Attention Campers: Starting in April of 2026, all campsites will become 100 percent reservable and will be accepting same-day reservations. As part of this process, the campground will close on January 1, 2026.
Campground Shower House and Lodge Closure: Modern restrooms at the beach are closed. The campground shower house will close on 10/16/25. Please contact the park office at with any questions 641-722-3371. Posted 10/15/25
Campground Operations: This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - October 31 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
Book a Campsite at Lake Wapello State Park, IA
89 site(s) found
**** Some sites may be available only from the campground. Call the park to check availability.
Overview
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 lake. Motorboats must not exceed 5 mph on Lake Wapello. 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 full hook-up, 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 eleven cedar-sided family cabins to rent April through October and two family cabins that are available year round. 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.
Booking Window
Day-use Lodge
Sun Dec 28 2025 - Mon Dec 21 2026Reservations must be made 7 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 Month(s) in advance.
Family Cabins Modern
Sun Dec 28 2025 - Mon Dec 21 2026Reservations must be made 7 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 Month(s) in advance.
Shelters
Sun Dec 28 2025 - Mon Dec 21 2026Reservations must be made 7 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Electric
Tue Dec 23 2025 - Sat Mar 21 2026Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Full Hook-Up
Tue Dec 23 2025 - Sat Mar 21 2026Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Tent Only
Tue Dec 23 2025 - Sat Mar 21 2026Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Youth Group Only
Tue Dec 23 2025 - Sat Mar 21 2026Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Season Dates
Lake Wapello Shelters:
Reservable: May 1 - September 30
Lake Wapello Lodge:
Reservable: May 1 - October 15
Lake Wapello Cabins (001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007, 008, 009, 010, 012):
Reservable: April 1 - October 31
Lake Wapello Cabins (011, 013):
Reservable: January 1 - December 31
Lake Wapello Campground:
Closed: January 1 - March 31
Off Peak: April 1 - April 30
Peak: May 1 - October 15
Off Peak: October 16 - October 31
Closed: November 1 - December 31
Season Schedule
Park Season
Start
End
Walk In
Sat Nov 01 2025
Wed Dec 31 2025
Off Peak
Wed Apr 01 2026
Thu Apr 30 2026
Peak
Fri May 01 2026
Thu Oct 15 2026
Off Peak
Fri Oct 16 2026
Sat Oct 31 2026
Services and Amenities
Within Park
- Bicycling
- Bird Watching
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Canoeing
- Dock, Boat
- Docks, Fishing
- Dump Station
- Fish Cleaning Station
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Jogging/Running
- Kayaking
- Modern Restroom
- Park Lake
- Park Office
- Parking
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Registration Building
- Restrooms
- Sail Boating
- Showers
- Swimming - Beach
- Telephone
- Toilet, Pit/Vault
- Trash Dumpster
- Water Hydrants
- Wildlife Viewing
Less Than 1 Mile
- Retail, Firewood
Within 10 Miles
- ATM/Cash Machine
- Antiquing
- Fuel, Vehicles
- Town
Greater Than 10 Miles
- Grocery Store
- Hospital
- Medical Clinic
Fees and Cancellation Policies
Click here to view the cancellation policy.
Facility Rates*
Park Season
Site Type
Nightly/Daily Rates
Walk In Season
Nov 01 2025 -
Dec 31 2025
Nov 01 2025 -
Dec 31 2025
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Tent Only
$12.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$20.00
Standard Electric
$20.00
Shelters
$30.00
Family Cabins Modern
$75.00-$100.00
($450.00-$600.00 Weekly**)
($450.00-$600.00 Weekly**)
Day-use Lodge
$50.00-$100.00
Off Peak Season
Apr 01 2026 -
Apr 30 2026
Apr 01 2026 -
Apr 30 2026
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Tent Only
$12.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$20.00
Standard Electric
$20.00
Shelters
$30.00
Family Cabins Modern
$75.00-$100.00
($450.00-$600.00 Weekly**)
($450.00-$600.00 Weekly**)
Day-use Lodge
$50.00-$100.00
Peak Season
May 01 2026 -
Oct 15 2026
May 01 2026 -
Oct 15 2026
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Tent Only
$15.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$33.00
Standard Electric
$23.00
Shelters
$30.00
Family Cabins Modern
$75.00-$100.00
($450.00-$600.00 Weekly**)
($450.00-$600.00 Weekly**)
Day-use Lodge
$50.00-$100.00
Off Peak Season
Oct 16 2026 -
Oct 31 2026
Oct 16 2026 -
Oct 31 2026
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Tent Only
$12.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$20.00
Standard Electric
$20.00
Shelters
$30.00
Family Cabins Modern
$75.00-$100.00
($450.00-$600.00 Weekly**)
($450.00-$600.00 Weekly**)
Day-use Lodge
$50.00-$100.00
*Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, attribute fees (electrical hookups / water hookups), taxes or incremental charges
**Weekly rates may not be available for all sites
Getting There
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
40.81583, -92.58833
40°48'57"N, 92°35'18"W
Four miles north of Bloomfield or fifteen miles south of Ottumwa on Highway 63, take 180th street west, go six miles to the town of Drakesville, continue west on 180th five miles, 180th turns into Eagle Blvd. Go one mile on Eagle Blvd and the entrance to the park is on the left.
40.81583, -92.58833
40°48'57"N, 92°35'18"W
Four miles north of Bloomfield or fifteen miles south of Ottumwa on Highway 63, take 180th street west, go six miles to the town of Drakesville, continue west on 180th five miles, 180th turns into Eagle Blvd. Go one mile on Eagle Blvd and the entrance to the park is on the left.
Nearby Parks
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