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Established Camping

Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Effective October 6, 2025 the Equestrian Trails have been closed due to wet conditions. This bulletin will be removed when the equestrian trails are reopened. (Posted October 6, 2025)

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Middle Area Campground, near Lucas, Iowa, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With its picturesque setting in Stephens State Forest, this campground offers a mix of tranquility and adventure, making it a great choice for both tent and RV campers.

The campground features picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. Visitors have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, often noting the sounds of wildlife, like deer and coyotes, adding to the experience. One camper shared, “Listened to deer rutting all night and coyotes howling. Can’t wait to go again!”

For those who love to hike, there are plenty of trails to explore, with some reviewers mentioning the moderate hikes that lead to beautiful views. The area is known for its hills and scenic landscapes, making it a great place to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors. As one visitor put it, “Very nice and quiet location...lots of trails to explore.”

While the campground doesn’t offer showers or electric hookups, it does provide essential amenities like drinking water and toilets. Campers have appreciated the solitude, with some noting they had the place to themselves during their stay. Just be aware that train horns can be heard at night, which some found a bit disruptive.

Whether you're looking to hike, relax by the fire, or simply enjoy the beauty of Iowa's wilderness, Middle Area Campground is a solid choice for your next outdoor adventure.

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Location

Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest is located in Iowa

Detail location of campground

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

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park 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

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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2020

Buck Stop Camp

About 1.5 mile hike to camp, nice moderate hike with wide trails. Listened to deer rutting all night and coyotes howling. Can’t wait to go again!

  • Review photo of Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest by Jeff K., October 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest by Jeff K., October 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest by Jeff K., October 27, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2020

Off the beaten path

Very nice and quite location when I went mid September. Seems like a lot of trails to explore. Will go back again to explore more. Lots of hills.

Reviewed Oct. 8, 2018

Great little campground by a lake

Great spot by a small lake in Stephen's State Forest. Didn't have a soul around us for the night we camped here (late September). Temps were around 43 degrees at night. Fire pits have nice swinging grates on them. There was a picnic table at each spot as well. We were in Campsite 007. Would have given 5 stars but you will hear train horns blowing all night at this location.

SiteMine Pond Campground
Month of VisitSeptember
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  • Review photo of Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest by Jim H., October 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest by Jim H., October 8, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 19, 2018

Great backpacking spot in Iowa!

The Woodburn unit in Stephens State forest has great hiking trails leading to very primitive camping locations. The site did have a nice picnic table and fire pit. A great place to disconnect and go off grid for a little while

  • Review photo of Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest by Emily , May 19, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find photos of Stephens State Forest?

Photos of Stephens State Forest can be found on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website, which maintains official images of the forest and its campgrounds. Additional photos are available on The Dyrt's campground listing page. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook feature user-submitted photos tagged with the location. For the most comprehensive visual overview, consider checking outdoor photography websites and Iowa tourism pages that showcase seasonal highlights of the forest's landscape, trails, and camping areas.

What are the camping options at Stephens State Forest?

Stephens State Forest offers primitive camping options that provide a true off-grid experience. The Middle Area Campground features individual campsites equipped with fire pits (with swinging grates) and picnic tables. The Woodburn unit also has primitive camping locations accessible via hiking trails. Sites are generally uncrowded, with campers reporting having entire areas to themselves, especially during off-peak times. These primitive sites are perfect for tent camping, though some areas may accommodate small RVs. For those seeking solitude and a back-to-nature experience, these campgrounds provide an excellent opportunity to disconnect.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Stephens State Forest?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in Stephens State Forest. The forest offers primitive camping opportunities where you can truly disconnect from civilization. The Woodburn unit specifically has hiking trails that lead to remote primitive camping locations. These sites typically include basic amenities like fire pits and picnic tables. For a true dispersed camping experience, you can hike approximately 1.5 miles on the wide trails to reach some of the more isolated camping areas. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check with the Iowa DNR for any current regulations or restrictions.

What hiking trails are available at Stephens State Forest?

Stephens State Forest features a network of hiking trails that wind through its diverse terrain. The trails are generally wide and rated as moderate difficulty, with plenty of hills that provide a good workout. In the Middle Area, trails extend approximately 1.5 miles to reach remote camping locations. The Woodburn unit also offers excellent hiking paths that lead to primitive campsites. The forest trail system allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area while potentially spotting wildlife like deer and coyotes. Hikers report the trails are well-maintained and offer varying distances to accommodate different experience levels.