scenery, the practical amenities, including well-maintained restrooms and showers, full hookups for RVs, and easy lake access, cater to a comfortable stay. The extensive eight-mile trail offers fantastic opportunities for hiking and biking, allowing residents to explore the picturesque Iowa landscape right from their campsite. Whether you're looking for a quiet weekend fishing on Rathbun Lake, a family adventure with kids enjoying the playground, or simply a peaceful retreat under a blanket of stars, Prairie Ridge Park provides a quintessential Iowa camping experience. Its blend of serene surroundings, thoughtful services, and family-friendly features makes it an ideal local getaway, promising to create cherished memories for years to come. If you haven't yet discovered this gem, it's time to plan your next Iowa adventure at Prairie Ridge Park.