Lake Wapello State Park

4.67

16 reviews

15356 Campground Rd, Drakesville, Iowa, 52552, United States

Romantic GetawaySummer Destination

Quick Facts

830 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

830 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Wapello State Park

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range between $25 and $35. Additional fees may apply for certain amenities or premium sites.

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

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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 16 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleansites

"The reviews highlight Lake Wapello’s well-maintained facilities, scenic atmosphere, and diverse activities. Some concerns include tall grass in unused areas and ticks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

15356 Campground Rd, Drakesville, Iowa, 52552, United States

Lake Wapello State Park

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.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Wapello State Park

Each 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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season includes Memorial–Labor Day; beach, boating and full amenities available.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Autumn offers scenic color and trails but some amenities wind down after peak season.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Late spring is good as facilities open, but early spring may see reduced amenities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Cabins open year-round; snowmobiling on trails mentioned, but limited winter amenity detail.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season includes Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Cabins are available year-round, but other facilities operate seasonally (e.g., concessions open Memorial Day through Labor Day).

About Lake Wapello State Park

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSite layout details are not included.

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.

AccessibilityThe park includes universally accessible fishing piers and shoreline access, improving access for individuals with disabilities.

PrivacyThere is no information on campsite privacy.

Recommended SitesUser reviews recommend level sites with clean grounds.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Firewood available

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.

HikingSeveral 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.

FishingFishing 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.

SwimmingThe park features one of southern Iowa’s finest sand beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Note there are no lifeguards on duty.

BikingThe park offers bicycling opportunities within the facility limits, but specific trail details or difficulty levels are not provided.

BoatingBoating 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 viewingThe park’s natural wooded hillsides and lake setting make it an ideal spot for bird watching and other wildlife viewing.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews note ticks in the area and tall grass in unused areas.

Fire PolicyFire policies are not explicitly mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesHospital located greater than 10 miles away; medical clinic available within 10 miles.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility. No details on recycling facilities or pickup schedules are provided.

Water FeaturesLocated adjacent to a 289-acre lake with fishing, boating, and swimming facilities.

Camp HostHost information is not provided.

Weather at Lake Wapello State Park

Reviews

4.7

16 reviews

Top-Rated

Lake Wapello State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the level campsites and clean grounds, as well as the variety of recreational activities available.

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

A common complaint involves tall grass in areas not in use, as well as the presence of ticks.

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to prepare for ticks if exploring less-traveled areas. Bringing insect repellent is recommended.

Based on 16 reviews

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.

Based on 16 reviews

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...

Based on 16 reviews