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Wappapello Lake
Wappapello Lake, MO is a 45,000-acre project nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains on the St. Francis River in Southeast Missouri. Completed in 1941, Wapppapello Lake annually provides an estimated $3.9 million in flood protection to agricultural lands and developed areas along the St. Francis River. In 1996, the mascot Ranger Willie B. Safe was created at Wapppapello Lake as part of a water safety awareness campaign. Selected as the 1999 Natural Resources Project of the Year, Wappapello Lake averages nearly 2.5 million visitors per year.
RecAreaDirections
Southeast Missouri. From St. Louis, travel south 32 miles on I-55 to U.S. 67. Continue south 88 miles to Greenville. Turn left on Highway D, travel south 20 miles.
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Permits info
Facilities
EAGLE POINT RECREATION AREA Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Eagle Point day-use area provides a beautiful and grassy setting near the dam on Wappapello Lake. The park offers an accessible picnic shelter accommodating up to 80 guests, making it an ideal location for a large gathering of friends and family.Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake.
Recreation
Wappapello Lake can be a boater's paradise with a string of secluded coves, islands and wooded shorelines. Hunting, fishing and kayaking are popular activities year-round. Hiking and biking on one of the Lake's 9 trail systems provides opportunities for all ages and abilities. The new accessible Shell Lake Archery Trail is a unique destination for achery enthusiasts.
Facilities
The accessible picnic shelter fits 80 guests. The area includes a scenic overlook, volleyball court and flush toilets.From the bluff, an extended platform overlooks the lake -- a popular location for small wedding ceremonies (permit required). The new Lake View trail can be accessed here with options to go across the dam or visit Peoples Creek. The restroom and picnic areas were replaced in 2021
Natural Features
Wappapello Lake is fed by the St. Francis River and boasts 8,400 surface-acres on a whopping 45,000-acre expanse of public land, in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.Nearby Attractions
Explore the nearby Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or St. Francis River. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 10.8 miles from Eagle Point Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 17 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 34 miles away from Eagle Point Recreation Area.
The Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center--located near the gatehouse, south of the dam-- offers more information on the area as well as recreation.
GREENVILLE RECREATION AREA Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Greenville Recreation Area is located on the northen end of Wappapello Lake Project, nestled on the banks of the St. Francis River. The spacious campground is built on the original site of the historical Old Greenville City, visitors have seemingly endless opportunities for fun. The Memory Lane trail winds along the historical foundations and streets offering a glimpse back in time. The Greenville Trail, a three mile hike or bike trail, connects the modern city of Greenville to the campground. The expansive grounds, multiple playgrounds, play courts and large event area provide opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake!
Recreation
Greenville boasts a one-mile historical trail to explore. A three-mile hike/bike trail is open year-round and a great choice for families. The lake is home to some of Missouri's most sought after game fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish.
Hunting and trapping are popular activities around the lake, boasting 44,000 acres for public use.
Special events are put on throughout the year but the annual Black Powder Rendezvous, Old Greenville Days and Halloween Boo Bash events are notable experiences in Greenville.
Facilities
The day use portion of the recreation area includes 14 picnic sites, a playground, basketball court, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, day use shelter, and boat ramp with courtesy dock. Facilities within the campground include showers, a playground, and 106 campsites with full hookups, consisting of electric, water, and sewer.
Natural Features
Wappapello Lake, fed by the St. Francis River, has a seemingly endless string of secluded coves hugged by a winding, wooded shoreline. The public recreation area spans 45,000 acres in the southeastern Ozark foothills. The St. Francis River provides multiple caves, gravel bars, and open stretchs of water surrounded by open woodlands and rocky bluffs.
Nearby Attractions
Explore one of the 9 trail systems along the Wappapello Lake. The nearby Ozark Trail is the only Horse friendly trail at the Lake. The Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or lower St. Francis River are approximately 22 miles away. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 31 miles from Old Greenville Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 21 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 14 miles away from Old Greenville Recreation Area. The nearby 34 Bridge Recreation Area is an ideal place to swim or picnic along its large gravel bars.
contact_info
Between 03/16/2022 and 11/22/2022 this location is staffed. Please call (573) 224-3884 to speak with local staff. From 01/19/2022 to 03/15/2022 this location is unstaffed. Please call (573) 222-8562 for general information.PEOPLES CREEK Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
People's Creek Recreation Area, located in the southeastern Ozark foothills of Missouri, is a great launchpad for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking or simply exploring the Wappapello Lake area.
Completed in 1941, Wappapello Lake provides an estimated $3.9 million in annual flood protection to agricultural lands and developed areas along the St. Francis River. A peaceful cove offers endless recreation opportunities with 57 campsites, a picnic shelter, beach, accessible fishing pier, and Lake View Trail.
Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake.
Recreation
People's Creek is ideally suited for swimming and boating activities. The lake is home to some of Missouri's most sought after game fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish. Hunting, fishing and kayaking are popular activities year-round. Hiking and biking on one of the Lake's 9 trail systems provides opportunities for all ages and abilities. The new accessible Shell Lake Archery Trail is a unique destination for achery enthusiasts.
