Stephens Forest Campground

4.47

19 reviews

24550 US Highway 30 , Chariton, Iowa, 50049, United States

Romantic GetawayPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,076 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,076 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Stephens Forest Campground

$6.00 - $6.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Primitive camping fees are reported by users to be $6 per night.

Standard Site Fee$6.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 19 reviews

168 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanwell-maintained

Some mention

bugs

"User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, tranquility, and suitability for primitive camping. However, complaints about bugs, mud, and lack of amenities like electricity are also noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

24550 US Highway 30 , Chariton, Iowa, 50049, United States

Stephens Forest Campground

24550 US Highway 30 , Chariton, Iowa, 50049, United States

Driving directionsFrom the junction of Highway 34 and Highway 65 at Lucas, go south on Highway 65 for 2 miles, go west on 467th Street for 2 miles to enter the Whitebreast Unit of Stephens Forest. To reach the Lucas Unit of Stephens Forest: from the same junction of Highway 34 and Highway 65 at Lucas, go south 2 miles on Highway 65, go west on 467th Street 1 mile, go north on 137th Trail 1 mile.

The Whitebreast Unit and Lucas Unit are served by all-weather roads. Some units, such as the Cedar Creek, Chariton, and Thousand Acres Units, are less well served by all-weather roads and may require navigating dirt roads and access lanes.

Nearby places

Lucas is approximately 2 miles away

Chariton is the nearest town with facilities.

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as groceries, camping gear, and fuel are more than 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Stephens Forest Campground

Time your visit to perfection by planning around Stephens State Forest's most inviting conditions. The sweet spot arrives during weeks blessed with gentle breezes, comfortable temperatures, and crisp, dry air that makes every outdoor moment memorable. Summer transforms the forest into a lush, verdant paradise, though veteran campers wisely pack extra bug spray for those characteristically muggy Iowa evenings when the humidity wraps around you like a warm blanket and the insects come out to play.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer can be muggy and buggy; trails and solitude still attractive for some visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as more pleasant with comfortable temps and good foliage/viewing opportunities.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring reviews are positive, though roads may be muddy after rains; pleasant temperatures noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 9% in IA

Snowmobiling and cross‑country skiing available; quieter season but colder and more remote.

Planning Tips

About Stephens Forest Campground

Discover the wild heart of Iowa at Stephens State Forest, where 15,000 acres of untamed wilderness sprawl across five counties, beckoning adventurers to explore its hidden treasures. Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, this vast forest sanctuary encompasses distinctive areas like the rugged Whitebreast and serene Lucas units. Whether you're seeking solitude on winding hiking trails, challenging terrain for mountain biking, scenic routes for horseback riding, or the authentic experience of primitive camping under star-filled skies, Stephens State Forest delivers an escape into nature's embrace.

Stephens Forest Campground primarily offers primitive camping options suitable for hikers and equestrian campers. RVs can be accommodated, but larger vehicles may face challenges.

Historical SignificanceWhile the ancient trees keep their secrets close, Stephens State Forest stands as a testament to Iowa's commitment to preserving wild spaces for future generations to explore and cherish.

Weather and SeasonsTime your visit to perfection by planning around Stephens State Forest's most inviting conditions. The sweet spot arrives during weeks blessed with gentle breezes, comfortable temperatures, and crisp, dry air that makes every outdoor moment memorable. Summer transforms the forest into a lush, verdant paradise, though veteran campers wisely pack extra bug spray for those characteristically muggy Iowa evenings when the humidity wraps around you like a warm blanket and the insects come out to play.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where towering hardwoods create cathedral-like canopies overhead and babbling creek beds carve their stories through the forest floor. Wildlife enthusiasts find themselves in paradise here, with patient observers rewarded by glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, and countless bird species going about their daily lives. As one enchanted visitor shared, 'If you like natural wooded areas, this is the place for you' – a sentiment echoed by countless others who've discovered the forest's ability to restore the soul through its unspoiled beauty.

Geological RegionStephens State Forest weaves its magic across the rolling landscapes of five Iowa counties – Lucas, Clarke, Monroe, Appanoose, and Davis – creating a tapestry of diverse ecosystems. From dense woodlands that whisper with ancient wisdom to tranquil ponds that mirror the sky, from meandering creek beds that have sculpted the land for millennia to open meadows where wildflowers dance in the breeze, this geological wonderland showcases the subtle but stunning variety of Iowa's natural heritage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Data not available

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Walk-in AvailabilityCampgrounds are self-registered and operate on a first-come-first-serve basis; there is no need for reservations according to user feedback.

AccessibilityHandicap access is listed among the within-facility amenities, but no specific details about accessibility features are provided.

Site SizeSites are suitable for small campers or tents but may not accommodate larger RVs per user reviews.

PrivacyCamping areas are described as quiet and less crowded, offering a sense of seclusion, especially in the Lucas Unit.

Recommended SitesUser reviews suggest the Lucas Unit as a quiet camping area, and the Whitebreast Unit for equestrian camping.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Stephens Forest Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. Seasonal activities like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are also available. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, as noted by multiple user reviews.

HikingSeveral miles of backpacking trails are available, with some trails in the Lucas and Whitebreast units described as uphill and crossing creek beds. Trails are maintained but can have downed trees occasionally.

FishingFishing is available in the stocked ponds of the Lucas and Whitebreast units, with species such as bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish.

BikingMountain biking is allowed on equestrian trails.

Wildlife viewingWildlife watching opportunities are abundant, as highlighted in authoritative descriptions.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks, mosquitoes, and spiders are commonly reported hazards. Users also reported muddy and rutted roads following rain.

Weather at Stephens Forest Campground

Reviews

4.5

19 reviews

Recommended

Stephens Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, tranquility, and suitability for primitive camping. However, complaints about bugs, mud, and lack of amenities like electricity are also noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praised the clean primitive bathrooms, the peaceful and less crowded atmosphere, and well-maintained trails. The campground was appreciated for being 'a hidden gem' and 'off the grid.'

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Users frequently mentioned bugs, spider webs, and challenging road conditions during rainy periods. Some also noted the absence of flush toilets, locked bathrooms, and lack of electricity.

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing bug spray, a walking stick for trails, and preparing for primitive conditions. It's also suggested to avoid the area during rainy conditions due to mud and ruts.

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In summer, the campground can be muggy and buggy, while fall and spring offer more pleasant weather. Rainy conditions in spring and summer may make roads difficult to navigate.

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Primitive campsite in Lucas Unit. 6 bucks per night. Nobody else here but us which is exactly how we like it.' (IowaHiker, 2021) 2. 'Horse trials were nice and well groomed. Primitive bathrooms...

Based on 19 reviews