Contact

Mailing Address:
Wappapello Lake Project Office
10992 Highway T
Wappapello, MO 63966-9603

Telephone:
Project Office: (573) 222-8562
Visitor Assistance: (573) 778-5404
24-Hour Info Hotline: (573) 222-2139
Toll-Free: 877-LAKEINFO

Camping Reservation:
1-877-444-6777

Visitor Center Hours:
March to Memorial Day:
Sat & Sun Hours 10:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Memorial to Labor Day:
Sun - Thurs: 10:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 10:00 - 5:30 p.m.

 

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Recreation "Come Join Us"

Ranger Willie B. Safe and the safety team invite you to play it safe while exploring the diversity of recreational opportunities that await you. Come join us at Wappapello Lake, “The Birthplace of Ranger Willie B. Safe”!
  Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center: Begin your visit here where our friendly staff will direct you to nearby amenities, supply you with relevant information materials or just swing in for a friendly chat.  

Begin your visit at the Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center where our friendly staff will direct you to nearby amenities, supply you with relevant information materials or just swing in for a friendly chat. You may also purchase passes such at the America the Beautiful Pass at this location. Our exhibit room features numerous exhibits and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. Make sure to use the NEW outdoor walking trail which provides views of the Auxiliary Spillway, Gatehouse and beautiful exhibits detailing native plants and habitats. A picnic shelter and playground, designed for ages 2-5, situated off the trail provide some of our most beautiful lake views.

 Boating: A plethora of boating opportunities awaits you at Wappapello. From a secluded cove to a place for weekend gathering, the friendly waters of Wappapello Lake welcome you.

As you travel across Wappapello Dam, you are likely to see a panorama of water sports in progress - people fishing, boating, waterskiing, and enjoying over 8,400 acres of beautiful water meandering through the Ozark Foothills. The lake's irregular and wooded shoreline provides and almost endless string of secluded coves attractive to boaters from all walks of life. If your interest lies beneath the water, fishing the coves is a delight to avid anglers. Twenty-six boat ramps provide easy access to the lake. Once on the open water, several marinas are available to meet your boating needs. Courtesy docks are also available at Chaonia, Greenville, Peoples Creek, Redman Creek and Rockwood Point boat ramps.

The upper reservoir of the St. Francis River offers canoeing enthusiast both adventure and serenity on some of Missouri's most floatable stream waters.

 Camping: Primitive camping to full-hookups, Wappapello Lake has everything camping enthusiasts need to get away. Camping fees and facilities amenities may differ, follow the link to find out more.
 

Camping enthusiasts will find that there is truly something for everyone at Wappapello Lake. Both traditional and primitive camping areas are available year-round. Facilities at the campgrounds differ and may include electrical hookups, showers, restrooms, grills, tables, drinking water and boat mooring areas. Camping is permitted up to fourteen days in a thirty consecutive day period at designated camping areas. Visitors possessing a valid America the Beautiful Senior Pass or Access Pass are entitled to a 50% discount on camping fees at federal campgrounds. Sites must be paid for either at the fee booth or online prior to setting up on the campsite. See each Campground for specific payment policies and locations. Check out time for all campsites is 4:00 p.m.

To make reservations go to Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Camping reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance or same-day reservations are available during the recreation season. All campsites require a 2-night minimum stay on weekends. You can make up to 4 separate reservations at one time. Major credit cards are accepted.

Snow Creek Campground - has 9 non-electric sites, fire rings, a comfort station, showers and potable water is accessible. The fee to camp at this facility is $10 per night. A responsible person must register and pay for the site at the honor vault. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Chaonia Campground is open all year with a 14 day limit per stay.

Island Camping - Two large islands in the southern portion of the lake have six campsites. Each campsite is boat-in only and has a fire ring, lantern post and picnic table. The fee to camp at these sites is $10 per night. A responsible person must register and pay for the site online, at the Redman Creek fee booth or by using the honor vault at Rockwood Point Boat Ramp (during the off-season.)  Campsites may be reserved (April - October) but may be used on a first come first serve basis, check-in is at Redman Fee Booth by 4:00pm. These sites are open all year with a 14 day limit per stay.

Primitive Camping

A northern primitive camping zone has been designated on all Corps public lands south of Hwy 34 to PA 34 (access north Greenville) on the east side of the St. Francis River and on all Corps public land on the west side, north of where Hwy FF intersects with Hwy 67. Camping is not allowed in the Missouri Department of Conservation Wildlife Area north of Hwy 34. Camping in these areas is free and available year round.

The southern primitive camping zone includes:

Areas within 100 feet of 19 designated parking areas south of U.S. Highway 67 with no facilities.
Blue Springs and Lost Creek Landing parking areas with grills.
Sulphur Springs and Possum Creek parking areas with grills and a vault restroom.
Within 100 feet of the Ozark Trail in areas south of Hwy 67. Primitive campers are required to register at either the Wappapello Lake Project Office, the Greenville or Redman Creek fee booths.

 Equestrian: Equestrian usage abounds the Wappapello Lake area, whether you are using 31 miles of the Ozark Trail or riding on one of the existing old road beds or adjacent trails located at Lake Wappapello State Park, Highway 172, or University Forest.

Wappapello Lake offers naturalists a variety of scenic trail experiences. Whether you want to take in views of the lake and wildlife on a leisurely stroll or backpack in a primitive setting on a vigorous hike, there are great trails you can use to explore our beautiful woodland areas. Pine Ridge, Lost Creek and Johnson Tract Trails are part of the National Trails System. Greenville Historic Walk, "Memory Lane", is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Ozark Trail is part of a 500-mile trail system. Lake Wappapello State Park also provides backpacking and hiking trails.
 Fishing: A fisherman's paradise, Wappapello is home to some of Missouri's most sought after game fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish.

Wappapello Lake is home to some of Missouri's most sought after game fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish. The reservoir also contains several species of non-game fish. Several underwater fish shelters have been created in the lake from brush piles and discarded Christmas trees. Whether you are a fast-paced angler or prefer to settle back on the bank with a cane pole, Wappapello Lake has the ideal spot for you. Ample access for boaters and shoreline fishermen allow individuals to spend less time getting to the fish and more time catching them. For your convenience, you can access lake temperatures and lake levels at http://mvs-wc.mvs.usace.army.mil/trans/gage/gage2.html#. For the Missouri Department of Conservation's fishing report on Wappapello Lake go to: http://www.mdc.mo.gov/fish/prospects/
 Hiking: Leisurely strolls to rugged hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking are available along the variety of trails at Wappapello.
 

Pine Ridge Trail - This hiking only trail is a double-loop, National Recreation Trail located in the Redman Recreation Area.  Approximate long-loop distance is 3/4 mile; short-loop distance is 1/2 mile.  Hunting and trapping are prohibited.

Lost Creek Trail - Lost Creek Trail is a hiking only, National Recreation Trail located five-miles north of the Wappapello Dam off Highway D.  Take County Road #523 to Corps Road #8 and watch for signs.  This one-mile trail has been designated as a wildlife viewing area by the Watchable Wildlife Program. 

Johnson Tract - The Johnson Tract Trail is a five-mile, primitive National Recreation Trail located 18 miles north of the Wappapello Dam off Highway D.  This trail is a hiking only trail and offers outdoor enthusiast a unique view of the Missouri Ozarks.  Hunting and trapping is allowed in the Johnson Tract Natural Area.  No discharging of firearms or trapping within 500 feet of parking area and/or trail is allowed.  All rules and regulations governing use of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water resources development projects apply. 

Ozark Trail - The Wappapello Lake Section of the Ozark Trail is nestled deep within the beautiful scenery of southeast Missouri.   Hikers, bicyclists (non-motorized) and horseback riders may use this section.  This 31 mile section of trail crosses public lands administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service, Missouri Department of Conservation and private lands.

For more information about the Ozark Trail visit: http://www.ozarktrail.com/

 Picnicking: Picnic facilities to accommodate any sized picnic are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Redman Creek Picnic #1: April 3 - October 19
Redman Creek (Rec) #2: Open All Year
Visitor Center #3: Open All Year
Spillway #4 & #6: Open All Year
Eagle Point #5: Open All Year
Peoples Creek #7: April 17 - September 28
Redman Creek Beach #8: Open All Year
Greenville #10: Open All Year

Picnic facilities are located around the lake for just about any size picnic you want to put together. Group shelters are ideal for large get-togethers, family reunions and company picnics. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis or may be reserved. Reservations may be made by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777, or at Recreation.gov A Reservation may be made up to 240 days in advance or as little as 4 days in advance. You will be able to make up to four reservations with one phone call. The reservation fee is $50. In addition, play courts and playground equipment are near these shelters. The large number of individual picnic sites are perfect for family fun. These sites are located to provide pleasant, relaxing settings. Drinking water and restrooms are conveniently available in most picnic areas.
 Swimming: Three maintained sand beaches offer swimmers a place to bring the children, relax and enjoy the summer sunshine.

Three beaches offer swimmers sunshine with plenty of shade only a few yards away on the shore. The beaches, located at Peoples Creek, Redman Creek, and Rockwood Point Recreation Areas, are wonderful places for the entire family to spend an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing. When visiting the beaches at Wappapello Lake, always observe and obey the posted beach rules and regulations. Use the buddy system and wear a personal flotation device (PFD). Also, a responsible person should keep an eye on children.