Stephens Forest Campground
Open and in peak season through October 15, 2026. Equestrian trails temporarily closed due to wet conditions as of April 24, 2026. Off-peak rates apply October 16-31. Campground closes November 1 through March 31. 100% reservable via ReserveAmerica.
Flood Watch issued June 11 at 1:18PM CDT until June 11 at 4:00PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, and southeast Iowa, including the following counties, in central Iowa, Jasper and Poweshiek. In south central Iowa, Appanoose, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe and Wayne. In southeast Iowa, Davis and Wapello. * WHEN...Until 4 PM CDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - More rain this afternoon in addition to recent rainfall from Wednesday through this morning may lead to renewed, additional or more significant flooding.
Flood Watch issued June 11 at 9:41AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
...The Flood Watch continues for the following rivers in Iowa... Missouri... East Fork 102 River at Bedford affecting Taylor and Nodaway counties. Chariton River near Chariton affecting Monroe, Appanoose, Wayne and Lucas Counties. * WHAT...Flooding is possible. * WHERE...The Chariton River near Chariton, or from Wolf Creek to Rathbun Reservoir. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 19.8 feet, Wate affects 450th St. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:45 AM CDT Thursday the stage was 18.2 feet. - Forecast...Rises on the river are possible over the next few days. The river may reach flood stage. - Flood stage is 19.5 feet.
Flood Warning issued June 11 at 9:07AM CDT until June 12 at 9:15AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...A portion of south central Iowa, including the following counties, Appanoose, Lucas, Monroe and Wayne. * WHEN...Until 915 AM CDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Numerous roads have been closed due to flooding especially across the southwest half of Monroe County. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 906 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the warned area. Between 3 and 6 inches of rain have fallen. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Chariton, Albia, Eddyville, Rathbun Lake, Lake Sundown, Moravia, Russell, Lovilia, Williamson, Melrose, Unionville, Millerton, Honey Creek State Park, Red Haw Lake State Park, Albia Municipal Airport and Chariton Municipal Airport.
Tornado Watch issued June 11 at 7:34AM CDT until June 11 at 3:00PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 311 UNTIL 3 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON WHICH REPLACES A PORTION OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 310. THE NEW WATCH IS VALID FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN IOWA THE NEW WATCH INCLUDES 10 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL IOWA JASPER POWESHIEK IN SOUTH CENTRAL IOWA APPANOOSE LUCAS MAHASKA MARION MONROE WAYNE IN SOUTHEAST IOWA DAVIS WAPELLO THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALBIA, ALLERTON, BLOOMFIELD, CENTERVILLE, CHARITON, CORYDON, GRINNELL, HUMESTON, KNOXVILLE, NEWTON, OSKALOOSA, OTTUMWA, PELLA, AND SEYMOUR. * PRIMARY THREATS INCLUDE... A FEW TORNADOES AND A COUPLE INTENSE TORNADOES POSSIBLE. WIDESPREAD DAMAGING WINDS LIKELY WITH ISOLATED SIGNIFICANT GUSTS TO 80 MPH POSSIBLE. SCATTERED LARGE HAIL AND ISOLATED VERY LARGE HAIL EVENTS TO 2 INCHES IN DIAMETER POSSIBLE. PROBABILITY TABLE: PROB OF 2 OR MORE TORNADOES : 50% PROB OF 1 OR MORE STRONG /EF2-EF5/ TORNADOES : 30% PROB OF 10 OR MORE SEVERE WIND EVENTS : 90% PROB OF 1 OR MORE WIND EVENTS >= 75 MPH : 50% PROB OF 10 OR MORE SEVERE HAIL EVENTS : 40% PROB OF 1 OR MORE HAIL EVENTS >= 2 INCHES : 30% PROB OF 6 OR MORE COMBINED SEVERE HAIL/WIND EVENTS : >95% MEAN STORM MOTION /MPH/ : E 50
About
Stephens Forest Campground is the main camping area within Stephens State Forest, Iowa's largest state forest with over 15,000 acres dispersed across Lucas, Clarke, Monroe, Appanoose, and Davis counties. The campground sits in the Lucas and Whitebreast Units, offering a rustic camping experience without electricity but with essential amenities including pit toilets and water hydrants throughout. The campground accommodates various camping styles with 70 total sites: 41 equestrian-standard non-electric sites designed for campers with horses, 21 standard non-electric sites, 7 tent-only sites, and one youth group site. Sites can accommodate RVs up to 55 feet in length via back-in access. The forest contains two stocked ponds in each unit with bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish. Recreational opportunities abound with 20 miles of multi-use trails in the Whitebreast Unit for horseback riding and mountain biking, plus five miles of trails in the Lucas Unit suitable for hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Hunting is permitted in season. The Knoxville Raceway is approximately 30 minutes north for those seeking off-site entertainment.
Directions
From the junction of Highway 34 and Highway 65 at Lucas, go south 2 miles on Highway 65, then west 2 miles on 467th Street to reach Whitebreast Unit. Lucas Unit is accessible via an alternate 1-mile route north on 137th Trail.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $12 - $16 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 65ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| stephens_forest@dnr.iowa.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (641) 774-5632 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!