Spillway Recreation Area

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4 reviews
Spillway Recreation Area

Quick Facts

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Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Spillway Recreation Area
No fees available
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Provider
(573) 222-8773 (staffed between 03/22/2025 and 10/26/2025); (573) 778-5404 (general information when unstaffed 11/12/2024–03/21/2025)

What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

Most mentioned

shadewaterhookups

"Reviewers are very positive about Spillway Recreation Area, highlighting it as a well-equipped, shaded, and comfortable spot for gatherings. Guests appreciate the convenient layout near parking and restrooms, plus the variety of amenities that work well for family events and repeat visits."

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Best Time to Camp at Spillway Recreation Area

The beauty of Spillway Recreation Area is that it welcomes visitors throughout the year, with picnic shelters and day-use amenities accessible in every season. From March 22 through October 26, 2025, you'll find staff on-site to assist with your visit, while the area operates unstaffed but fully accessible from November 12, 2024 through March 21, 2025, perfect for those seeking a quieter, self-guided experience.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Best
Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Picnic shelters available year-round. Location is staffed between 03/22/2025 and 10/26/2025; unstaffed from 11/12/2024 to 03/21/2025.

About Spillway Recreation Area

Discover a slice of history at Spillway Recreation Area, where an iconic 1937 outlet structure stands as the centerpiece of this versatile lakeside retreat. Whether you're launching your boat from the one-lane ramp, picnicking under sheltered pavilions, or starting your hike on the Pine Ridge Natural Trail, this day-use facility blends recreation and heritage along the shores of Wappapello Lake.
Spillway Recreation Area is presented as a day-use recreation area with picnic shelters, picnic sites, playground and trail access; no overnight camping types are described in the source material.
Historical SignificanceThe spillway's distinctive outlet structure has stood sentinel over these waters since 1937, making it one of Wappapello Lake's most enduring landmarks. For nearly nine decades, this engineering marvel has drawn visitors who appreciate both its functional beauty and its role in shaping the lake's story. The structure serves as a living monument to Depression-era craftsmanship and continues to captivate photographers, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers who recognize it as the symbolic heart of the recreation area.
Weather and SeasonsThe beauty of Spillway Recreation Area is that it welcomes visitors throughout the year, with picnic shelters and day-use amenities accessible in every season. From March 22 through October 26, 2025, you'll find staff on-site to assist with your visit, while the area operates unstaffed but fully accessible from November 12, 2024 through March 21, 2025, perfect for those seeking a quieter, self-guided experience.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled in the gentle southeastern Ozark foothills, Wappapello Lake unfolds across 45,000 acres of pristine public recreation land. The shoreline weaves through dense woodlands, revealing one secluded cove after another—each offering its own quiet sanctuary for paddlers, anglers, and nature lovers. Ancient trees lean over the water's edge, their reflections dancing on the surface, while the surrounding hills create a natural amphitheater that captures the sounds of birdsong and lapping waves. This is the Ozarks at their most intimate, where the landscape invites exploration and rewards those who venture beyond the main recreation area.
Geological Regionsoutheastern Ozark foothills
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Campsite details

AccessibilityTwo accessible picnic shelters and an accessible 6-stall restroom; Shelter 4 includes a large wood-burning fireplace in the covered area.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesShelter 4 includes a large wood-burning fireplace; shelters have large capacity grills, electricity, water fountains and water hydrants. The lower boat ramp area is well suited for kayakers with easy bank access. Pine Ridge Natural Trail (0.75-mile double loop) begins at the Spillway Recreation Area.

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Tents
Tents are not allowed
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RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDay-use layout with two large picnic shelters, multiple picnic sites (8 picnic sites noted within the day-use area), a sand volleyball court, large playground, horseshoe pits, cornhole boards, a Lake View Trailhead, bank fishing areas and a centrally located 6-stall accessible restroom.
Open and Closed SeasonPicnic shelters available year-round. Location is staffed between 03/22/2025 and 10/26/2025; unstaffed from 11/12/2024 to 03/21/2025.

Amenities available

Potable water

Activities you can enjoy

Boating and fishing are the most popular activities; the area also supports hiking on a nearby natural trail and informal launching for kayaks. Additional day-use recreation includes a playground, sand volleyball, horseshoe pits and cornhole.
Hiking
Pine Ridge Natural Trail, a 3/4-mile double-loop trail, starts at the Spillway Recreation Area and provides access through nearby woodlands; a Lake View Trailhead is also present.
Fishing
Bank fishing along the spillway and St. Francis River; species noted include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish.
Boating
A one-lane boat ramp provides river access; the lower boat ramp area is described as ideal for kayakers with easy bank access for launching.
Water Sports
Kayaking and general boating (one-lane ramp and easy bank launching are noted).
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Shelter 4 has a large wood-burning fireplace in the covered area; shelters have large capacity grills. No broader fire policy information provided.

Hazards


Weather at Spillway Recreation Area

31
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 70%
Wind: 3.6 mph
Clear sky

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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Wappapello Lake and feeding the St. Francis River; includes a one-lane boat ramp providing river access and a lower boat ramp area suitable for launching kayaks.
HostStaffed between 03/22/2025 and 10/26/2025; local staff phone: (573) 222-8773. Unstaffed from 11/12/2024 to 03/21/2025; general information phone: (573) 778-5404.

Campground Map

Spillway Recreation Area
Driving directionsFrom St. Louis, Missouri: Take I-55 South to US Highway 67 South to State Highway D (located just South of Greenville, Missouri). 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, Missouri: Take US Highway 60 East to State Highway T North. Go North on State Highway T for 22 miles and watch for signs.
Accessible via I-55 and US Highway 67 from St. Louis; via US Highway 60 and State Highway T from Poplar Bluff; reached by State Highways D and T near Greenville, Missouri.

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
4 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Spillway Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers are very positive about Spillway Recreation Area, highlighting it as a well-equipped, shaded, and comfortable spot for gatherings. Guests appreciate the convenient layout near parking and restrooms, plus the variety of amenities that work well for family events and repeat visits.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Users love the ample shade, plentiful seating and tables, and availability of water and electric hookups. The playground, volleyball area, horseshoe pit, large grill, and rock fireplace/pavilion area...
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Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

The only recurring minor issue mentioned is the presence of spider webs that may need to be knocked down before use. No other significant complaints or concerns are raised in the reviews provided.
Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers suggest bringing extra lawn chairs if you want additional seating on the shaded lawn beyond what is provided. One user recommends bringing a broom or extendable duster to clear spider webs...
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Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This was our third year at this location. It is well shaded, has ample seating... and has water and electric." "The playground was a plus as it entertained the kids that were in attendance and was...
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Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site S04 in the SPILLWAY REC loop is described as very convenient, with space that worked well for a gender reveal party. It is noted as being close to parking spaces and restrooms, with good...
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Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

One review notes that the event space (Site S04) is "conveniently located close to the parking spaces and restrooms," suggesting easy access between these facilities. No further details on...
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Based on 4 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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