How much does camping cost at Lake Wapello State Park?

Camping fees at Lake Wapello State Park range from $25-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lake Wapello State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Wapello State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Lake Wapello State Park?

Lake Wapello State Park is open Peak season includes Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lake Wapello State Park?

Yes, Lake Wapello State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Lake Wapello State Park?

Fire policies at Lake Wapello State Park: Fire policies are not explicitly mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Wapello State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Lake Wapello State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lake Wapello State Park?

Lake Wapello State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Wapello State Park?

Popular activities at Lake Wapello State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Wapello State Park

4.13

16 reviews

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

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Iowa

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Quick Facts

830 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

830 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on Direct Line 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.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

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

Lake Wapello State Park

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

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.

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.

Weather at Lake Wapello State Park

Best Time to Camp at Lake Wapello State Park

Summer delivers the best conditions for water activities, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to upper-80s°F and overnight lows in the 60s. Memorial Day through Labor Day brings staffed concessions, seasonal rentals, and dry trails for hiking and biking. Weekends see heavier use during peak season. Midweek visits or reservations help secure spots during busy summer months. Winter offers snow-covered trails for quieter exploration.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season for swimming, beach concessions, boating and warm weather activities.

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

Lake Wapello State Park sits in southern Iowa's wooded hills near Drakesville, centered around a 289-acre lake. The campground offers RV sites with electric hookups and cabins, with nightly fees ranging from $25 to $35. Campers consistently rate the park 4.7 out of 5, praising level sites and well-maintained grounds.

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 Significance

The park takes its name from Chief Wapello, a Native American leader. Camp Wapello once operated here as a Boy Scout camp.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions for water activities, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to upper-80s°F and overnight lows in the 60s. Memorial Day through Labor Day brings staffed concessions, seasonal rentals, and dry trails for hiking and biking. Weekends see heavier use during peak season. Midweek visits or reservations help secure spots during busy summer months. Winter offers snow-covered trails for quieter exploration.

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 State Park encompasses about **1,150 acres of wooded hills and a 289‑acre lake** in southern Iowa’s rolling hill country[1][2][10]. The setting is characterized by **heavily forested slopes, shaded valleys, and open lakeshore areas**, creating a mix of hardwood woodland and grassy openings[2][3]. Iowa DNR describes it as having **“beautiful wooded hillsides, shaded picnic areas and lake”** and notes that the park is sometimes referred to as the **“country club” of Iowa’s state parks** because of its attractive setting and well‑kept facilities[1]. The lake is ringed by a curving shoreline with fishing jetties, small coves, and a sand beach, offering **broad water views from many campsites and cabins**[2][3][4]. Visitors highlight especially the **quiet, scenic drive along a tree‑lined, winding road**, pleasant woodland trails, and **peaceful, uncrowded lake vistas** as what makes the park feel special compared with more open prairie parks in Iowa[2][3][4].

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.

Scenic ViewsViews include expansive lake vistas and wooded surroundings.

Lodging & AccommodationsLake Wapello State Park features 11 cedar-sided family cabins available from April through October, and two cabins available year-round. The cabins accommodate four people, providing restrooms, showers, stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators. These are described as being popular for family vacations and reunions.

Best Campsites

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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 layoutReviews mention level campsites. Some unused areas have tall grass, and ticks are common in less-traveled sections of the park.

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.

Best CampsitesDetailed individual site reviews are limited, but a first‑hand Facebook review notes that **“sites at the top of the hill” are full‑hookup (FHU) and that the lakeside sites are electric‑only**, describing the campground as “so nice” with especially clean shower houses[9]. From this: campers who prioritize **lake views and proximity to water** tend to like the **lakeside electric sites**, while RVers who want **full hookups and easier big‑rig use** prefer **the higher hilltop loop**[3][9]. The Dyrt map shows a mix of **open meadow‑style sites and more wooded sites**, so those wanting shade generally choose **sites backed by woods above the lake**, whereas star‑gazers or groups may prefer **more open sites near the lakefront**[3]. No consistent numbering of “best” individual site numbers appears in publicly accessible reviews, so specific site numbers cannot be reliably recommended.

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Amenities available

Lake Wapello State Park offers a variety of amenities to enhance the camping experience. These include modern shower and restroom facilities, a trailer dump station, and access to electricity and full RV hookups. Family cabins are available for rent, featuring amenities such as stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators. The campground is located adjacent to the scenic Lake Wapello. Additionally, there are shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, and various trails for recreation.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Cell CoverageConnectivity information from The Dyrt indicates **good T‑Mobile 5G coverage**, but **no Verizon or AT&T coverage** at the campground[3]. A TripAdvisor reviewer also reports **“no cell service” but good TV reception**, without specifying carrier, which aligns with the idea that only some networks (notably T‑Mobile) work while others do not[4]. Campers should expect **spotty to no coverage for Verizon and AT&T**, potentially workable signal for T‑Mobile near higher ground or open areas, and plan for largely **offline conditions** in most of the park[3][4].

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

16 reviews

Satisfactory

Lake Wapello State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 consistently praise the **beautiful, quiet lake setting**, describing the campground and scenery as “beautiful” with rolling, wooded hills and water views[3][4][9]. The **cleanliness of the...

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

Because cell coverage is limited for many carriers, campers recommend **planning for little to no connectivity**, downloading maps and entertainment in advance, and sharing offline plans with...

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

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically discuss accessibility features.

Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No detailed reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences with pets.

Based on 16 reviews

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Go if

Families who want a summer base camp with actual things to do: the seven-mile Lake Shore Trail, rentable kayaks and paddleboards, bluegill and bass fishing off accessible piers, and a sandy beach that's reportedly the largest beach house facility in Iowa's state park system.

Skip if

Tick aversion is real for your group. Less-traveled sections have tall grass and reviewers flag ticks consistently, so anyone sensitive to that should weigh it seriously before booking.

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20112 HWY J5T, CENTERVILLE, IA 52544-8308, USA

Buck Creek sits on the shore of Rathbun Lake in south-central Iowa, 10 miles north of Centerville. This Corps of Engineers campground offers electric hookups, hot showers, and a swim beach during the peak season. Campers fish for crappie and catfish, launch boats from the nearby ramp, and bike the rolling terrain around Iowa's largest reservoir.

Lake Wapello State Park

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About Lake Wapello State Park

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