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Lake Wapello

Lake Wapello State Park is located in Drakesville, Iowa. It is a popular destination for camping, fishing, swimming, and boating. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. The park also has a campground with electric hookups, a beach, and a boat ramp. The park is open year-round and is a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

Amenities

- Recreational Facilities

• Lake
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Ramp
• Boat Rental
• Body Of Water (Lake Wapello)
• Playground
• Kayaking/Canoeing

- Policies

• Pets Welcome
• Day Max Stay (14)
• Tent Camping Allowed

- Other Amenities & Services

• Restroom and Showers

- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Boating
• Kayaking/Canoeing

- Facility

• Type (State Park)
• Partial Handicap Access

- On-Site Rentals

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- Sites

• Spaces Available (49)
• Width (10)
• Max Length (45)
• Gravel Sites (49)
• 30 Amp
• Full Hookups (15)
• Electric (34)
• Max Amps (30)
• Pull-thrus (2)
• Pull-thru Size (10 x 45)
• Back-ins (20 x 45)
• Site Length (45)

User Reviews

Rob Kraft

November 13, 2025

This is another great state park in Iowa and one I’d definitely recommend. It has a quiet, down-to-earth charm that makes it easy to relax the moment you arrive. The cabins are simple but comfortable—nothing fancy, just the basics done right. They feel cozy and fit perfectly with the natural setting, especially if you’re the kind of person who enjoys hearing the wind in the trees instead of traffic at night. The trail around the lake is the highlight. It takes about four to five hours to hike all the way around, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the view. Parts of it go through the woods, while other stretches open up to beautiful lake scenery. You’ll probably spot birds, maybe a deer or two, and lots of peaceful places to take a break. There are also several boat docks that make it easy for fishermen to spend the day on the water. Everything in the park is clean and well cared for, from the trails to the picnic areas. It’s the kind of place where time slows down a little, where you can just breathe and enjoy being outside. A true hidden gem for anyone exploring Iowa’s parks.

Emma Ratliff

September 13, 2025

We love camping at Lake Wapello! We usually opt for a full hook up site. They are right across the road from the playground and the shower house making it easy with young kids. We can still see the lake, especially if the campground isn't full. The shower house has always been clean and the water is hot for showers. The campground hosts have always been friendly. Our kids enjoy the trail around the lake and the beach during the summer.

Angelita Gonzalez

June 04, 2025

If you are wanting to get away and enjoy nature, this is a beautiful lake located in Drakesville,IA

Jennifer

April 12, 2025

I did not stay there, I just took a walk 1/2 around the lake. It was cool and very early, so in the beginning it was only me out there. It was mid April and the lake was very calm. The path wasn’t well maintained, (again it’s April). It was great to be out in nature after being in a car for 9 hours the day before

Stan Meinders

July 07, 2024

Our first time there was for the July 4th weekend. We absolutely loved it there. Great view of the lake from the campground. Great place to kayak with 2 launching docks for kayaks. We didn't fish, but others there said it was good. Nice family beach to play in the water. Lots of remote picnic areas.

RV LIFE Trip Wizard
Map for Lake Wapello

Contact information