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.
Flood Watch issued June 11 at 1:18PM CDT until June 11 at 4:00PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, and southeast Iowa, including the following counties, in central Iowa, Jasper and Poweshiek. In south central Iowa, Appanoose, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe and Wayne. In southeast Iowa, Davis and Wapello. * WHEN...Until 4 PM CDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - More rain this afternoon in addition to recent rainfall from Wednesday through this morning may lead to renewed, additional or more significant flooding.
Tornado Watch issued June 11 at 7:34AM CDT until June 11 at 3:00PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 311 UNTIL 3 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON WHICH REPLACES A PORTION OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 310. THE NEW WATCH IS VALID FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN IOWA THE NEW WATCH INCLUDES 10 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL IOWA JASPER POWESHIEK IN SOUTH CENTRAL IOWA APPANOOSE LUCAS MAHASKA MARION MONROE WAYNE IN SOUTHEAST IOWA DAVIS WAPELLO THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALBIA, ALLERTON, BLOOMFIELD, CENTERVILLE, CHARITON, CORYDON, GRINNELL, HUMESTON, KNOXVILLE, NEWTON, OSKALOOSA, OTTUMWA, PELLA, AND SEYMOUR. * PRIMARY THREATS INCLUDE... A FEW TORNADOES AND A COUPLE INTENSE TORNADOES POSSIBLE. WIDESPREAD DAMAGING WINDS LIKELY WITH ISOLATED SIGNIFICANT GUSTS TO 80 MPH POSSIBLE. SCATTERED LARGE HAIL AND ISOLATED VERY LARGE HAIL EVENTS TO 2 INCHES IN DIAMETER POSSIBLE. PROBABILITY TABLE: PROB OF 2 OR MORE TORNADOES : 50% PROB OF 1 OR MORE STRONG /EF2-EF5/ TORNADOES : 30% PROB OF 10 OR MORE SEVERE WIND EVENTS : 90% PROB OF 1 OR MORE WIND EVENTS >= 75 MPH : 50% PROB OF 10 OR MORE SEVERE HAIL EVENTS : 40% PROB OF 1 OR MORE HAIL EVENTS >= 2 INCHES : 30% PROB OF 6 OR MORE COMBINED SEVERE HAIL/WIND EVENTS : >95% MEAN STORM MOTION /MPH/ : E 50
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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