Best Camping near Lucas, IA

Lucas is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lucas is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Lucas. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Lucas, IA (99)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground

    1. Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    17 Photos
    42 Saves
    Indianola, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hills Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hills Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hills Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hills Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hills Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hills Park

    3. Hickory Hills Park

    5 Reviews
    13 Photos
    18 Saves
    Woodburn, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $5 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    4. Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    10 Reviews
    13 Photos
    60 Saves
    Swan, Iowa

    Improvements include adding electric sites, shower house, and water station. All sites are first come first serve and will cost $20 per night. Registration is required upon arrival at the campground entrance. Campers may stay in WCCB campgrounds for 14 days out of any 30 day period.

    Donated by Ferold and Dorothy Grant, this 150 acre park in northeast Warren County features a picnic shelter, a secluded pond, some wonderful woodland trails, and—new in 2018—10 primitive campsites!

    The picnic shelter is available for reservation by calling the WCCB office at (515) 961-6169.

    Grant Park has ten primitive campsites. There is a pit latrine in the campground. Water is not available. Reservations are not accepted. This campground is free of charge. Registration is required and is available at the campground entrance. Campers may stay in WCCB campgrounds for 14 days out of any 30 day period.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellow Banks County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellow Banks County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellow Banks County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellow Banks County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellow Banks County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellow Banks County Park

    5. Yellow Banks County Park

    14 Reviews
    36 Photos
    99 Saves
    Pleasant Hill, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park

    6. Winterset City Park

    12 Reviews
    28 Photos
    46 Saves
    Winterset, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Casino RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Casino RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Casino RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Casino RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Casino RV Park

    7. Lakeside Casino RV Park

    4 Reviews
    5 Photos
    4 Saves
    Woodburn, Iowa

    Just steps away from all the action of Lakeside Casino, all 47 sites of the RV Park are fully equipped with water, sewage and electrical hookups, as well as Wi-Fi. With breathtaking views you can’t beat, and the best amenities any RV park has to offer, Lakeside’s RV Park is the perfect place to stay during any getaway!

    MINUTES FROM THE FUN, MILES FROM THE EVERYDAY

    • $35 Daily Fee (plus tax)
    • Free Wi-Fi
    • Full Hookup (water, sewer and 30/50amp electricity available)
    • 65′ ‘Pull-through Sites
    • Concrete Pads
    • Staff on Duty 8am-11pm
    • Shuttle Service Available Upon Request
    • $10 Fee for booking in person at the Front Desk
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $35 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Red Haw State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Haw State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Haw State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Haw State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Haw State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Haw State Park Campground

    8. Red Haw State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    26 Saves
    Chariton, Iowa

    Red Haw State Park in south-central Iowa is a beautiful, year-round destination offering lovely views and diverse recreational activities in the 649-acre park. Red Haw is well known for springtime red buds blooming abundantly around the lake, drawing visitors and photographers to see the pink blossoms. Visitors also can enjoy swimming and boating in the summer, or cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

    Camp at Red Haw’s shady campground overlooking the lake. The campground contains electric hookups, paved roads, modern restrooms and showers and a trailer dump station. Some campsites are ADA accessible. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and advance campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Red Haw State Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest

    9. Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    17 Saves
    Lucas, Iowa

    Stephens State Forest in south-central Iowa is Iowa’s largest state forest, with seven units totaling more than 15,500 acres in five counties. The forest’s primary function is to provide an example of forest management for Iowa woodland species. First established in the 1930s with tree plantings by the Civilian Conservation Corp, Stephens State Forest is also a backcountry destination for outdoor enthusiasts interested in hiking, horseback riding, camping and hunting.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park Campground
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Showing results 1-10 of 99 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Lucas

