🌤 Weather at Lake Wappapello State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36–76 °F | 65–88 °F | 36–80 °F | 24–47 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Wappapello Dam, 3 mi away, elevation 410 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Lake Wappapello State Park is a public state park in Missouri near Wappapello in Wayne County. Spanning 1,854 acres and established in 1956, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Missouri |
| Nearest City | Wappapello |
| County | Wayne |
| Park Size | 1,854 acres |
| Established | 1956 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (450 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Lake Wappapello State Park is located near Wappapello, Missouri. The park’s coordinates are 36.9391, -90.3263.
Things to Do
Missouri state parks protect an impressive variety of Ozark landscapes — spring-fed rivers with crystal-clear water, dramatic shut-ins (narrow volcanic rock gorges), extensive cave systems, forested bluffs along the Ozark Trail, and managed prairies. Activities include hiking some of the Midwest’s most scenic trails, swimming and floating in cold, clear Ozark springs and rivers, fishing for trout in spring-fed streams, camping in forested river valleys, caving on guided tours, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and exploring Civil War and frontier-era historic sites. Missouri’s springs — including Big Spring and Alley Spring — are among the largest and most beautiful in the country.
Best Time to Visit
Missouri parks are a three-season destination with winter hiking as abonus. Spring (March–May) brings dogwood and redbud blooms, rushing waterfalls, and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) is peak season for floating, swimming, and camping — the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers are iconic summer float trips. Fall (September–November) delivers excellent Ozark foliage peaking mid-October, with comfortable hiking weather. Winter offers peaceful trail experiences and is ideal for cave tours (caves maintain 56°F year-round). All Missouri state parks are free — no entrance fees or vehicle passes required.
Visitor Tips
All Missouri state parks are free to visit — no entrance fees or vehicle permits required. Camping fees are modest and vary by facility. Reservations are made through mostateparks.com. Cave tours at parks like Onondaga Cave, Meramec Caverns, and Ozark Caverns require separate tickets and often sell out on weekends — reserve in advance. Float trip parks along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers get very busy on summer weekends. Cell service is limited in the Ozarks backcountry.
Explore More Missouri State Parks
Lake Wappapello State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Missouri. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Missouri guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Note: Lake Wappapello is actually a Missouri state park on the St. Francis River, but the Ozark region’s ecological influence extends into the Shawnee Hills of southern Illinois. Both regions share the ancient, unglaciated landscape of the Interior Highlands — the only significant highland region between the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains. The Ozark-Shawnee connection is evident in shared species — eastern collared lizards, scorpions, and tarantulas reach their northeastern range limits in this region. The forest of post oak, black oak, and shortleaf pine (the only native pine in the region) supports diverse breeding birds — Chuck-will’s-widows call at dusk, whip-poor-wills echo through the forest, and yellow-breasted chats sing from thickets.
Nearby Attractions
Shawnee National Forest — Illinois’ only national forest — provides Garden of the Gods, Bell Smith Springs, and Cave-in-Rock. Trail of Tears State Forest marks the Cherokee removal route through southern Illinois. Giant City State Park has massive sandstone formations. Ferne Clyffe State Park has waterfalls and rock shelters. Dixon Springs State Park offers unique sandstone swimming. Fort Massac State Park preserves frontier history. Ohio River communities provide scenic driving.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Governor Daniel Dunklin’s Grave State Historic Site (a short drive away) or Sam A. Baker State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Lake Wappapello State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Two campgrounds: Asher Creek (Basic, Electric*, open Apr 1-Oct 31 only) and Ridge (Electric*, Family, open year-round, except campsites 37-47 which are closed November through March). *50-amp electric available. Showers/water Apr 1-Oct 31 at both campgrounds. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Four camper cabins in Ridge Campground (log cabins, up to four adults plus two children; queen bed and full-size futon; electricity, heating and air conditioning, dining table, ceiling fan, compact refrigerator, microwave/toaster oven, porch bench, picnic table, pedestal grill and campfire grill; parking for two vehicles plus a boat trailer). Camper cabins do NOT include water or a restroom — a modern central restroom/showerhouse is within walking distance. Guests must bring own linens/sleeping bags; open-flame cooking not allowed inside/on porches; pets and smoking not allowed inside, though dogs are permitted in a limited number of cabins for an extra fee via Cabins for Canines. Separately, the park offers two- and three-bedroom housekeeping cabins (full kitchenette/kitchen, bath, TV, satellite, linens) run by the concessionaire, available April through October only (closed Nov-Mar); no tents or alternate lodging allowed in the rental area; no phones in the cabins. Book via 573-297-1023 or lakewappapello.com. |
| Pets | Recommended no more than two dogs per campsite; leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times; portable fences, shock collars and similar devices do not meet requirements; pets barred from buildings (except Cabins for Canines), swimming areas and fishing waters. |
| Reservations | Reserve up to 12 months in advance online or by phone, 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Walk-up registration available if a site is unreserved. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period. |
| Special sites | Watercraft/ATV trailer parking permitted off the campsite pad. Firewood and ice available for purchase from the concessionaire. |
| Season notes | Asher Creek open Apr 1-Oct 31 only; Ridge campground open year-round except sites 37-47 (closed Nov-Mar); housekeeping cabins closed Nov-Mar. |
Camping questions about Lake Wappapello State Park
Can you camp at Lake Wappapello State Park?
Two campgrounds: Asher Creek (Basic, Electric*, open Apr 1-Oct 31 only) and Ridge (Electric*, Family, open year-round, except campsites 37-47 which are closed November through March). *50-amp electric available. Showers/water Apr 1-Oct 31 at both campgrounds.
How do you reserve a campsite at Lake Wappapello State Park?
Reserve up to 12 months in advance online or by phone, 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Walk-up registration available if a site is unreserved. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period.
Are there cabins at Lake Wappapello State Park?
Four camper cabins in Ridge Campground (log cabins, up to four adults plus two children; queen bed and full-size futon; electricity, heating and air conditioning, dining table, ceiling fan, compact refrigerator, microwave/toaster oven, porch bench, picnic table, pedestal grill and campfire grill; parking for two vehicles plus a boat trailer). Camper cabins do NOT include water or a restroom — a modern central restroom/showerhouse is within walking distance. Guests must bring own linens/sleeping bags; open-flame cooking not allowed inside/on porches; pets and smoking not allowed inside, though dogs are permitted in a limited number of cabins for an extra fee via Cabins for Canines. Separately, the park offers two- and three-bedroom housekeeping cabins (full kitchenette/kitchen, bath, TV, satellite, linens) run by the concessionaire, available April through October only (closed Nov-Mar); no tents or alternate lodging allowed in the rental area; no phones in the cabins. Book via 573-297-1023 or lakewappapello.com.
Are pets allowed at the Lake Wappapello State Park campground?
Recommended no more than two dogs per campsite; leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times; portable fences, shock collars and similar devices do not meet requirements; pets barred from buildings (except Cabins for Canines), swimming areas and fishing waters.
Source: mostateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake Wappapello State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not longer than 10 feet required at all times; portable fences and shock collars do not satisfy the requirement.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- The 'Cabins for Canines' program opens about 30% of lodging units to dogs (max two dogs per unit) at roughly 15 participating parks including Lake of the Ozarks, Bennett Spring, Echo Bluff and Roaring River; per-dog per-night fee varies by unit type.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; Cabins for Canines charges a per-dog, per-night lodging fee (varies by unit).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two dogs per campsite; pets not allowed inside any park building.
Are dogs allowed at Lake Wappapello State Park?
Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mostateparks.com. More: Missouri state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Lake Wappapello State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
