Missouri / Wayne County

Spillway Recreation Area

Open — Open year-round for day use only. No overnight camping allowed. Picnic shelters available for reservation. Staffed from late March through October.

About

The Spillway Recreation Area has been a beloved destination on Wappapello Lake since 1937, centered around its iconic outlet structure that feeds the St. Francis River. This day-use facility offers extensive recreational opportunities without overnight camping. The area features two large picnic shelters available for reservation, both equipped with electricity, large capacity grills, water fountains, and hydrants. Shelter 4 includes a wood-burning fireplace. Eight additional picnic sites and a centrally located 6-stall accessible restroom serve day visitors. Fishing enthusiasts favor the spillway banks for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass, and channel catfish. A single-lane boat ramp provides St. Francis River access, with the lower ramp area particularly suited for kayak launching. Families enjoy the sand volleyball court, large playground, horseshoe pits, and cornhole boards. The Pine Ridge Natural Trail, a 3/4-mile double loop, begins here and winds through beautiful Ozark foothill woodlands. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the recreation area spans part of the 45,000-acre Wappapello Lake project. Special use permits are required for events over 50 people, fishing tournaments, weddings, and similar gatherings. The facility is staffed seasonally from late March through October.

Directions

From St. Louis: Take I-55 South to US Highway 67 South to State Highway D (just south of Greenville). Take State Highway D south for 20 miles to State Highway T. Cross Wappapello Dam and take the first left onto a paved road and watch for signs. From Poplar Bluff: Take US Highway 60 East to State Highway T North. Go north on State Highway T for 22 miles and watch for signs.

Nearby Campgrounds