Recent Reviews in Lucas

317 Reviews of 99 Lucas Campgrounds


  • Deb M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Winterset City Park

    Great city park on a cute town

    Nice city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see. The sites are pretty well spaced with lots of grass and some trees in between. It was a good value for full hookup sites. The bathroom was decent, and phone service was adequate. We just spent one night here on our way home from Colorado, but will be returning in the fall to explore more and see some colors.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Paho
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Lake Paho

    Sparsly Used Dark sky Campsite

    Very nice view of the lake, lots of campsites around the lake. Not many lights around and no big cities and a low horizon so it’s a good place to visit for a visual observation night with a telescope or binos. Only one other camper at my campsite when I visited, so it’s a good weekend retreat from the city life. This is a primitive campsite; there are two waterless bathrooms and 8 or so gravel spots at site B on the Eastern side of the lake.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Valley State Park Campground
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Green Valley State Park Campground

    Timing is everything!

    Pretty grounds with woodland coverage on all sides in addition to the lake. We visited in August and realized it was prime family vacation time before school starts up again, so a little crowded and noisy. Spots are pretty close together too. But the grounds are quite lovely and the facilities were super clean. We plan to go back when Autumn arrives, mid week. Bonus easy shore fishing access.

  • James P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Roberts Creek West Campground
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Roberts Creek West Campground

    Roberts Creek - East

    East not west as satellite view in Dyrt is old and doesn’t show East campground. I did add a screenshot of current satellite view. FHU. Easy in and around campground. A lot of space between sites. Sites are fairly level with hard pack gravel.

  • Matt M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Iowa State Fair Campgrounds
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Iowa State Fair Campgrounds

    Nice campground!

    We've stayed here a number of times now in the past 2 years (not during fair weeks.) Campgrounds are located on the east side of the actual fairgrounds. There are hundreds of sites here. Some are flat, some are no where near flat, but there are so many, you can find one that will work for you! Almost all of the sites are full grass sites. The main shower house is the only one we've ever used and have no complaints. They are clean and bright and well kept.

    The sites are $32/night.

  • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    May. 23, 2024

    Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    Nice modern KOA

    Large modern KOA with sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs and also tent campers. Gravel sites require some leveling. Not much privacy between sites nor shade. Bathhouses were clean and private. Laundry available. Off leash dog area available. Convenient to John Wayne’s birthplace and covered bridges of Madison County. Bulk propane tanks were on site for winter campers. Camper cabins available. Small store with Hunt Brothers pizza to order. Gathering room on site and pedal car racetrack. Verizon cell signal was good. Garbage dumpster and dump station on site.

  • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Howell Station
    May. 7, 2024

    Howell Station

    Large spacious campground

    Well maintained campground with mature shade trees. Gravel sites, a little bit of leveling required. Poor Verizon cell signal, no internet signal. Not much natural privacy between sites, but sites were well spaced apart. Paved trail nice for biking and walking. Fishing nearby and the Dutch themed town of Pella is a short drive and a must see. Bathrooms and showers were nice, clean. Handicap camp site and bathhouse available. Firewood for sale at front gate. The potable water available at the dump station was clear and good for drinking. Dump station is easily accessible. Dumpsters were positioned around the campground. Staff was friendly. The night we stayed, there was a severe weather threat, and the staff, at the end of the night, had unlocked the storm shelters (utility area in the middle of the bathhouses) should the need arise. We ended up having to seek shelter because of a tornado warning.

  • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Casino RV Park
    Oct. 31, 2023

    Lakeside Casino RV Park

    Decent place to spend the night

    RV park is relatively quiet and easy to get into. The concrete in our site was in poor condition, it had crumbled leaving a dip in the pad. The cable didn’t work, but electric and water had no issues. Easy on and off to the interstate. There is only one garbage dumpster near the entrance and we didn’t see a camp host on site or anybody to check in with. We stayed just one night on our way through the area and were comfortable.

