Lake Wapello State Park
Open for the 2026 camping season. All campsites are 100% reservable through iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com. The flagstone stairs leading to the beach are currently undergoing maintenance; visitors should bypass the work zone.
Heat Advisory issued August 31 at 2:54AM CDT until September 2 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 100-103 degrees. * WHERE...Portions of central and south central Iowa, including the Des Moines metro. * WHEN...From 1 PM this afternoon to 7 PM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While heat index values may not reach 105 degrees each day, the combination of the longevity of the heat and little or limited relief during the overnight periods with warm lows have prompted the multi-day Heat Advisory.
About
Lake Wapello State Park encompasses over 1,150 acres of forested land surrounding a 289-acre lake in southern Iowa's rolling hills. The campground offers full hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections, electric-only sites, and tent-only campsites. Modern restroom facilities with showers are conveniently located near the camping areas, and a dump station serves RVs. The park also offers 13 family cabins sleeping up to four guests. The park features one of southern Iowa's best sand swimming beaches and a stocked lake supporting excellent fishing for bluegill, red ear sunfish, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. Boat speeds are limited to 5 mph, keeping the lake peaceful for fishing and paddling. A universally accessible fishing pier and fish cleaning station serve anglers. The surrounding landscape includes hiking trails through mature oak-hickory forests that showcase brilliant fall colors. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous songbird species commonly spotted throughout the park.
Directions
From US Highway 63 near Drakesville, turn west onto County Road J40 and follow signs to the park entrance on Campground Road.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | Yes |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $15 - $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 120ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Lake_Wapello@dnr.iowa.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (641) 722-3371 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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