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Missouri
60

Missouri State Parks

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USA Parks
Missouri
Southeast Region
Lake Wappapello State Park
Lake Wappapello State Park Lake Wappapello © Patty Erdman
Sunset at Lake Wappapello on Labor Day weekend 2008.
Bluebird © stateparks.com
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LAKE WAPPAPELLO STATE PARK
LAKE WAPPAPELLO STATE PARK
HC 2, Box 102
Williamsville, Missouri   63967

Phone: 573-297-3232
Toll Free: 800-334-6946
Reservations: 877-422-6766
Email: park email button icon
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.
Cabins
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.
Camping
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.
Swimming
The park offers a swimming beach at the Allison Point day-use area. It opens on or about Memorial Day weekend and closes shortly after Labor Day weekend. The initial opening of the beach and temporary closings during the on-season depend upon the lake level. Any temporary closings will be posted on the Web site.
Boating
The park has three boat launches available for visitor usage. They are located at Asher Creek Campground, the old marina and just past cabin 8 at the Allison Point day-use area. The first two are concrete ramps and the third is a dirt launch. There is a courtesy dock located at the old marina launch. There are no launch fees or motor restrictions. Temporary closings will be posted on this Web site.
Fishing
Fishing:

The park is a popular fishing spot and offers a wide variety of fish species. Common types caught are crappie, bass and catfish. Fishing is allowed in all areas of the park except at or near boat ramps and the swimming beach. Even though most areas close at dark, the facility allows night fishing at specific locations throughout the park. The best fishing months at this park tend to be May, June, September and October.



Picnicking
The park has three picnic areas and three playgrounds for visitor use, free of charge.

Picnic sites are located in the Allison Point day-use area, at the Allison Point boat ramp area and near shelter house 1. Both shelters feature picnic tables and an outdoor grill, making a perfect venue for family gatherings and special outings. Shelter 1, located in the day-use area, has a 75-person occupancy and can be reserved for $30 per day. It is also equipped with electrical outlets.

Shelter 2 is by the beach, has a 50-person occupancy and can be reserved for $25 per day. If the shelters are not reserved, they are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Picnicking at the shelter house areas is accessible to persons with disabilities. For reservations, please call the park office at (573) 297-3232.

Children's playgrounds are located at the Ridge Campground, Allison Point day-use area and at shelter house 1.
Bicycling
Bicycling enthusiasts should be aware of the park's multi-use trails. These paths are shared with hikers and horseback riders.

The terrain can vary, presenting a mix of flat areas and steep inclines that may challenge some cyclists.

Riders must remain cautious as these routes often wind through dense forests which could limit visibility around bends or during dusk/dawn hours.

It is important to note there isn't any dedicated bike rental facility within this location; visitors need to bring their own bicycles.

Cyclists also have access to paved roads throughout the area but they're advised to stay vigilant for vehicular traffic.

Remember: wearing helmets while biking in Missouri parks is highly recommended for safety reasons!
Trails
All trails in Lake Wappapello State Park open for public use are identified with entrance signs and marked at intersections with colored directional arrows. Occasional colored markers are used to identify the trail where the route is not clear. Trail users are advised to watch closely for trail markers, especially where trails intersect old roads.

Allison Cemetery Trail - 3.5 miles

This trail, which is open to hiking use only, provides an easy walk on the ridge to Allison Cemetery and then meanders along the lake?s edge to complete a 3.5-mile loop. There are two trail heads, one in the day-use area near the picnic shelter and the other on the north side of the road leading to the cabins. Cabin guests may access the trail at the end of the cabin road. The trail is signed in a clockwise direction with green arrows. Shorter hikes are possible by using the connector trails that are identified with white arrows.

Lake View Trail - ?-mile

This short trail begins in the day-use area and provides excellent views of the lake. It is signed with blue arrows in a clockwise direction and is designated for hiking use only.

Asher Creek Trail - 2 miles

This hiking trail begins on the west side of the campground and traverses the hillside up Asher Creek Valley. This arm of the lake has been designated as a waterfowl refuge, making Asher Creek Trail an excellent area for viewing wildlife. The trail follows higher ground on its return to the campground and passes through several stands of mature timber. The trail is approximately two miles long with two connector trails that provide opportunities for shorter hikes. The perimeter trail is signed in a clockwise direction with red arrows and the connectors with white arrows.

Lake Wappapello Trail - 15 miles

Lake Wappapello Trail is designated for hiking, backpacking, all-terrain bicycle and equestrian use. The trail traverses approximately 15 miles of varied and rugged Ozark terrain and may be accessed from Highway 172 near the west boundary of the park. Trail head parking for equestrians is limited at this time. The route is signed in a counterclockwise direction with yellow arrows.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 140 species identified. It features two designated Important Bird Areas (IBAs). The Allison Cove Public Use Area and the Wappapello Lake Section are popular spots for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, songbirds among others throughout different seasons of the year.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 20
park review stars; one to five My favorite place to camp and boat.
August 27 Great for Personal Watercraft by Wally
park review stars; one to five A nice place to launch your Seadoo, Wave Runner or Jetski. Many miles of coastline to explore.
write a review
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Directions
From St. Louis : Take I-55 south to U.S. Hwy. 67, Park Hills exit, at Festus. Travel approximately 77 miles or 1.5 hours to the town of Greenville. Remain on U.S. Hwy. 67 south for 14 more miles. Turn left onto Hwy. 172 east. Follow Hwy. 172 four miles to a stop sign where you will turn left. Travel one mile and turn right onto Hwy. 172 east. Hwy. 172 ends in the state park.

From Jonesboro, Ark : Take U.S. Hwy. 49 north approximately 24 miles to AR Hwy. 135. Turn left onto AR Hwy. 135 and travel about 22 miles to U.S. Hwy. 62, where you will turn left. Continue on U.S. Hwy. 62 for four miles before turning right onto U.S. Hwy. 67. Travel approximately 40 miles north on U.S. Hwy. 67 to Hwy. 172, where you will turn left. Follow Hwy. 172 for four miles to a stop sign. Turn left at the stop sign and travel one mile before turning right onto Hwy. 172 east. Hwy. 172 ends in the park.

From Memphis, Tenn. : Take I-40 west approximately 8 miles to Exit 277 at Blytheville/Jonesboro. Exit onto I-55 north and travel to Sikeston. Take U.S. Hwy. 60 west to Poplar Bluff; then take U.S. Hwy. 67 north approximately 15 miles to Hwy. 172. Follow Hwy. 172 for four miles to a stop sign. Turn left at the stop sign and travel one mile before turning right onto Hwy. 172 east. Hwy. 172 ends in the park.

From Springfield : Take U.S. Hwy. 60 east for 187 miles to U.S. Hwy. 67. Turn left/north onto U.S. Hwy. 67 and continue for approximately 9 miles to Hwy. 172. Turn right onto Hwy. 172 and continue for four miles to a stop sign. Turn left at the stop sign and travel one mile before turning right onto Hwy. 172 east. Hwy. 172 ends in the park.

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Missouri
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Missouri State Parks

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