$10 / night

Free Camping Collection with pro
Camper submitted image from Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest - 3
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest - 4
Signs & Maps
Camper submitted image from Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest - 5
Nature
Unlock Planning Tools in App
pro

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Effective June 17, 2025 the Equestrian Trails have been closed due to wet conditions. This bulletin will be removed when the equestrian trails are reopened. (Posted June 17, 2025)

Mine Pond Campground in Stephens State Forest is located near Lucas, Iowa. The area features rolling hills and dense woodlands, providing a natural setting for camping. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer, and nearby attractions include Stephens State Forest trails and Lake Ahquabi State Park.

Description

DNR - Forestry

Stephens State Forest

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.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Mine Pond 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

41.013049913414534 N
93.48102319354413 W

Open in Google Maps

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Poor
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

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
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest needs a permit.

Drive Time


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

34%
0%
0%
67%
0%

3.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2025

Way too many insects, and $10 a night. No amenities.

This place charges 10 bucks a night. You don't get a water station. You don't get a gray water dump. You do get trash cans on site. The sheer volume of insects makes it impossible to walk anywhere. Unfortunately, I have a dog and I have to go walk three times a fucking day. And this is the closest place to where my folks and I agreed to meet in about a week.

At $10 a night, you'd think they'd at least have water, a gray dump, and some kind of insect control. But no, they don't. They do have maintenance coming around regularly, but nothing seems to get rid of the insects. It used to be $6 a night at one point. So I guess it went up. I don't see why. It's just like any other insect infested place to park.

If it wasn't for the cost, I guess I'd give it three stars, but that'd be generous. I didn't give it one star because I can at least drive around on it with my bus.

Site3
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest by Rick M., July 4, 2025
  • Review photo of Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest by Rick M., July 4, 2025
  • Review photo of Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest by Rick M., July 4, 2025
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2022

Vibrant Iowa forest in summer

I tent camped at “Mine Pond Campground” in Stephen’s State Forest in July 2022. I arrived about 8:15pm and had about 45 minutes of daylight to pitch camp. The campground feels deep in a vibrant Iowa forest surrounded by lush greenery. That said, mosquitoes swarmed me instantly. And “Mine Pond” is a small muddy pond without the most remote possibility of swimming. The pond kind of seems too small to fish but maybe. A storm blew in around dark and it rained much of the night. The frogs sang loudly deep into the night (see my video for the audio), which I enjoyed. A pair of barred owls hooted and laughed in the dark trees. I departed early while it was still dark. I don’t think I’ll return to this place.

Site3
Month of VisitJuly
  • The sounds of the night
    Play button icon

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the elevation of Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest?

Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest is located at 928 feet.

What is the max vehicle length at Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest?

Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest allows vehicles up to 35 feet.

Are fires allowed at Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest?

There are 9 campsites at Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts