The lake renovation is complete and the lake is refilling. It is currently two/thirds full and there has been initial fish stocking of bass,
channel cat, and bluegill. There needs to be several more inches of rain to completely fill the lake. The dock, boat ramps and swimming are not
available at this time until the lake fills more. The trails, cabins and campground remain open. There will be no boat rentals, bait,
snack bar or restaurant this year. (updated 6/18/09)
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 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 two 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. 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.Beach users
can purchase snacks and refreshments as well as bait and tackle at the concession area of the building.
Lake Wapello State Park 80 camping sites, 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 made online 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.
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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