Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Located in Moravia in southern Iowa's Appanoose County, this access point provides boat launch facilities on the expansive Rathbun Lake, an 11,000-acre reservoir on the Chariton River. The marina area offers a concrete boat ramp along with convenient amenities including dock access, flush and pit toilets, drinking water, showers, and a dump station. A bait shop and fish cleaning station are also available on-site, making this a well-equipped launching point for extended paddling and boating trips.

The rolling hills and scenic landscape of the Chariton River Valley make Rathbun Lake a popular destination for kayakers and canoeists. With over 700 campsites available around the lake, paddlers can easily arrange multi-day trips or base their visit at one of the nearby campgrounds. The area supports excellent fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, and wild turkey. This access site works well for both day-use boaters and those looking for longer paddling adventures on the lake's calm waters.

This recreation area is part of Rathbun Lake