Reviews

Rob Kraft

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

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

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

Jennifer

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

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.

Kali Ruffcorn

Highly recommend! As a lifelong camper, I’ve seen my fair share of campgrounds. The grounds are so well-kept, the shower houses were spotless, and you can’t pass up the lakeside sites. We were in spot #55 and have zero complaints. If you plan on fishing, bring top water lures as there is a decent amount of moss, but 5+ docks and fishing spots are within

brittany bennett

Lake Wapello you use to not be able to swim in and they've done A LOT of clean up since then! Honestly it is a cool little spot with fishing, shade, swimming access. I believe there's also a trail somewhere, there's a little cabin that is like the "boss." Along the road there's a few select spots that have picnic tables where you can sit and just enjoy nature/eat with family alone/look out at anything. I will get more pictures. I also believe there's a little outlet you can use to blow up tubes, water slides, loungers ect. A few vending machines, on site restrooms. Definitely worth going. We will be back tomorrow aka Sunday.

Kevin

First, if you are here for fishing I can't say anything about that. I went here for hiking. I gave it a 4 stars because it only has 1 loop to walk/hike on. So the posted 6.6 mile hike around the lake turned to about 7 miles if you include the road areas. If you want to take the hike around I would highly suggest pants and waterproof shoes or ones you are okay with getting wet...i did go in spring so there's more water than other times of the year. The pants come in handy when you walk past random plants that have small spikes on them. There were a handful of times when I had to climb over fallen trees. It had a nice ascent to flat ratio. 10/10 would do again.