Description

Lake Wapello was named in honor of the famous Native American Chief Wapello and boasts outdoor opportunities for just about any outdoor enthusiast. The parks 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.

Several watershed erosion control structures were installed throughout the park. These improvements have made water quality fishing superb. Canoeing, kayaking, fishing and pleasure cruising are very enjoyable on this lake.

Recreation:

Trails
The lake has a seven mile Lake Shore Trail, which will 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 multi-use trails for hiking and snowmobiling. A nature trail is located on the north side of the park.

Lake Activities
Lake Wapello has one of the finest sand beaches in southern Iowa and the largest beach house facility in Iowa's state park system. The beach offers opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. There are no lifeguards at the beach.

Lake Wapello is a pristine, 289 acre "no-wake" lake. Here you will find some of the finest fishing for bluegill, redear sunfish, bass (catch and release only), crappie, and channel catfish in the state. Extensive renovations were made to the lake during the early 1990s and in 2009. Fishing jetties, universally accessible fishing piers, and shoreline access were installed and enhanced to allow better shoreline fishing experiences. Underwater reefs, sunken cedar trees and spawning beds were added to provide better fish habitat.

Facilities:

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 area available and two may be reserved online.

Camping
The campground offers both electric and non-electric sites, modern shower and restroom facilities, as well as a trailer dump station. The campground is located adjacent to the lake.

Family Cabins
Lake Wapello State Park has fourteen cedar-sided family cabins to rent April through October. These cabins are very popular for family vacations and reunions. They accommodate four people comfortably and feature a restroom, shower, stove/oven, microwave and refrigerator. The cabins may be reserved online.

Nearby Attractions:

Camp Wapello
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 ten separate tent-oriented camping areas. For further details, contact the Camp Wapello Preservation Group at 1-800-684-4184.

Local Events/Attractions
Lake Wapello is in the heart of Amish country. Many craft and furniture shops are just a few miles from the park.

Nearby Towns
Bloomfield, the county seat of Davis County, is located thirteen miles southeast of the park. Unionville is six miles west, and Drakesville is six miles east. The city of Ottumwa is located thirty miles north and east of Lake Wapello State Park.