Lake Wapello State Park

Open — The campground is open year-round and is 100% reservable. Advance reservations are required and can be made online through the Iowa state parks reservation system.

About

Lake Wapello State Park, named after the famous Native American Chief Wapello, encompasses over 1,000 acres of beautiful wooded hillsides in southern Iowa's Davis County. The park's centerpiece is its scenic lake, which provides a relaxing atmosphere for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming at one of the best sand beaches in southern Iowa. The historic beach house, constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, features distinctive pueblo-style architecture that makes it one of the most unique buildings in the Iowa state park system. The campground at Lake Wapello offers 89 total camping sites in a lakeside setting, including full hookup sites, electric sites, and non-electric tent sites. Modern amenities include showers and restrooms conveniently located near the camping areas, plus a dump station for RV travelers. The campground is 100% reservable, and advance reservations are required through the Iowa state parks online system. In addition to traditional camping, the park features 13 family cabins that can accommodate up to four people, with two cabins available year-round and the remainder open from April through October. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound at Lake Wapello. Anglers can fish for bluegill, red ear sunfish, and channel catfish from fishing jetties, universally accessible piers, or along the shoreline. The lake features underwater reefs, sunken cedar trees, and spawning beds that create healthy fish habitats. The seven-mile Lake Shore Trail winds around the lake and through the park, offering scenic hiking opportunities. In winter, designated trails accommodate cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Boating is permitted at speeds up to 5 mph, and during summer weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a concession stand offers boat rentals, firewood, snacks, and fishing supplies.

Directions

From Highway 63, take 180th Street west for six miles to Drakesville, then continue west on 180th for five miles. 180th turns into Eagle Blvd; go one mile on Eagle Blvd, and the park entrance is on the left.

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