Lake Wapello State Park - Drakesville, IA - Iowa State Parks

Facilities and Activities
Lake Wapello's 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.

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 are available and one may be reserved online through the park reservation system.

Camping
Lake Wapello State Park 73 camping sites, including several with electrical outlets. Modern shower and rest room facilities are available, as well as a trailer-dump station. The campground is located adjacent to the lake and offers a fine opportunity to "rough it" in the great outdoors. Advance campsite reservations can be made online through the park reservation system. One third of the campsites are still available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Family Cabins
Lake Wapello's 13 family cabins (12 seasonal cabins and one year-round cabin) provide a wonderful opportunity for an Iowa vacation "get away." The cabins, which accommodate 4 people comfortably, feature rest room, shower, and cooking facilities. Renters must provide their own bedding, towels, toiletry items, dishes and pots and pans. The cabins can be reserved online through the park reservation system.

Trails
Several miles of trails 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 multiple use trails for hiking and snowmobiling. A nature trail is located on the north side of the park.

Lake Activities ( boating, fishing)
Lake Wapello's beach offers opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. Any size of boat motors may be operated at a maximum speed of 5 mph..Bass (catch and release only), crappies, catfish and bluegills abound in the beautiful 289-acre artificial lake. Anglers have an excellent chance to go home with a fine catch.

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 10 separate tent-oriented camping areas. For further details, contact the Camp Wapello Preservation Group at 1-800/684-4184.