Lake Wappapello State Park | St Louis

Lake Wappapello State Park, located in southeastern Missouri in Wayne County, offers a quintessential Ozark recreation experience centered around an 8,400-acre reservoir on the St. Francis River. This 1,854-acre state park features a mix of forested ridges, secluded coves, wide-open water, and rich wildlife habitats. Known for its boating, hiking, and family-friendly campgrounds, the park serves as a year-round destination for both active and relaxed outdoor experiences.

Natural Environment and Setting

The park sits along the southwest edge of Lake Wappapello, a man-made lake created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1941 for flood control. The surrounding land rises into typical Ozark topography-a blend of rocky hills, shaded ravines, and forested plateaus. The vegetation includes:

Dense stands of oak, hickory, and pine, especially along ridge trails.

Thickets of dogwood and redbud in spring, and fiery maple foliage in autumn.

Wildlife commonly observed include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, foxes, raccoons, songbirds, great blue herons, and bald eagles in winter.

Camping and Lodging

Lake Wappapello State Park offers a variety of camping and overnight options catering to all preferences-from rugged to modern comfort.

⛺ Campgrounds:

Asher Creek Campground:

Offers electric and basic sites, surrounded by trees with easy lake access.

Sites are spacious and well-suited to both tents and RVs.

Close to the boat launch, beach, and several trailheads.

Ridge Campground:

Features a mix of basic, electric, and family-style sites on high ground above the lake.

Provides restrooms, hot showers, laundry, and RV dump stations.

Open year-round, with reduced services in the off-season.

🛏 Cabins:

Housekeeping Cabins (6 total):

Two-bedroom and three-bedroom units that sleep up to 10 guests.

Equipped with full kitchens, furnishings, bathrooms, heating/cooling, and TVs.

Outdoor amenities include grills, fire rings, picnic tables, and porches with lake views.

Camper Cabins (4 units):

Rustic but comfortable wooden cabins with electricity, air conditioning, a mini-fridge, and microwave.

Designed for up to four guests.

No running water inside; a modern shared bathhouse is nearby.

Backcountry Camping:

Allowed along designated portions of the Ozark Trail.

Requires registration, and campfires are not permitted in remote areas.

Boating, Swimming, and Fishing

Lake Wappapello is the main draw for many visitors, offering excellent water-based recreation:

🚤 Boating:

Three boat ramps within the state park give easy access to the lake.

Boating is permitted year-round with no motor restrictions.

Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are popular in coves and creeks.

Boat rentals available nearby in peak season.

🏖 Swimming:

Allison Cove Beach:

Sandy shoreline ideal for families.

Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, sunrise to sunset.

Includes change stations and restrooms.

🎣 Fishing:

The lake is well-stocked and popular with both casual anglers and tournament fishermen.

Common catches include:

Largemouth and white bass

Crappie

Bluegill

Catfish

Night fishing is allowed except near the swimming beach and boat ramps.

A fish cleaning station is available near the marina area.

Trails and Nature Exploration

Lake Wappapello State Park has over 20 miles of hiking and multi-use trails, ideal for day hikes, birdwatching, and wilderness exploration.

🥾 Notable Trails:

Allison Cemetery Trail (0.5 mi):

Short and historical; passes a 19th-century family cemetery and offers lake views.

Asher Creek Trail (2 mi):

Loops through woods and wetland edges, good for spotting birds and amphibians.

Lake View Trail (3 mi):

Follows high ground along the lake with several scenic overlooks.

Lake Wappapello Trail:

Long-distance trail that connects to the Ozark Trail, ideal for backpacking or long hikes through mixed forest.

Primitive camping is allowed along this route.

All trails are well-marked, with varying difficulty levels and terrain changes.

Facilities and Park Services

The park includes multiple day-use and support amenities:

Visitor Center / Park Office:

Open seasonally, offering maps, permits, and local information.

Picnic Shelters:

Reservable group shelters with grills and tables near the lake.

Playgrounds and Open Fields:

Found near the campground and day-use areas.

Camp Store (seasonal):

Offers snacks, ice, firewood, basic supplies, and sometimes canoe rentals.

Best Times to Visit and Tips

Spring (March–May): Wildflowers bloom and wildlife is active. Fishing is excellent.

Summer (June–August): Ideal for water recreation. The park is livelier and more family-oriented.

Fall (September–November): Great for hiking, with cool weather and changing leaves.

Winter (December–February): Very quiet. Some trails and primitive camping remain open; ideal for solitude and bald eagle viewing.

Tips:

Cabins fill quickly on weekends-reserve several months in advance.

Ticks and mosquitoes are common in warmer months-bring repellant.

Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent invasive pests.

Cell service is limited in remote areas-download maps or bring printed versions.

Summary

Lake Wappapello State Park delivers a complete outdoor experience with modern cabins, spacious campgrounds, expansive trails, and prime lake access. It blends the natural beauty of Missouri’s Ozark foothills with a wide range of recreational options suited for both families and solitude seekers. Whether you’re angling at dawn, paddling in a quiet cove, hiking a wooded trail, or relaxing at a cabin porch with lake views, the park offers authentic and restorative time in nature.