  • Marie M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eveland Access
    Oct. 26, 2023

    Eveland Access

    Glendale Access

    20 bucks a day you submit your fill out sheet at the service area and drop it off in a drop box.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake
    Oct. 23, 2023

    Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake

    Beautiful fall camping site

    We really enjoyed our stay at site 4 in the woods. It was absolutely beautiful with the fall colors and leaves falling all around us. We also enjoyed the trails around our site and a pretty view of a pond a short walk away. Anna was very responsive and gave thorough directions for us. We would stay again.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Co Park
    Oct. 18, 2023

    Lakeside Co Park

    Nice lake, but run down campsites.

    First, there is no dump station! All sites have water and electricity with 20, 30, and 60 amp plugs. The sites are 20 dollars. The campsites located near the entrance are pull-through but need maintenance. The campsites along the lake will support short to medium length RVs or trailers, and all are back in. As of this posting, all are not level and in poor condition. The city of Huneston, Iowa is a few minutes away and has several gas stations and a grocery store.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Oct. 14, 2023

    Thomas Mitchell County Park

    Nice campground although not too many spaces.

    Came in late, even though there were several empty spaces turns out they were reserved. Very nice camp host told us we could have a non-electric site, none of them were reserved. Bathroom/showers were clean.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake

    We had a great time at this site:) …

    We had a great time at this site:) Anna was very responsive and helpful when we had questions. I would definitely recommend to others, and I would return again.

  • Christopher M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park
    Oct. 2, 2023

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Very nicely kept

    Awesome campground, clean and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good. Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites. Level enough for our rooftop tent with no difficulties. Would definitely stay here again.

  • Benjamin L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park Campground
    Sep. 16, 2023

    Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    Nice park, convenient to Des Moines

    We stayed 2 nights, the park was nice and well maintained with walking trails. It is wooded so there is a lot of shade. The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine.

  • Ben K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Aug. 28, 2023

    Thomas Mitchell County Park

    Clean and quiet in tent

    Spent 2 nights tent camping here. We stayed at site 4, glad I read reviews on here. I personally would not want to be in a site beyond number 7 as it gets too close to the dump station and subsequent “sewage lagoon”

    Shower house was clean, pretty quiet, and only 5 miles off the highway

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Lake Co Park
    Aug. 26, 2023

    East Lake Co Park

    Newer so campground still being established

    The campground was clean and quiet with water and electricity at each site. The dump station was set aside from the camp sites. The trees at the campground were recently planted so no shade. The best part is that there is plenty of room between camp sites so your not camping on top of your neighbors. Playground and bathrooms on site.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellow Banks County Park
    Aug. 20, 2023

    Yellow Banks County Park

    Great camp close to town

    Very clean campground with friendly host. Showers were warm and sites were either paved or good gravel. Road in could easily allow motorcycle access

  • Jen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellow Banks County Park
    Aug. 13, 2023

    Yellow Banks County Park

    Huge sites!

    Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table. Cost per night is low. Firewood available and camp host was a wonderful older gentleman. Close proximity to the state fair without being to close. Great stay! Our site had an open field behind it definitely recommend.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    One of our favorites !

    Have stayed here several times, one of our grandkids favorite KOA's. Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered.

  • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Criss Cove County Park
    Jul. 26, 2023

    Criss Cove County Park

    Hot hot hot

    Cute little campground by the pond. We arrived pretty late. Cute campground, but boy oh boy is it muggy. Between the heat and the pond near by be sure you’re prepared for damp, muggy, and buggy conditions. Otherwise cute little place. There is a bathroom- I didn’t need it but its there!

  • Stephanie S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    Nice campground

    This campground is called Bob Shetler not Shelter, but I didn’t know how to change it to correct it; just want to make sure others know this.
    We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced. If we ever stay here again we would choose a site closer to the dam. We were close to a playground and there were a lot families camping in that area which for us took away from the peacefulness of the campground. There were electrical hookups, but no water. We didn’t use the bathroom/shower house, but I walked into one to check it out and it was outdated, old and dark, and small. Overall it’s a nice campground. It gets busy with a lot of fishing.



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 Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 13 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.