Stephens State Forest, IA

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Walking through the woods at Effigy Mounds
Walking Through the Woods at Effigy Mounds - olekinderhook, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Today’s Forecast:

☁
63°F
High: 64° | Low: 59°
Current Temperature
Cloudy
Station: KCNC
Observed at: 8:35 pm CDT on 9/26/26
Wind: 7 mph | Humidity: 94%
Tonight:Rain showers likely before 10pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 59. Southeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Sunday:A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 4pm. Mostly cloudy. High near 70, with temperatures falling to around 68 in the afternoon. East southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Sunday Night:A slight chance of rain showers after 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. East northeast wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
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Today’s Report:

🥾 Hiking

Good
  79 /100

Good for hiking. High near 69°F. Risk of rain later today (32%). Slight chance of morning storms, clearing later today.

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Fair 65/100
Fair for hiking. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (4%). Light wind (6 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

⛺ Camping

Fair
  65 /100

Fair for camping. High near 69°F. Risk of rain later today (32%). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Fair 65/100
Fair for camping. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (4%). Light wind (6 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

🚲 Biking

Use Caution
  45 /100

Use Caution for biking. High near 69°F. Risk of rain later today (32%). Slight chance of morning storms, clearing later today.

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Fair 65/100
Fair for biking. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (4%). Light wind (6 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

About Stephens State Forest

Stephens State Forest spreads across several south-central Iowa units with wooded trails, primitive camping, wildlife habitat, equestrian country, and quiet gravel-road approaches.

Make the Most of a Stephens State Forest Day

Confirm which forest unit matches your route and allow extra drive time. Wet clay, muddy roads, ticks, hunting seasons, and limited nearby shelter all reward conservative planning.

Weather Tips for Stephens State Forest

  • For Stephens State Forest, check temperature, wind, rain timing, and thunderstorm potential before choosing the day’s route.
  • If thunder is possible, complete exposed overlooks, prairie routes, golf, and event grounds early and keep shelter close.
  • Check overnight lows, wet ground, drainage, and the nearest substantial shelter before settling into camp.
  • Open-country wind and summer humidity can make biking and hiking feel harder than the mileage suggests.

Nearby Towns and Areas

This page can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:

  • Lucas
  • Chariton
  • Whitebreast Unit
  • Woodburn Unit
  • Red Haw State Park
  • Clarke County
  • Williamson Pond
  • Lake Red Rock region

Plan Around the Conditions

Use the forecast to choose the best version of a Stephens State Forest day. Match wind, storm timing, water levels, trail surfaces, road conditions, and temperature to the activity that gives your group the safest and most comfortable plan.

7-Day Forecast for Stephens State Forest

☁
63°F
High: 64° | Low: 59°
Current Temperature
Cloudy
Station: KCNC
Observed at: 8:35 pm CDT on 9/26/26
Wind: 7 mph | Humidity: 94%
Sun ⛈
70° 59°
32%
Mon ⛅
72° 60°
10%
Tue ⛈
70° 64°
76%
Wed 🌧
71° 63°
76%
Thu ⛈
70° 56°
72%
Fri ⛈
68° 55°
36%
Sat ⛈
67° --°
17%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

70° Sun 72° Mon 70° Tue 71° Wed 70° Thu 68° Fri 67° Sat

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

59° Sun 60° Mon 64° Tue 63° Wed 56° Thu 55° Fri 50° Sat

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 65 Sun 100 Mon 21 Tue 93 Wed 21 Thu 65 Fri 65 Sat
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: September 26, 2026 10:25 pm CDT

Stephens State Forest Weather by Season

Winter

Winter at Stephens State Forest brings cold, wind chill, snow, and freeze-thaw ice. Shaded paths, stairs, bridges, and rural roads may stay slick after sunny areas clear. Check road and facility status before a long drive.

Spring

Spring around Stephens State Forest is changeable, with rain, muddy surfaces, rising waterways, and severe thunderstorms. Give natural-surface trails time to drain after heavy rain. Lightning, hail, and strong wind can arrive well ahead of a rain core.

Summer

Summer days at Stephens State Forest are often warm and humid, with strong sun, mosquitoes, and afternoon thunderstorm potential. Earlier starts make exposed routes and event grounds more comfortable. Ventilate tents and keep a dry shelter plan for overnight storms.

Fall

Fall is often one of the most comfortable seasons at Stephens State Forest, with lower humidity, cooler nights, and changing color. Dry spells can produce excellent trail and cycling conditions. Watch for harvest traffic on rural roads and hunting activity near public lands.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Annual average temperature: around 52–54°F based on the surrounding Iowa region.
  • Annual snowfall: generally 20–30 inches, with meaningful year-to-year variation.
  • Warmest months: June through August are typically warmest, with July often bringing the highest heat and humidity.
  • Coolest months: December through February are coldest, and January commonly has the strongest winter chill.
  • Wettest season: late spring and early summer usually brings the greatest rainfall and thunderstorm frequency.
  • Driest season: winter is normally driest, although snow, ice, and frozen ground still affect plans.
  • Best outdoor window: April through October, with fall favored for hiking and camping.