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Established Camping

Lucas Primitive Campground — Stephens State Forest

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Effective April 21, 2025 the Equestrian Trails have been closed due to wet conditions. This bulletin will be removed when the equestrian trails are reopened. (Posted April 21, 2025)

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

Description

DNR - Parks

Stephens State Forest

Stephens State Forest is administered by the Iowa DNR and is divided into seven units totaling over 15,000 acres. The forest is dispersed over five counties: Lucas, Clarke, Monroe, Appanoose and Davis.

Lucas, Whitebreast, and Woodburn Units
These units are contiguous and are located southwest of the town of Lucas, Iowa. Most of the recreational development on Stephens Forest has taken place on the Lucas and Whitebreast units. The Lucas and Whitebreast units each have two ponds that are stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish. Recreational activities include fishing, picnicking, camping, hunting, hiking, equestrian riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and wildlife watching.
The Whitebreast Unit is 3,517 acres in size and has two lakes, three equestrian campgrounds and one group-camp area. This unit is served by an all-weather road.
The Lucas Unit is 1,267 acres in size and has two small lakes and three campgrounds. This unit is located just southwest of the intersection of Highway 65 and Highway 34. The unit is served by an all-weather road.
The Woodburn Unit is 2,098 acres in size and has over six miles of backpacking trails and five pack-in sites. The pack-in sites are not on the reservation system. The unit has an all-weather road along its west side and through the middle ofthe unit.

Cedar Creek, Chariton, and Thousand Acres Units
These units do not have any developed recreational facilities such as picnic areas, campgrounds or designated trails. They are less well served by all-weather roads; however there are many dirt roads and access lanes. These units are well suited to hunting, hiking and wildlife watching.

Unionville Unit
The Unionville Unit is 2,470 acres in size and is comprised of 11 separate compartments in northeast Appanoose County and northwest Davis County. There are no developed recreational facilities such as picnic areas, campgrounds or trails. Several tracts are served by all-weather roads. The Unionville Unit provides good hiking hunting and wildlife watching opportunities.

Attention Equestrian Riders: State regulations require horses, mules and donkeys being transported interstate (from one state to another) must have a current Certification of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and a negative Coggin's test (EIA). This paperwork must accompany the animal into the State of Iowa. Please refer to www.iowaagriculture.gov/animalindustry/horseadmissionregs.asp for more information. This law applies to equestrian camping, day-use and trail riding in any State owned Park or Forest.

Motor vehicle operation is permitted only on roads. ATVS are not permitted anywhere on the forest, trails or roads. Snowmobiles are allowed on designated routes only.

Equestrian riding is only allowed on designated trails, roads and campgrounds.

Mountain bikes are allowed on equestrian trails.

There are no designated swimming areas.

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Location

Lucas Primitive 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

41.00534455 N
93.4828844 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Drive Time


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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Lucas Primitive Campground — Stephens State Forest have RV hookups?

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

  • What is the elevation of Lucas Primitive Campground — Stephens State Forest?

    Lucas Primitive Campground — Stephens State Forest is located at 1055 feet.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Lucas Primitive Campground — Stephens State Forest?

    Lucas Primitive Campground — Stephens State Forest allows vehicles up to 35 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Lucas Primitive Campground — Stephens State Forest?

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

  • Does Lucas Primitive Campground — Stephens State Forest have wifi?

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

  • Is there cell phone reception at Lucas Primitive Campground — Stephens State Forest?

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