The water level at Lake Wapello is being lowered a minimum of 14 feet so that a leak in the dam can be repaired.
Engineers working on the fix are unsure at this time as to the extent of the problem or the fix, but it is thought
the area of concern to be an old water supply pipe through the dam. Lowering the lake 14 feet will be accomplished by
May 15. The repair work is projected to take about a week. The lake level will start to increase immediately
after the work is completed. Park visitors should expect the lowered water level to adversely impact their water
based recreation at least through the month of June and perhaps longer. Consideration is being given to removing
the nuisance gizzard shad population while the lake level is down. The removel would be accomplished through the
application of an approved fish toxicant at a concentration that minimizes impact on game fish. The park will
continue to stay open and cabins, camping, hiking, picnicking activities will not be impacted. Boat traffic,
swimming, and fishing will be impacted until the lake is able to return to its normal level. Factors such as weather
can greatly impact this goal. For updated information contact the park office at 641-722-3371. (updated 4/2/08)
The shaded and grassy picnic areas are attractive spots for leisurely outdoor meals as well as great views of Lake
Wapello. Three open picnic shelters are available
and may be reserved online through the
park reservation system.
The newly remodeled stone and timber 1930's beach building offers many visitor services including a seasonal restaurant
serving a variety of foods, a lake observation deck, and restrooms. Beach users can purchase snacks and refreshments
as well as bait and tackle at the concession area of the building.
Lake Wapello State Park will accommodate 80 camping units, 42 with electrical outlets. Modern shower and rest room
facilities are available, as well as a trailer-dump station. The campground is located adjacent to the lake and offers
a fine opportunity to "rough it" in the great outdoors. Advance campsite reservations can be booked through
the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available
on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lake Wapello's 14 family cabins provide a wonderful opportunity for an Iowa vacation "get away." The cabins,
which accommodate 4 people comfortably, feature rest room, shower, and cooking facilities. Renters must provide their
own bedding, towels, toiletry items, dishes and pots and pans. The cabins can be reserved online through the
park reservation system.
Several miles of trails take you around the lake and through the park. Cross country skiing is a popular activity in
the winter and there are several areas designated for cross country skiers. The park also offers multiple use trails
for hiking and snowmobiling. A nature trail is located on the north side of the park.
( boating, fishing)
Lake Wapello's beach offers opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. Refreshments are available at the beautiful
stone and timber bathhouse. Boats may be rented at the concession area. Any size of boat motors may be operated at
"no wake" speeds on the lake.
Bass (catch and release only), crappies, catfish and bluegills abound in the beautiful 289-acre artificial lake.
Anglers have an excellent chance to go home with a fine catch.
The facilities of Camp Wapello, the former Boy Scout Area, are now owned by the Camp Wapello Preservation Group. There
is a dining hall with cooking facilities, shower building, and 10 separate tent-oriented camping areas. For further
details, contact the Camp Wapello Preservation Group at 1-800/684-4184.
Lake and restaurant/beach building at Lake Wapello State Park.
Lake Wapello's 1,150 acres could easily be called the "country club" of Iowa's state parks. The beautiful
wooded hillsides, shaded picnic areas and lake provide a quiet elegance which makes Lake Wapello one of southern Iowa's
best-kept secrets. The beautiful lodge has been converted back into a restaurant. Enjoy the view of the lake and the
excellent food when you come visit Lake Wapello State Park.
Bloomfield, the county seat of Davis County, is located 13 miles southeast of the park. Unionville is 6 miles west, and
Drakesville is 6 miles east. The city of Ottumwa is located 30 miles north and east of Lake Wapello State Park.
15248 Campground Road
Drakesville, IA 52552
ph. 641/722-3371
fax: 641/722-3384
E-mail address: Lake_Wapello@dnr.iowa.gov
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