Brochure InfoLake Wapello was named in honor of the famous Native American Chief Wapello and boasts outdoor opportunities for just about any outdoor enthusiast. The parks 1,150 acres could easily be called the "country club" of Iowa's state parks. The beautiful wooded hillsides, shaded picnic areas and lake provide a quiet elegance which makes Lake Wapello one of southern Iowa's best-kept secrets. Several watershed erosion control structures were installed throughout the park. These improvements have made water quality fishing superb. Canoeing, kayaking, fishing and pleasure cruising are very enjoyable on this lake.Brochure Info - RecreationTrails The lake has a seven mile Lake Shore Trail, which will take you around the lake and through the park. Cross-country skiing is a popular activity in the winter and there are several areas designated for cross-country skiers. The park also offers multi-use trails for hiking and snowmobiling. A nature trail is located on the north side of the park. Lake Activities Lake Wapello has one of the finest sand beaches in southern Iowa and the largest beach house facility in Iowa's state park system. The beach offers opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. There are no lifeguards at the beach. Lake Wapello is a pristine, 289 acre lake. Motorboats must not exceed 5 mph on Lake Wapello. Here you will find some of the finest fishing for bluegill, redear sunfish, bass (catch and release only), crappie, and channel catfish in the state. Extensive renovations were made to the lake during the early 1990s and in 2009. Fishing jetties, universally accessible fishing piers, and shoreline access were installed and enhanced to allow better shoreline fishing experiences. Underwater reefs, sunken cedar trees and spawning beds were added to provide better fish habitat.Brochure Info - Facilities and RestrictionsPicnicking/Shelters The shaded and grassy picnic areas are attractive spots for leisurely outdoor meals as well as great views of Lake Wapello. Two open picnic shelters area available and one may be reserved online. Camping The campground offers full hook-up, electric and non-electric sites, modern shower and restroom facilities, as well as a trailer dump station. The campground is located adjacent to the lake. Family Cabins Lake Wapello State Park has eleven cedar-sided family cabins to rent April through October and two family cabins that are available year round. These cabins are very popular for family vacations and reunions. They accommodate four people comfortably and feature a restroom, shower, stove/oven, microwave and refrigerator. The cabins may be reserved online.Brochure Info - Nearby AttractionsCamp Wapello The facilities of Camp Wapello, the former Boy Scout Area, are now owned by the Camp Wapello Preservation Group. There is a dining hall with cooking facilities, shower building and ten separate tent-oriented camping areas. For further details, contact the Camp Wapello Preservation Group at 1-800-684-4184. Local Events/Attractions Lake Wapello is in the heart of Amish country. Many craft and furniture shops are just a few miles from the park. Nearby Towns Bloomfield, the county seat of Davis County, is located thirteen miles southeast of the park. Unionville is six miles west, and Drakesville is six miles east. The city of Ottumwa is located thirty miles north and east of Lake Wapello State Park.Key InfoConcessions Open Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend; Thursday thru Sunday and holidays, noon to 8 PM. Rentals include paddle boats, kayaks. stand-up boards and john boats with or without trolling motors. Items for sale include drinks, snacks, ice cream, fishing supplies, and many items for the campers and cabin renters, also children's beach toys/games. Questions can also be answered through the Friends of Lake Wapello Facebook page.Important Information for Daily EntranceDirectionFour miles north of Bloomfield or fifteen miles south of Ottumwa on Highway 63, take 180th street west, go six miles to the town of Drakesville, continue west on 180th five miles, 180th turns into Eagle Blvd. Go one mile on Eagle Blvd and the entrance to the park is on the left.Booking Window Product Info