The Wappapello Dam on the St. Francis River in southeastern Missouri creates the reservoir known as Wappapello Lake. This US Army Corps of Engineers Lake is found in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and offers visitors 8,400 acres of water for lake recreation. The project covers a total of 45,000 acres and the pristine natural beauty provides an ideal setting for picnics and hikes.
The lake contains over 175 miles of diverse shoreline with coves and creeks to explore. It was completed in 1941 and welcomes millions of visitors each year. The most popular activities here are swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. The wooded shorelines of the lake offer shade when needed for visitors spending a lot of time outdoors. Camping is also popular at Wappapello Lake. There are three campgrounds that will accommodate RVs and offer wonderful proximity to the lake and other amenities.
Southeastern Missouri is an area packed with world-class parks and historic sites to explore. Within an hour from Wappapello Lake you can visit both the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Wappapello State Park. You'll pass directly through the picturesque University Forest Conservation Area. You can also visit nearby Old Greenville National Historic Site. This COE lake is found almost right in between the major cities of St. Louis and Memphis. What more do you need for the perfect RV road trip?
The roads leading from either St. Louis or Memphis are all paved and well-maintained. As you approach the lake, the roads are more winding. While you should have no problem navigating these roads in a large rig, allow extra time to reach your destination.
There is parking big enough for RVs, trailers, motorhomes, and campers at all the recreation areas and campgrounds at Wappapello Lake.
The COE campground at Redman Creek offers over 100 total campsites - some reservable, some not. Open from mid-March to the beginning of November, campers can conveniently enjoy all the amenities of the Redman Creek Recreation Area During their stay. Challenge the members of your group to a game of tennis, basketball, or beach volleyball. Get your boat in the water of Wappapello Lake using the onsite three-lane boat ramp and have the kids burn some energy at the playground. There is also a picturesque swimming beach here too.
The campsites at Redman Creek can handle trailers and RVs up to 80 feet. There are 105 full-service sites with sewer, 50 amp electric, and water hookups. An additional six sites are boat access only and therefore only suitable for tents.
In terms of other amenities, you'll find restrooms and showers along with a fish cleaning station here. Each site also has a standard picnic table and grill.
At People's Creek Campground, which is open year-round, you can stay overnight in your motorhome or RV that's up to 62 feet in length. Full hookups are the norm at this pet-friendly campsite and the electric hookup is 50 amps.
The People's Creek day-use area has attractions that campers can use easily. There is a two-lane boat ramp, picnic area, accessible fishing pier, and a swimming beach. Water recreation is right on your doorstep when you call this campground home.
In addition to full hookups, the campsites have their own fire rings and picnic tables. It's common to get a site with a good amount of shade from the summer sun and access to showers and restrooms is provided.
Open from the beginning of April until mid-November, the Greenville Campground has a total of 99 campsites for RVs and trailers and an additional four that are for tents only. There are four pull-through sites that have full hookups. Your large camper or motorhome will fit right in here - rigs up to 118 feet in length are accommodated.
This campground is set away from the lake, close to the St. Francis River. There is a scenic historic trail worthy of exploration right at Greenville. Amenities here include flush toilets and showers in addition to two playgrounds for the kids.
On a summer day, there are usually a number of boats visible on Wappapello Lake. Many of the groups on those boats will be spending their time fishing. You can fish for both game and non-game fish. The most popular catches here are channel catfish, white and largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. You can also try your luck at hooking three different kinds of sunfish.
If you don't have a boat, don't worry, the 175 miles of shoreline at this COE lake provide ample places to drop a line. Wappapello Lake is an ideal angling destination due to both the quantity and quality of fish found here. The Army Corps of Engineers along with volunteers create man-made shelters for the fish to preserve their numbers and habitat.
Walking and hiking are a great way to explore the surrounding area of Wappapello Lake. There are many trails to choose from within a short distance of the lake. Try the short Pine Ridge Trail that has a long loop of 3/4 of a mile or the short loop that measures half a mile.
The famous Ozark Trail also has a section that crosses into the area around the lake. The trail covers 31 miles in southeast Missouri and the Wappapello Lake section is open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.
Near the Visitor Center, try a walk to experience the best lake views. The trail offers views of the gatehouse and spillway in addition to the lake. You'll find a small playground and educational exhibits along the way.
There are picnic areas and shelters available at Redman Creek, Greenville, and People's Creek. There are also facilities at the Spillway, near the Visitor Center, and at Eagle Point. Many of these are open year-round and they are all available on a first-come, first-served basis and some can be reserved in advance online or by phone.
You can also enjoy an impromptu picnic on the grounds of Wappapello Lake. Head to the beach to take in all the excitement. For a more quiet time, spread your blanket on the more remote banks of the lake and relax with an amazing water view.
A trip to Wappapello Lake is not complete without swimming at one of the three gorgeous beaches. The beaches at People's Creek and Rockwood Point are open from May to September and the beach at Redman Creek is open from mid-May to the end of July.
Whether you enjoy swimming or sunbathing, the cool water is a welcome respite from the hot summer sun. If being in the sun all day is too much, there are trees close to the shore that offer shade.
Swimming areas are unsupervised so make sure to use caution when swimming alone or with small children.
Visitors to Wappapello Lake can enjoy the use of both motorized and non-motorized boats. A total of 26 boat ramps are found throughout the banks of the lake and at the recreation areas. There are also opportunities to rent boats here, like kayaks and pontoon boats. Boaters will also find docks dotted around the lake and several marinas for fuel and supplies.
The open area of the lake is the perfect spot to test your waterskiing skills. On the other hand, the upper reservoir of the St. Francis River is calm and quiet - ideal for a canoe or kayak. The water here is crystal clear and ideal for floating. You can also travel along the 175 miles of shoreline with numerous coves to explore.
The Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center should be your first stop on your trip to Wappapello Lake. You can stock up on maps and ask the staff for information on all the amenities at the lake and in the surrounding area. That way you can plan your days out to ensure you don't miss out on anything,
There are activities for the whole family at the Visitor Center. The interactive exhibit room features hands-on exhibits and promotes environmental education. Certain passes that may be required on your trip can also be purchased here.
