Hiking enthusiasts will find Middle Area Campground positioned within Stephens State Forest near a small lake, offering year-round camping with full hookups for RVs and walk-in tent sites. The campground sits in forested terrain with creek access, though campers should expect rough road conditions reaching some areas.
Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit with swinging grates, providing the basics for comfortable camping. Brandon R. notes the location "seems like a lot of trails to explore" with lots of hills throughout the forest. Wildlife activity runs high here, with deer and coyotes frequently heard at night. Train horns from nearby railroad tracks carry through the campground regularly, particularly during overnight hours.
The forest setting provides both primitive walk-in camping options requiring moderate hikes on wide trails, and developed sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups. Campers report finding solitude during shoulder seasons, with late September and mid-September visits yielding quiet experiences. For additional options, explore places to camp near Stephens State Forest.
Reservations are available through Iowa DNR, and pets are welcome throughout the campground. Consider bringing earplugs if sensitive to train noise during nighttime hours.
Description
Stephens State Forest is administered by the Iowa DNR and is divided into seven units totaling over 15,000 acres. The forest is dispersed over five counties: Lucas, Clarke, Monroe, Appanoose and Davis.
Lucas, Whitebreast, and Woodburn Units
These units are contiguous and are located southwest of the town of Lucas, Iowa. Most of the recreational development on Stephens Forest has taken place on the Lucas and Whitebreast units. The Lucas and Whitebreast units each have two ponds that are stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish. Recreational activities include fishing, picnicking, camping, hunting, hiking, equestrian riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and wildlife watching.
The Whitebreast Unit is 3,517 acres in size and has two lakes, three equestrian campgrounds and one group-camp area. This unit is served by an all-weather road.
The Lucas Unit is 1,267 acres in size and has two small lakes and three campgrounds. This unit is located just southwest of the intersection of Highway 65 and Highway 34. The unit is served by an all-weather road.
The Woodburn Unit is 2,098 acres in size and has over six miles of backpacking trails and five pack-in sites. The pack-in sites are not on the reservation system. The unit has an all-weather road along its west side and through the middle ofthe unit.
Cedar Creek, Chariton, and Thousand Acres Units
These units do not have any developed recreational facilities such as picnic areas, campgrounds or designated trails. They are less well served by all-weather roads; however there are many dirt roads and access lanes. These units are well suited to hunting, hiking and wildlife watching.
Unionville Unit
The Unionville Unit is 2,470 acres in size and is comprised of 11 separate compartments in northeast Appanoose County and northwest Davis County. There are no developed recreational facilities such as picnic areas, campgrounds or trails. Several tracts are served by all-weather roads. The Unionville Unit provides good hiking hunting and wildlife watching opportunities.
Attention Equestrian Riders: State regulations require horses, mules and donkeys being transported interstate (from one state to another) must have a current Certification of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and a negative Coggin's test (EIA). This paperwork must accompany the animal into the State of Iowa. Please refer to www.iowaagriculture.gov/animalindustry/horseadmissionregs.asp for more information. This law applies to equestrian camping, day-use and trail riding in any State owned Park or Forest.
Motor vehicle operation is permitted only on roads. ATVS are not permitted anywhere on the forest, trails or roads. Snowmobiles are allowed on designated routes only.
Equestrian riding is only allowed on designated trails, roads and campgrounds.
Mountain bikes are allowed on equestrian trails.
There are no designated swimming areas.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - October 31 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundMiddle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest is located in Iowa
Directions
From 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.
Address
24550 US Highway 30
Chariton, IA 50049
Coordinates
41.01786319 N
93.48555618 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/2/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/2/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/2/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/2/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 50 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 18 min from Ames, IA
- 2 hrs 2 min from St. Joseph, MO
- 2 hrs 15 min from Iowa City, IA
