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Established Camping

Woodburn Unit — Stephens State Forest

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Woodburn - Stephens Forest is located near Lucas, Iowa, featuring a landscape of dense woodlands and open fields. The area experiences temperatures ranging from the low 20s in winter to the mid-80s in summer. Visitors can explore nearby Stephens State Forest and enjoy activities such as hiking and wildlife observation.

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Location

Woodburn Unit — Stephens State Forest is located in Iowa

Detail location of campground

Directions

From off Hwy 34, go south off 34 on 330th Ave.

Coordinates

40.97159502 N
93.56302875 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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3.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2020

Solitude, with plenty of company

This park may deserve a different rating at a different time of the year. This is Iowa's largest State Forest, and the Woodburn Unit plays host to several Backcountry campsites and 6 miles of trail. There is a picnic table and fire ring at every campsite. The trails are wide and well graded and not too much up and down except for periodic creek crossings which necessitate a steep descent-ascent. The trails are lightly trafficked.

You will find absolute solitude at this park, we didn't see anyone else out there with us. Perhaps for good reason. The defining characteristic of this park is it's insect life. Repellant and an active bat population kept the mosquitoes away, but the ticks were everywhere! My wife and I had more issues than other members of our party, but we were near constantly plucking them off of us. A frightening proposition for any backpacker.

In general the insects were diverse and abundant: ants, spiders, beatles, butterflies, moths, flys, ticks, wasps, you name it. Cobwebs would form overnight across the trail you just traversed and broke them the day before. At Buck Stop, a careless previous occupant made numerous gashes into a living tree with a blade, but we found a small swarm of Tawny Emperor butterflies making use of the opportunity. Amazing! Again, most insects were not an issue with heavy use of repellant, but the constant threat of ticks put a damper on our excursion.

Additionally, when we went in early July the creeks were dry. Making the only water source the spigot at the parking lot. The trail from Black Oak Camp to the Parking Lot is the shortest and easiest for this purpose if you find yourself running low.

We heard plenty of wildlife in early evening and at night: owls, raccoons, deer, coyotes.

We started out Friday evening with our packs and hiked and camped the park until Sunday morning.

We hiked all 6+ miles of trails here. Our first night in we camped at Buck Stop Camp. This site is on top of a ridge and is wonderful, you feel absolutely surrounded by wilderness; however, the site was a bit overgrown and thus undersized in terms of usable tent space. Our second night we stayed at the exact opposite corner at Longbeard. This is a great, bare, mostly flat site that is quite large, could host a large camping party.

Summary: This park may be better during the fall when the ticks have gone dormant, but at that time I believe it starts to get its use as a public hunting grounds. The lack of overland water in the summer and thriving tick population makes it a challenge to be at ease. The trails are easy to moderate, well graded apart from a few steep down-ups to dry creek beds. Good training ground for backpackers, tuck your pants into your boots, and happy trails!

  • Review photo of Woodburn Unit — Stephens State Forest by Christopher S., July 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Woodburn Unit — Stephens State Forest by Christopher S., July 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Woodburn Unit — Stephens State Forest by Christopher S., July 13, 2020
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permits or reservations to camp at Stephens State Forest?

Camping at Stephens State Forest, including the Woodburn Unit, operates on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance reservations are required for the backcountry campsites. Permits are not needed for standard camping, though you should follow all posted regulations. As Iowa's largest state forest, it offers a more primitive camping experience than state parks. For holiday weekends or peak summer periods, arriving early is recommended to secure your preferred site. Always check with the Iowa DNR for any seasonal restrictions or special permit requirements for hunting or other activities.

What amenities are available at Stephens State Forest campgrounds?

Stephens State Forest's Woodburn Unit offers primitive backcountry camping with minimal amenities. Each campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table. There are no electric hookups, shower facilities, or modern restrooms in this unit. The forest emphasizes a more rustic, back-to-nature camping experience compared to developed state parks. Potable water is not provided, so campers need to bring all their own water supplies. The lack of amenities makes this location ideal for those seeking a true outdoors experience away from crowds and modern conveniences.

What recreational activities can you do at Stephens State Forest?

Stephens State Forest offers numerous recreational activities throughout its expansive grounds. The Woodburn Unit features approximately 6 miles of hiking trails that are wide and well-graded, making them suitable for both casual walkers and more experienced hikers. The forest is excellent for wildlife viewing and bird watching, particularly during migration seasons. Hunting is permitted in designated areas during appropriate seasons. Photography enthusiasts will find beautiful natural landscapes to capture. During winter months, some trails may be suitable for cross-country skiing, depending on conditions. The forest's varied terrain also provides opportunities for nature study and plant identification.

Where are the best camping areas in Stephens State Forest?

The Woodburn Unit offers some of the best backcountry camping opportunities in Stephens State Forest. This unit features several well-spaced primitive campsites that provide privacy and a true wilderness feel. Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table. The campsites near the trailheads are more accessible but may fill up faster. For those seeking more seclusion, the sites located deeper along the 6 miles of trails offer greater isolation and a more immersive forest experience. The terrain throughout is generally well-maintained, making most sites suitable for tent camping. Consider your hiking ability and desired privacy level when selecting a site.