Minnesota Classic Glastron Forum

General Category => Iowa Events / Meets => Topic started by: Plugcheck on March 06, 2020, 10:57:33 AM

Title: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: Plugcheck on March 06, 2020, 10:57:33 AM
Just an FYI, Rathbun 2020 will be held June 11th through Sunday June 14th.   Marina opens April 1st to take reservations.   It's a great time, check previous threads or just ask for details.   

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2020 Rathbun Lake Meet, Iowa .. June 11th through Sunday June 14th.
Marina opens April 1st to take reservations.

 I know its snowy and cold where most of you are right now but the time has come to think about lake Rathbun 2020.   An annual meet up in South central Iowa on the second largest lake in the state.  We moved both the date and the venue last year with amazing success.   There is so much to offer and the State park we used to camp at is available for those who would choose to do so.   Its a quick run on the lake, but a rather tedious drive between the two places.   We moved to the Lake Rathbun Marina and obtained both a camping spot and a slip rental for the three days.    This years trip will be held  June 11th through Sunday June 14th.  Campsites are $25.00 per night, and slips are $20.00 per day.   Campsites have 50amp service and water.  Tents are allowed, up to two, but not in combination with an RV.  We found having slips to be the ultimate convenience, come and go as ya please.  Even made a twilight run possible as the marina is lit well enough to get back home.   Between the Honey Creek Resort and Louie's, there is plenty of great food to be had.  Marina has fuel, and a convenience store.  Staff is friendly and helpful.  Our contact for this is Jannell Sowers, her office number is 641-724-3212, her cell is 641-436-6587.   The marina does not open until early April, so her email right now is the best way to contact her.   Jannell@rathbunlakemarinas.com   The website is www.rathbunlakemarinas.com

Having looked at some old posts here are some quick answers:
 Yes, they allow pets.   
2 tents maximum with no RV on each campsite.
 Water is a fair distance, bring a splitter and a hose(at least 50')
Jannell is rather difficult to get ahold of until she has regular hours at the marina sometime early-mid april.
Do not confuse Honey Creek State Park with Honey Creek Resort, they are separate and a fair distance apart.
If you stay at the Marina, there are no gravel roads involved.   You can get to the state park and resort without gravel as well, but we get lost easily in unfamiliar territory and there is plenty of gravel roads to be found. 
The ramp at the Marina does not have any dock next to it.  A courtesy dock is off to the side.  Best way is to have someone in the boat to drive it over to the slip, while the other parks the vehicle/trailer.
Fish were biting last year, so its fair to say fishing is available for those interested.
An area is reserved to drop your trailers since they are not allowed in the campground.
Facilities are a small walk away but are very nice and keypad access only.  Never had to wait much, if at all to shower.  Probably because I avoid the peak times.
Fire pits are available as is firewood.  Firewood quarantine area, if you bring it from outside, you cant haul it back with you. Look up EAB(Emerald Ash Borer) for more info.
This is a very informal get together, no shirts or trophies, but lots of fun to get together and boat.  We had a fantastic spot last year at the end of the no wake area to watch all the boats coming/going.   Some of the twin big-block craft going up on plane was absolute music to us gearheads.  Maybe if enough folks are going, then maybe a tee-shirt in the future.   I'm not an artist, so I'll need help in this department.
Occasionally there is some beach area by the old camping spot, but its usually muddy or filled with tree debris. One year it was quite nice and we found time to beach there.

Let me know if anyone has any questions, and as always, lets hope for great weather.
Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: Plugcheck on March 10, 2020, 06:00:54 PM
Yes, thank you for taking the time to post the full details.  We have always enjoyed the trips there even though rain has dampened our spirits occasionally in the past, it doesn't keep us from going back.    The food at Louie's is phenomenal.  The resort is always a good lunch destination, and so many coves for floating around.  I think there is something like 5+ camping areas around the lake.  Something for everyone really.
Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: thedeuceman on March 11, 2020, 12:38:40 PM
Thanks Gregg


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Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: Plugcheck on April 23, 2020, 08:38:39 AM
I just talked to the staff at the Marina and wanted to post a quick FYI to all those interested in a Lake Rathbun trip.   The general attitude at this point, as with most of the country, is a wait and see condition.  Core of Engineers campgrounds remain closed, but the Marina/campground we stay at is open(private).  Louie's is closed, but open for takeout.   Courtesy docks are not in yet, but they hope to see them in in early May.     Our planned time, June 11-14, has availability, but they suggested calling back in mid May to confirm conditions.      More updates when something more definitive is known.      Thanks all, be safe.
Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: Hyperacme on April 23, 2020, 11:35:46 AM
Thanks for update Mike ..
Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: stl-cvx on June 03, 2020, 12:32:37 PM
Anyone else gonna make it?
My parents are gonna be there with their cv-23 and i'm a maybe on Saturday.
Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: thedeuceman on June 03, 2020, 01:02:36 PM
Laurie and i will be there with the BalHarbor
Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: Plugcheck on June 03, 2020, 03:31:05 PM
Great to hear others may show up.  Nothing formal about this event.  In the past we venture over to the resort and have lunch on Friday.  Saturday is generally a beach setting/lunch/float/cruise.    As it stands now, five dogs, three are puppies, so our water time may be reduced to more beach time.   Louie's is open, but outside seating only at last check.  There are many ramps on Rathbun, just let us know your plan.   
Title: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: thedeuceman on June 04, 2020, 03:15:11 PM
last year when we were there the lake level was 913'
currently it is at 906 and is on a downward trend, currently there is rain predicted for Tuesday.
so it looks like we should have some beaches :D
Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: thedeuceman on June 04, 2020, 03:19:23 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200604/59f5a0b6414622999370476fd78315ab.jpg)


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Title: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: Mrs.TheDeuceMan on June 13, 2020, 11:42:55 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200613/6a68dac3fd968165cfd05dfd1bca7a12.jpg)
What a gorgeous day for boating!!

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Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: Mrs.TheDeuceMan on June 13, 2020, 12:12:34 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200613/1b3185f000e8dac42cfd97561958acca.jpg)


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Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: Mrs.TheDeuceMan on June 14, 2020, 11:40:27 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200614/1687434e6ccdc1e2a8ca57d766064a71.jpg)


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Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: Mrs.TheDeuceMan on June 14, 2020, 11:40:27 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200614/1687434e6ccdc1e2a8ca57d766064a71.jpg)


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Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: Jason on June 15, 2020, 09:58:34 PM
Looks like a great time! Can’t beat the weather that’s for sure.
Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: Hyperacme on June 16, 2020, 12:43:49 PM
Ya .. sure looks like it went well, good weather !
Title: Re: Lake Rathbun 2020
Post by: thedeuceman on June 25, 2020, 09:55:45 AM
lake level while we were there for future ref