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.

Lake Wapello's beach offers opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.  Any size of boat motors may be operated at a maximum speed of 5 mph..

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.

Facilities and Activities

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.

Picnicking/Shelters
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 one may be reserved online through the park reservation system.

Camping
Lake Wapello State Park includes several camp sites 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. One fourth of the campsites are still available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Family Cabins
Lake Wapello's 13 family cabins (11 seasonal cabins and 2 year-round 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.

Trails
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.

Lake Activities ( boating, fishing)
Lake Wapello's beach offers opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.  Any size of boat motors may be operated at a maximum speed of 5 mph..

Lake Wapello Baithouse (641-722-3475) is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend; Thursday through Sunday and holidays, noon to 8 PM. Rentals include paddle boats, kayaks. stand-up boards and john boats with or without trolling motors. Items for sale include drinks, snacks, ice cream, fishing supplies, and many items for the campers and cabin renters, also children's beach toys/games. Questions can also be answered through the Friends of Lake Wapello Facebook page.

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.

Amenities

Within park
Beach, Bicycling, Bird Watching, Boat Launch Ramp, Boating, Cabins, Cabins, Camping - Electric, Camping - Nonelectric, Camping - Youth Group, Canoe Rental, Canoeing, Concession, Cross Country Skiing, Dock Slips, Dock, Boat, Dock, Fishing, Dump Station, Fish Cleaning Station, Fishing, Jogging/Running, Kayak Rental, Kayaking, Modern Campground, Paddle Boating, Park Lake, Picnic Area, Picnic Shelter, Pier, Fishing, Playground, Restrooms, Sail Boating, Showers, Snowmobiling, Swimming - Beach, Trails, Cross Country Skiing, Trails, Hiking, Trails, Snowmobile, Viewing Platform/Overlook, Water Hydrants , Wildflower Viewing, Wildlife Viewing