Lake Wapello State Park
00 review15356 Campground Rd, Drakesville, Iowa, 52552, United States
Lake Wapello State Park
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range between $25 and $35. Additional fees may apply for certain amenities or premium sites.
About this campground
Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Iowa, Lake Wapello State Park beckons visitors with its quiet elegance and untouched natural beauty. Here, 289 acres of crystal-clear water mirror the surrounding wooded hillsides, creating a serene escape where anglers cast their lines at dawn, boaters glide across peaceful waters, and hikers discover hidden trails winding through ancient forests. This pristine sanctuary offers a rare glimpse of Iowa's natural splendor, where every season brings new adventures and the gentle rhythm of lake life soothes the soul.
Lake Wapello State Park offers diverse options for camping, including full hook-up spots for RVs, electric and non-electric sites, and family cabin accommodations.
Historical SignificanceLake Wapello carries the proud name of Chief Wapello, a revered Native American leader whose legacy echoes through these ancient hills. This sacred landscape has long been a gathering place, from indigenous peoples who first walked these shores to generations of Boy Scouts who found adventure and camaraderie at Camp Wapello. Today, visitors can sense the deep history woven into every trail and shoreline, where centuries of stories converge in this timeless natural sanctuary.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Lake Wapello in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow-dusted trails and frost-kissed mornings perfect for quiet contemplation. Spring awakens the park with gentle rains that coax wildflowers from the forest floor, while comfortable temperatures invite exploration. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and lakeside picnics, punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that refresh the landscape. Autumn arrives in a blaze of color, with crisp air and moderate rainfall creating perfect conditions for hiking among the changing leaves.
ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates an ever-changing tapestry of vistas and intimate forest hollows, where each rise and fall of the land reveals new perspectives of the shimmering lake below.
Natural Features and SceneryLake Wapello enchants visitors with its diverse natural tapestry. Towering hardwoods create cathedral-like canopies over shaded picnic spots near the water's edge, while carefully preserved hillsides showcase Iowa's native forest ecosystem. Beneath the lake's surface lies a hidden world of underwater reefs and ancient sunken cedar trees, creating vital habitats for thriving fish populations. Strategic erosion control structures not only protect the watershed but enhance the lake's remarkable clarity, ensuring this aquatic gem remains pristine for generations. Carefully maintained spawning beds support a healthy ecosystem, making every cast a potential adventure for anglers.
Geological RegionCarved into the ancient landscape of southern Iowa, Lake Wapello State Park showcases the region's distinctive geological character. The wooded hillsides tell a story millions of years in the making, while the pristine 289-acre lake sparkles like a jewel in this natural setting. Thanks to innovative watershed erosion control structures, the park exemplifies how thoughtful conservation enhances nature's own artistry, creating a landscape where geological heritage meets modern stewardship in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park includes universally accessible fishing piers and shoreline access, improving access for individuals with disabilities.
Sites PrivacyThere is no information on campsite privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews recommend level sites with clean grounds.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites are not mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Details about stay limits are missing.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits per site are not listed.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSite layout details are not included.
Open and Closed SeasonCabins are available year-round, but other facilities operate seasonally (e.g., concessions open Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online for cabins and picnic shelters.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details are not provided.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Dump station
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Lake Wapello State Park offers an array of recreational activities for campers. These include hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. The lake has a large sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing. In addition, the park includes multi-use trails suitable for hiking and snowmobiling, and a nature trail for exploration.
Hiking
Several trails are available, including a seven-mile Lake Shore Trail around the lake. There are also multi-use trails for hiking and snowmobiling and a nature trail on the north side of the park.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Lake Wapello, which includes species such as bluegill, redear sunfish, bass, crappie, and channel catfish. The fish habitat has been enhanced with underwater reefs, sunken cedar trees, and spawning beds.Swimming
The park features one of southern Iowa’s finest sand beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Note there are no lifeguards on duty.Biking
The park offers bicycling opportunities within the facility limits, but specific trail details or difficulty levels are not provided.Boating
Boating is allowed on the 289-acre Lake Wapello; motorboats are limited to a maximum speed of 5 mph. Rentals of paddle boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and john boats with or without trolling motors are available during the concession's open season.Wildlife viewing
The park’s natural wooded hillsides and lake setting make it an ideal spot for bird watching and other wildlife viewing.Beach activities
The park features a sandy beach for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation. It is noted as the largest beach house facility in Iowa’s state park system.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing is a popular activity in the winter, and designated areas for skiing are available.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are supported with rental options available during the open season.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire policies are not explicitly mentioned.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews note ticks in the area and tall grass in unused areas.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 72%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Hospital located greater than 10 miles away; medical clinic available within 10 miles.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season includes Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility. No details on recycling facilities or pickup schedules are provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to a 289-acre lake with fishing, boating, and swimming facilities.
Common complaintsTall grass in unused areas and tick abundance noted in user reviews.
HostHost information is not provided.
Campground Map
15356 Campground Rd, Drakesville, Iowa, 52552, United States
Driving directionsFour 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.
Road access involves paved highways such as Highway 63, followed by local roads (180th Street and Eagle Blvd), which appear navigable but may require attention for turns.Nearby places
Bloomfield (13 miles southeast), Unionville (6 miles west), Drakesville (6 miles east), Ottumwa (30 miles north and east).
Nearby supplies
Grocery store is greater than 10 miles away
fuel and retail supplies are available within 10 miles.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Lake Wapello State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The reviews highlight Lake Wapello’s well-maintained facilities, scenic atmosphere, and diverse activities. Some concerns include tall grass in unused areas and ticks.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the level campsites and clean grounds, as well as the variety of recreational activities available.
Common Concerns
A common complaint involves tall grass in areas not in use, as well as the presence of ticks.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to prepare for ticks if exploring less-traveled areas. Bringing insect repellent is recommended.
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is best visited in the late spring to early fall due to warm weather and more open facilities. Early spring and late fall may see reduced amenities.
Camper Quotes
- Tom Bedford: 'Great camping, great fishing, just a great all-around atmosphere.' - Patricia Walz: 'The sites were level and the grounds were very clean. Areas not in use by campers had very tall...
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Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers were mentioned in user reviews.
Accessibility Features
No user reviews specifically discuss accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
No detailed reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences with pets.
Last updated August 10, 2025