Facilities
The day-use portion of People's Creek includes a two-lane boat ramp with courtesy dock, an accessible fishing pier, swimming beach and large picnic shelter. The campground portion has an upper and lower campground. The lower area offers 38 sites with 50-amp electric and water hookups. Peoples Creek Lower section is the only campground at Wappapepello Lake with waterfront campsites. A large sandy mooring area is available for campers. The upper area has 19 full-service campsites with 50-amp electric, water and sewer hookups.
Natural Features
Wappapello Lake stretches 8,400 acres on 45,000 acres of public land. Lightly wooded shorelines add shade to the scenic landscape.Nearby Attractions
Explore the nearby Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or St. Francis River. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 11.5 miles from Peoples Creek Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 18.2 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 33.4 miles away from Peoples Creek Recreation Area.
contact_info
Between 09/23/2022 and 09/27/2022 this location is staffed. Please call (573) 222-8234 to speak with local staff. From 09/28/2022 to 04/06/2023 this location is unstaffed. Please call (573) 778-5404 for general information.REDMAN CREEK RECREATION AREA Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Redman Creek offers a varirty of recreational opportunities for every visitor! This large park is an ideal place for just a day visit or an extended stay. Redman Creek Campground features 109 full service campsites in the Redman East and West Campground. Each campground loop has a playground and shower house, with some restroom facilites replaced in 2021.
Enjoy the scenic view along the new paved Lake View Trail, this multi-use trail is a hiker, biker or walkers dream. Beginning at Redman East Campground, the trail connects the entire Wappapello Dam area featuring multiple trailheads with unique landscapes.
A tennis court, basketball court, sand volleyball court and playground are available for use year-round. A family picnic or a day of grilling are easy at one of 17 picnic sites or 4 reservable group shelters. An accessible fishing pier, 4-lane boat ramp with courtesy dock and a seasonal swimming beach provide a multitude of water recreation opportunities.
Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake!
Recreation
Wappapello Lake can be a boater's paradise with a string of secluded coves, islands and wooded shorelines. Hunting, fishing and kayaking are popular activities year-round. Hiking and biking on one of the Lake's 9 trail systems provides opportunities for all ages and abilities. The new accessible Shell Lake Archery Trail is a unique destination for achery enthusiasts.
Facilities
The day-use portion of Redman Creek includes the visitor center, four picnic shelters, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, horseshoe pits and more. The campground portion provides 109 full service campsites with 50-AMP electric, water and sewer hookups in addition to six non-electric boat-in island camp sites.Natural Features
Wappapello Lake is fed by the St. Francis River and boasts 8,400 acres on a whopping 45,000-acre expanse of public land in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.contact_info
Between 03/16/2022 and 11/01/2022 this location is staffed. Please call (573) 222-8233 to speak with local staff. From 01/07/2022 to 03/15/2022 this location is unstaffed. Please call (573) 222-8562 for general information.Nearby Attractions
Explore the nearby Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or St. Francis River. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 11.6 miles from Redman Creek Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 17 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 34 miles away from Redman Creek Recreation Area.
SPILLWAY RECREATION AREA Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
The Spillway Recreation Area's iconic outllet structure has delighted visitors to Wappapello Lake since 1937. Feeding the St. Francis River, the spillway banks are a favorite location for fisherman. A one lane boat ramp provides river access, the lower boat ramp area is also an ideal location for kayakers with easy bank access for launching. 11 picnic areas and 2 accessible picnic shelters are available for use year round. Each shelter has a large capacity grill, electricity, water fountains and water hydrants available, Shelter 4 has a large wood burning fireplace in the covered area. A 6 stall, accessible restroom is centrally located within the recreation area.
A sand volleyball court, large playground, horseshoe pits, cornhole boards and a Lake View Trailhead offer recreational opportunities for all ages and interests.
Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake!
Recreation
Boating and fishing are the most popular activities with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish, among other species.Pine Ridge Natural Trail, a 3/4-mile double loop, starts at the Spillway Recreation Area and provides an excellent way to explore the beautiful woodlands.
Facilities
This day use area includes two large picnic shelters, 8 picnic sites, a volleyball court, playground, horseshoe pits and bank fishing.Natural Features
Wappapello Lake has a seemingly endless string of secluded coves hugged by a winding, wooded shoreline. The public recreation area spans 45,000 acres in the southeastern Ozark foothills.Nearby Attractions
The extensive 33-mile Ozark Trail, starts just south of Sam A. Baker State Park and winds along the west side of the St. Francis River and Wappapello Lake.Wappapello State Park Facility
This recreation area is part of Wappapello Lake
Lost Creek Lodge Marina Facility
This recreation area is part of Wappapello Lake
Chaonia Landing Marina Facility
This recreation area is part of Wappapello Lake
Holliday Landing Marina Facility
This recreation area is part of Wappapello Lake
Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center Facility
This recreation area is part of Wappapello Lake
