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Best Campgrounds near Lucas, IA

333 Reviews

Stephens State Forest provides the primary camping areas near Lucas, Iowa, with several distinct campgrounds including the Middle Area Campground and Mine Pond Campground. These locations offer a mix of camping styles from developed sites with electric hookups to more primitive options. The forest contains both drive-in sites for RVs and cars as well as walk-in and hike-in areas for backpackers seeking more seclusion. Within 30 miles, additional campground options include Red Haw State Park, Lake Ahquabi State Park, and several county parks that expand the region's camping diversity.

Most campgrounds in this area operate seasonally, with the majority open from April 1 through December 31. "I tent camped at 'Mine Pond Campground' in Stephen's State Forest in July 2022. The campground feels deep in a vibrant Iowa forest surrounded by lush greenery," noted one visitor, though they also mentioned significant mosquito activity during summer months. Insect populations represent a common consideration, particularly ticks during warmer months. Weather conditions can impact camping experiences, with several reviews mentioning rain and storms affecting their stays. While some sites offer free camping, others charge modest fees between $6-10 per night. Facilities vary significantly across locations, with some providing basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, while others add electric hookups, toilets, and occasionally showers.

The camping experience around Lucas features notable wildlife encounters and natural soundscapes. According to reviews from The Dyrt, campers regularly hear owls, coyotes, frogs, and deer, especially in the more secluded forest areas. Woodburn Unit in Stephens State Forest receives particular attention for its hiking opportunities and backpacking potential. A review described it as offering "absolute solitude" with well-maintained trails that are "wide and well graded." While many campsites remain relatively undeveloped, those seeking more amenities might prefer Red Haw State Park Campground or Lake Ahquabi State Park, which offer more facilities. Train noise affects some campgrounds in Stephens State Forest, with one camper noting they "would have given 5 stars but you will hear train horns blowing all night at this location."

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Best Camping Sites Near Lucas, Iowa (103)

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Recent Camping Photos near Lucas, IA

75 Photos of 103 Lucas Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lucas, IA

333 Reviews of 103 Lucas Campgrounds

  • Kent W.
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Howell Station

    One of our favorites

    This is a really nice campground. It’s run by friendly, helpful people. It’s well maintained, the bathrooms are clean, you’re not packed together like sardines, there’s a nice bike/walking trail around the park and (at least when we’ve visited) bald eagles, blue herons and pelicans line the river. It’s just a little over an hour from us so it’s easy to get to.

    We’re trying parks all over Iowa and Howell has been one of our favorites.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    lakeside casino resort and rv park

    Good for an overnight stop

    This is a casino campground. There are full hookups but no facilities. No trees, sites very close together. It’s essentially a parking lot with hookups.

    It’s adjacent to a truck stop and right off the interstate.

    If you are traveling I35 and it’s convenient for an overnight rest, it’s well worth the cost. Otherwise, unless the casino is your destination, find a more traditional campground

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Winterset City Park

    Peaceful

    Our first time staying here and we extended twice because we like the area so much. It’s been a peaceful two weeks and we love the town of Winterset. The campground has a variety of FHU and or just W& E, also some shared water.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Nice campground. Clean. Well kept.

    We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Adventureland Campground

    Great campground and amazing amusement park

    July, 2017

    Great place but not quiet at all.  Short walk to the amusement park.  We were there for most of the early summer so we got a season pass to the park which included the water park.  They also have workcamper programs.

    We especially loved the fireworks display on the 4th.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Green Valley State Park Campground

    Clean and well maintained

    July, 2017

    We stayed here for a week while working in the area.  Very nice place. Clean and well maintained.

  • Jerry V.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Well Maintaned & Good Fishing

    I stayed at site #13 with my two boys.  We had a blast.  I would highly recommend site #13.  It had plenty of space for a large tent and canopy.  It had a nice access spot for fishing.  The new restroom/shower facility was very nice and clean.  Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that.  There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks.  The campground manager was extremely helpful.  He had firewood already staged for $7 and even came back on day two with more firewood for the same fee.

  • J
    Jul. 8, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Clean & quiet

    Made a quick trip here to de how the new puppy likes camping. Nice size campground, sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6’ hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site. Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks.

    Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider.

    A new bath house, community room, and “shop” is being built. Bath house & laundry are complete. Very nice and spotless.

    The camp is quiet and well maintained.

  • Tiffany K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Howell Station

    Laid-back Campground

    This campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large trees that provide a lot of shade for the campground. There are play grounds for the kids. It is along a river for fishing and bird watching.

Guide to Lucas

Camping near Lucas, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun, provide access to beautiful lakes. One visitor mentioned, "Very nice campground with lake to fish and boat on. Has beach access also."
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails are abundant in the area. A camper at Howell Station noted, "The campground has a bike/walking path that borders the River and winds through the woods."
  • Exploring Local Attractions: Campers can visit nearby towns like Pella, which offers charming shops and Dutch-themed attractions. One reviewer shared, "The Dutch themed town of Pella is a short drive and a must see."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Nine Eagles State Park Campground said, "Clean spacious bathrooms, nice playground for the kids."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds, such as Yellow Banks County Park, offer large sites. One camper remarked, "Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their hospitality. A reviewer at Pammel County Park mentioned, "Camp host's are the best ever. Clean facilities."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have stores or markets nearby. A camper at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground noted, "NO market available."
  • Wildlife Caution: Campers should be aware of wildlife in the area. One visitor at Yellow Banks County Park warned, "Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night because teenagers come through sometimes looking for stuff to steal."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons for camping. For example, Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground is open from April 1 to December 31.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer swimming or fishing. A family at Honey Creek Resort enjoyed, "My kids loved it. Lots to do and see!"
  • Check for Play Areas: Some campgrounds have playgrounds or open spaces for kids to play. A camper at Winterset City Park mentioned, "The bathroom was decent, and phone service was adequate."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food or check if firewood is available for cooking. A visitor at Pammel County Park found firewood for a good price, saying, "Firewood was a gem at $10 for a wagon full!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A reviewer at Honey Creek Resort noted, "The RV sites are all paved, level, full hook ups, spacious, with a view of the lake."
  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the sites can accommodate your RV size. A camper at Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun mentioned, "Campsites were spaced well apart with plenty of room on pad around campsites."
  • Be Aware of Traffic: Some campgrounds may have busy roads nearby. A visitor at Honey Creek Resort expressed concern about traffic, stating, "People fly by to the boat ramp all day."

Camping near Lucas, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Lucas, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lucas, IA is Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What parks are near Lucas, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Lucas, IA that allow camping, notably Rathbun Lake and Lake Red Rock.

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