Nestled in the southeast region of Missouri, Lake Wappapello State Park offers a variety of recreation opportunities ranging from an exciting day on Lake Wappapello to a quiet stroll through the Ozark forest.

Lake Wappapello is popular with fishermen who cast their lines in hopes of reducing the excellent population of white bass, crappie and bluegill, as well as largemouth bass and catfish. Water enthusiasts will also enjoy swimming, boating and water skiing. The park features a swimming beach and paved boat ramps.

On-shore recreation options include miles of hiking, backpacking, equestrian and all-terrain bicycle trails. Visitors can enjoy lunch in two picnic areas, which include picnic sites, shelters and playground equipment.

Two campgrounds -- one perched on the ridge and one nestled near the lake -- offer basic and electric hookup campsites, hot showers, modern restrooms and laundry facilities. Eight modern cabins with kitchens, perfect for families, can be reserved by contacting the park office.

Lake Wappapello State Park provides a pleasant atmosphere for a myriad of park visitors whether they are looking to fish, boat, camp or just enjoy an afternoon barbecue and an evening sunset.

Lake Wappapello State Park offers two- and three-bedroom housekeeping cabins. The cabins are open April 1 through Nov. 15. Check in is at 3 p.m. with check out by 11 a.m.

Infants and children count as occupants. Pets are not allowed in the cabins. Tents or other alternate lodging accommodations are not allowed in the rental area. There are no telephones in the cabins.

Two-bedroom cabin amenities include:

Bathroom, kitchenette with sink, refrigerator, electric cooktop, pots and pans, coffee pot, toaster, microwave and seating for six, television, heating and cooling, bed and bath linens, picnic table and outdoor fire ring with grill

Clean up and trash removal is the responsibility of the lodging guest and should be completed before check out.

The two-bedroom cabins (Units 1-7) are approximately 1.7 miles from the park office and can sleep a maximum of six people. The 2006 rate for these cabins is $90 per night.

Three-bedroom cabin amenities include:

One full and one half bathroom, kitchenette with sink, refrigerator, electric cooktop, pots and pans, coffee pot, toaster, microwave and seating for ten, television, heating and cooling, bed and bath linens, picnic table and outdoor fire ring with grill, Clean up and trash removal is the responsibility of the lodging guest and should be completed before check out.

The three-bedroom cabin (Unit 8) is approximately one mile from the park office and can sleep a maximum of ten people. The 2006 rate for this cabin is $120 per night.

Please visit the Lodging Reservation System page for other important policy information before making your reservation.

Lake Wappapello SP Campground Information

Lake Wappapello State Park offers basic and electric campsites. Services include reservable campsites, a dump station, showers, water and laundry.

Asher Creek Campground is closed November through March. Campsites 36-47 and 54 in Ridge Campground are closed November through March.

For reservations, there is a required two-night minimum stay for weekends and major holidays from May 15 through Sept. 15

Facilities

Most state parks have basic campsites, which include a parking pad, table, grill and lantern post; and electric campsites, which have basic facilities plus electricity. Some sites offer basic facilities plus electric, water and sewer hookups. Many camping areas have modern restrooms, hot showers, trailer dump stations, coin-operated laundries and firewood.

In 2006, reservations are accepted in 34 state parks. A portion of campsites in the reservation parks are available for the first-come, first-served user. Also, first-come, first-served users may occupy an available reservable campsite on a day-by-day basis if the site is not reserved. Before occupying a reservable site, check with facility staff or follow the directions on the "Vacant" card.

In 2006, the following park facilities offer only first-come, first-served campsites:

Battle of Athens State Historic SiteLong Branch State ParkPrairie State ParkTaum Sauk Mountain State ParkVan Meter State Park

Operations

Nearly all state park campgrounds are open year-round. Electric hookups are available year-round, while water and showers are usually available from April 1 through Oct. 31 in most state parks. Roaring River, Bennett Spring and Montauk state parks are operational Feb. 25. Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park. Other special management regulations may apply; these regulations are posted in the appropriate state parks and historic sites. To secure a campsite, campers should be prepared to place on the campsite substantial personal property (i.e. dining fly, trailer, tent, licensed vehicle, etc.)

A "no vacancy" sign implies that all first-come, first-served sites are rented for the night, and that all reservable sites are paid in full and reserved for the night. Reservation customers are permitted to arrive any time within the first 24 hours of their stay. This results in some reserved sites remaining empty for the first night when the customer chooses to arrive the next morning. The park or historic site is obligated to hold the reserved site for 24 hours.

Firewood is available for sale at designated times at most state parks, or you may bring your own. Gathering firewood is strictly prohibited. Campers are asked not to bring firewood in from Michigan, Indiana or Ohio, where infestations of the Emerald Ash Borer are prevalent.

Pets as Park Visitors

Pets must be on a secured leash that is no longer than 10 feet, reasonably quiet at all times, under control of the owner and never left unsupervised. Pets are not allowed in any park structures (including restrooms and showerhouses). Also, pets are restricted from swimming areas (including beaches) and waters reserved for fishing.

Senior and Disabled Citizens

Citizens who are 65 years of age or older or persons with disabilities are entitled to a reduced camping fee. An official document such as a driver's license certifying proof of age or disability must be presented when registering.

Camper Awards

Individuals or families camping in five state parks or historic sites during one year and not violating any park rules and regulations are awarded a certificate and patch. Camper verification cards are available at all state parks and historic sites and must be verified by staff at each place the individual or family camps.