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| Home > Iowa > Rathbun |
Rathbun OHV Park
Thursday, May 16, 2024
| Other Names | Lake Rathbun, Appanoose County, South Central Dirt Riders OHV Club, South Fork Chariton River, Rathbun Lake |
| Last Known Status | Variable Schedule (Depends on daily conditions. Check website for current conditions.) |
This 125 acre riding area offers about 10 miles of woods trails, a tot lot and a practice track. The trails consist mainly of dirt and rock and wind with the flow of the land through the trees and along the shores of Rathbun Lake.
Park amenities include a vault toilet, two shelters with picnic tables, an unloading/loading dock, and a water faucet that is available April through November. Camping is not permitted at the OHV park itself but the lake has several full service campgrounds.
ATVs, dirt bikes and side by sides are permitted as long as they have current Iowa registration.
The park is open year round except during spring thaw and after heavy precipitation. Call before you haul.
***ANNOUNCEMENTS***
Park Updates
The Rathbun OHV Park open/closure status is determined based on soil moisture, therefore the status will change throughout the year (day to day) depending on weather conditions. For current updates check the website before heading out.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | Iowa DNR Sticker |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Unknown | |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | Yes (62 inches) | has entrance gate or posts |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | (maximum width 62 inches) |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | helmets required for all riders, operators and passengers |
 Camping | Prohibited | |
 Campfires | Prohibited | |
| Night Riding | No | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | stay on designated trails |
| Rule Enforcement | ||
| Comment | three-wheelers prohibited | |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 125 acres | |
| Miles Of Trail | 10 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 950 to 1000 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | South Central Dirt Riders does the trail maintenance. |
| Loose Dirt |  Mostly | |
| Hard Pack |  Little | |
| Sand | Little | |
| Mud |  Some | |
| Dust | Little | |
| Rocks | Little | |
| Trees |  Many | |
| Steep Hills |  Few | |
| Water Crossings |  None | |
| Small Jumps | Few | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | Some | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | Few | |
| Shade | Many | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Little |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails, MX Track |
| Land | Army Corps of Engineers |
| Features | Public |
| Max Engine Size | No Maximum |
| Min Engine Size | No Minimum |
| Features | Public |
| Max Engine Size | No Maximum |
| Min Engine Size | No Minimum |
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 1-5 Miles (NE) | Frank's Bait and Tackle (641) 724-3171 or (641) 895-4911 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Bratz Shell (641) 437-1100 |
 Water | On Site | water faucet available April through November |
 RV Hookup | 1-5 Miles (E) | Southfork Park Campground (877) 444-6777 |
 RV Disposal | 1-5 Miles (E) | Southfork Park Campground (877) 444-6777 |
| Campground | 1-5 Miles (E) | Southfork Park Campground (877) 444-6777 |
 Conv Store | 1-5 Miles (NE) | Frank's Bait and Tackle (641) 724-3171 or (641) 895-4911 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Centerville, IA | ||
| Address | 14230 Hwy S70, Plano, IA 52581 | ||
| From: Plano, IA
1) Take SR-70 North about 5 miles 2) Park entrance is on the right (east). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | South Central Dirt Riders scdrrohva@gmail.com www.iowadnr.gov |
| Contact Info | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Rathbun Lake 20112 Hwy J5T Centerville, IA 52544-9461 (641) 647-2464 rathbun@usace.army.mil www.nwk.usace.army.mil |
| Contact Info | Iowa DNR (515) 281-5918 www.iowadnr.gov |
| Comment | Iowa OHV permit info |
Rathbun OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 11/16/2014 (Thanks!)
Rathbun OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 11/25/2014 (Thanks!)
Rathbun OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 12/7/2012 (Thanks!)
Rathbun OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 11/12/2013 (Thanks!)
Rathbun OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 1/3/2013 (Thanks!)
Rathbun OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 4/8/2013 (Thanks!)
Rathbun OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 12/17/2012 (Thanks!)
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS