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Lake Wapello State Park

The best camping in Lake Wapello State Park, IA

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Discover the serene beauty of Lake Wapello State Park.

The best camping in Lake Wapello State Park, IA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Lake Wapello Campground

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93 sites · Tents, RVs · In Lake Wapello State Park

Grab the sunscreen, the floaties, and bring the whole fam to the beach this summer...in Iowa

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Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Wapello State Park adventure.

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Camper favorites near Lake Wapello State Park

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Stories from the community

Judy

3 weeks ago

13 ft travel trailer

1 night at Red Rock Springs

We loved this very private and roomy campsite! We heard owls, cranes, and coyotes, and we saw geese and trumpeter swans fly overhead. The stars were amazing! We also found the solar lighted bathroom with the composting toilet to be quite a luxury for boondocking. I would highly recommend this site. My only advice…the ground is very rocky, so wear boots or good solid shoes. Enjoy!

dave

3 weeks ago

13 ft travel trailer

1 night at Red Rock Springs

We loved this spot. The restroom was well lit and clean. Beautiful spot with actual owls we heard at night.

Carrie

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

Nice little getaway! I loved that it was secluded enough but you could still drive to town if need be. I like to use this app because of my fear reactive dog. She needs space from humans and dogs, and we both enjoy getting away and relaxing in nature. The neighbors did have dogs that barked through out the night and she found it very hard to settle with the barking. That was my only complaint! The weather did change on us while we were there so we did pack up and leave a little early, but I would definitely come back and give it another go in the future.

Cristian

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Nature Heaven

Great location, and accommodating host. Great directs and signs as you go through. Defined trailed with class 2 base gravel for easy 2wd access. Saw multiple deer both day for short time I was there. Well maintained.

Jenny

October 2025

14 ft travel trailer

1 night at Red Rock Springs

We loved our first experience taking out our little Falcon camper and we are so happy it was here. This is a private site with a lighted composting toilet area, with TP and a hand washing station 😊. It has a fire pit and an option to purchase firewood. The view of the trees is stunning, especially this time of year and we enjoyed walking around the grounds. Also there are many paved trails close by within a short drive. Joshua is kind and helpful. Thanks Joshua. We plan on returning and telling our friends and family about your little gem.🌳🐿🦌

Sara

October 2025

15 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

We loved camping here, and our dogs had so much fun exploring. The tripod to cook over the fire was handy as well as being able to venmo for firewood. We plan to return!

Beth

October 2025

3 nights at The Point at Lake Red Rock

A cozy camper and beautiful nature to boot! The lake is serene with all kinds of wild life! Debbie the host made sure all was great.

Zach

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

Joshua was very helpful and the stay was great! The property was very nice and private, all in all a great experience!

Luke

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Red Rock Springs

Great host, calm grounds and beautiful scenery would definitely camp again

alicia

October 2025

24 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

Incredible spot! Wish we had more time here. Directions via Google maps were perfect, look for the cones. Fire wood available restroom available. The site is magical, had an amazing time, my dogs loved being able to explore and relax. Area was well tended too, enjoyed finding old machinery on the lot and so many cute frogs. Some traffic during day but absolute silence in the evening. If you're looking for off grid, peace and quiet with wonderful walking trails and beautiful scape, this is the place!

Kat

October 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Red Rock Springs

My pup and I had a great stay! We spent most of the daytime on the lower part of the property in the shade, which was such a beautiful area with its own picnic table and even a fire pit. The property trails were well maintained. I got two firewood bundles, which were hefty and worth the price: you can see in the attached photo just one bundle and how much wood it supplied. Outhouse was well maintained and didn’t stink. Beautiful open sky at night and peaceful nature sounds. Loved the nearby paved biking trails and recreational areas. Would definitely visit again!

Site 3. is on a hill top. One part of the site is in the shade and another part is on a limited open spaces. This site have beautiful view of pond, hills and lake. very nice sunset view if weather permit.

Georgia

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Nature Heaven

Wow this place is just so gorgeous. We fit one 2 person tent and one 4 person tent very comfortably next to each other. When you’re in or around your tent, or sitting at the bonfire it’s incredibly private, but you can still walk out just 30 feet and see the beautiful wide open view. Definitely will be back soon a recommending this site to all of my friends!!!

Cristian

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

10/10 returning soon again beautiful area quiet away from everyone perfect spot

Rob

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

Great spot! Clean, private, and quiet! Host had fantastic communication. Can’t wait to go back!

Carrie

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Point at Lake Red Rock

Debbie’s place was great! Perfect escape for a girls trip with dogs. Camper was clean and had the basics. Nice, easy walk to the boathouse and lake and close to town in case you forgot anything.

Sam

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Point at Lake Red Rock

Beautiful prairie. So quiet and peaceful. Comfortable accommodations inside and out! My wife and I enjoyed our stay and the host was GREAT!

Out side the dome portable fire pit. A perfect spot to watch sunsetting.
There is an additional sitting area behind the dome with another fire pit and picnic table. Additional spaces behind the dome for hammocks car parking etc.

Eric

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Loved the location, the view. And the fun setup. Had a great time!

The recreational bike trail (13 miles) is located immediately adjacent to the camping area.

Adam

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Trail-Side Rural Retreat

I stayed one night on Sandi and Pat's beautiful property on my way across the country. Sandi and Pat greeted me on arrival and gave me a walkthrough of all of the fun amenities they have available on their land, and provided a fire ring to set up at my site. Sandi's chickens even popped out of the coop to say hi too! The fantastic grass lawn provided an extra comfortable place to set my tent up, I enjoyed a lovely evening by the fire as the sun set, and fell asleep to a cool breeze blowing through the trees. A very peaceful and comfortable site!

Kit

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Nature Heaven

My friend and I had a lovely time camping on Anna’s land! When we arrived there was someone already in our spot but Anna quickly sorted out another spot for us that we think was even nicer than what we had planned. We had a great view with a gentle breeze. All the spots offer lots of privacy.

Cody

September 2025

30 ft toy hauler

With kids

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Anna’s Hipcamp spot near Lake Red Rock is beautiful-lovely prairie with peaceful sunsets and sunrises. It’s great for stargazing and telescope use, with private access, a water fill, fire pits, and good campsites. The hosts are great, and it’s boondocking on restored land that feels truly serene.

Top-rated campgrounds

Nature Heaven

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45mi from Lake Wapello State Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Knoxville, IA

The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has it’s special nature-beauty, so we open year around. This seclude, beautiful pet friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa with view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and rest of the world. Each site has a firepit, picnic table and a solar light. The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity on. There are tons of nature features, you may see deer, rabbits and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distances to keep privacy from each other. A recently built a 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent nature's gifts. For surrounding areas, the close by White Breast Beach is open from May 23-September 3, 2024, boating, hunting and hiking activities in the lake red rock. For our camper's safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come for hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public hunting grounds are near our camping ground. The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on a top of hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and lake view while enjoy the great nature and have a comfortable stay. The cell phone signals are good from most providers; you may use your cell phone hotspot work remotely at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^. Hope you will find joy, peace and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and the Red Rock Lake areas. A little history of this land: These 40 acres of land was a surface mining site. The reclamation works done during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Master's and PhD in soil and environment health background, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for the nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds, hills and tall grass, Butterflys... The site is totally different from what the Google map shows now.

Red Rock Springs

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44mi from Lake Wapello State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Knoxville, IA

Private secluded camp spot Near Lake Red Rock. Enjoy your own private 6.5 wooded acres to explore. There is a Spring-fed stream that runs through this property. Spot Abundant wildlife including turkey, deer, owls and eagles. Several trails wind through this camp. Pull your camper or pitch a tent. The restroom has enough solar power to charge all your devices. This property Borders Army corps of engineers land. Competine Creek is only 1200 feet from this camp and feeds into Lake Red Rock. Great for canoes or kayaks. This camp is Less than a 5 min drive to Lake Red Rock boat ramp. 8 min to Knoxville, 10 min to Pella. This is an off grid property with a clean, simple bathroom featuring a composting toilet and hand-washing sink. (sink currently winterized but hand sanitizer provided)

Trail-Side Rural Retreat

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34mi from Lake Wapello State Park · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Oskaloosa, IA

Our 3-acre pasture borders a 13-mile recreational trail that encompasses our entire town. Super easy access to the trail via bike, golf cart, or on foot to the middle school, high school, community auditorium, William Penn University or Lacey Recreational Complex. We live approximately 150 yards from the city limits, but are on a gravel road. It is an easy 7-minute drive to the grocery store, 2 minutes to the local hospital, and the trail is accessible to walkers, golf carts and bicyclists. Our property does not have any hookups, but if needed, there is are a couple of spots where a 110 connection could be accommodated (for an additional $5/night) close to our home that we could have discussions about using. My husband and are I both retired and our property is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Please note on the three acres, we do have 15 laying hens who free-range during the day, but are confined at night. They typically do not have any desire to interact with humans unless you are feeding them and should not present any problems. IF you bring a pet, please insure it is kept controlled and not allowed to interact with our hens or the folks using the recreational trail. As a bonus, for $5 per person we would be happy to whip up a farm-fresh egg breakfast each morning you stay with us. During summer months, guests are welcome to use our above-ground fully-enclosed pool complete with outdoor shower (heated by the power of the sun shining on a garden hose which means hot water is VERY limited!). There is a tiki bar, small deck and lawn furniture inside the pool enclosure. Please stop by the main house to check in when you arrive. We look forward to hosting you!

Other options near Lake Wapello State Park

McGowen Recreation Area Campground

10mi from Lake Wapello State Park · 1 site · Bloomfield, IA

The Davis County Conservation Board stands out as a unique destination, having been established in 1958 through the support of local residents. Since 1995, the board has dedicated its efforts to transforming over 300 acres into a vibrant park that offers a rich variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore diverse wildlife habitats, including upland timber, oak savanna, prairie, and serene ponds. The park features several miles of well-maintained trails perfect for hiking and biking, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, there are designated camping spots and picnic areas, making it an ideal location for family outings and gatherings. Whether you're seeking adventure or a peaceful retreat, the Davis County Conservation Board provides a perfect blend of outdoor activities and natural attractions, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.

Pets

Lake Fisher

10mi from Lake Wapello State Park · 1 site · Bloomfield, IA

Experience the charm of our campground, where nature meets adventure in a serene setting. To ensure a smooth stay, all campers are required to self-register before setting up their campsite. Please note that reservations are not accepted; all sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing you to embrace spontaneity in your outdoor experience. Camp fees must be settled for each night you occupy your site, and checkout is promptly at 2:00 PM. For your convenience, rates are clearly displayed at the registration booth. Our campground offers a unique blend of privacy and accessibility to nearby attractions, including stunning natural features, refreshing swimming holes, and a variety of outdoor activities. Additionally, you'll find local restaurants and shops just a short drive away, making it easy to enjoy both nature and community during your stay.

Pets

Indian Lake Park

46mi from Lake Wapello State Park · 1 site · Farmington, IA

Indian Lake Park stands out as a unique 177-acre city-owned retreat, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and serene relaxation. This picturesque park is not only a haven for anglers but also an ideal spot for picnicking and camping enthusiasts. The centerpiece of the park is its expansive 44-acre no-wake lake, surrounded by numerous tree-shaded areas that cater to those who prefer to enjoy nature without fishing. For those looking to explore, a lovely two-mile nature interpretive trail encircles the lake, providing excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, and even cross-country skiing during the winter months. The lake features a designated swimming area (swim at your own risk, as there is no lifeguard on duty), and visitors can rent kayaks and canoes to further enjoy the water. Overnight guests can choose from a variety of accommodations. There are two cozy wood-framed cabins (Cabins 1 and 2) that can accommodate up to four people, featuring one full-sized bed and a pull-out couch, available for $75 a night plus tax. Additionally, four renovated rail-car cabins, which also sleep four, are available for $50 a night plus tax. Three of these cabins include one full-sized bed and a set of twin

Pets

SFG Campgrounds

44mi from Lake Wapello State Park · 1 site · Knoxville, IA

Discover the perfect camping experience this summer at SFG Campgrounds, uniquely situated just one block east of the iconic Knoxville Raceway. This prime location not only offers easy access to the thrilling events of the Knoxville Nationals but also provides a serene retreat for campers looking to unwind after a day of excitement. At SFG Campgrounds, we cater to all your camping needs with both electric and non-electric hookup options available. Our spacious sites ensure you have the privacy and comfort you desire while enjoying the great outdoors. In addition to the convenience of being close to the raceway, our campground is surrounded by a variety of attractions. Explore nearby natural features, take a refreshing dip in local swimming holes, or engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. After a day of adventure, you can also enjoy dining at local restaurants or shopping at nearby stores, making SFG Campgrounds the ideal base for your summer getaway.

Pets

Quercus Wilderness Area

33mi from Lake Wapello State Park · 1 site · Oskaloosa, IA

The Quercus Wilderness Area stands out as a remarkable destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of activities amidst its stunning natural beauty. Spanning 111 acres, this wilderness area is located just seven miles south of Oskaloosa at 3139 Kent Ave., Oskaloosa, Iowa. Visitors can enjoy a handicap-friendly paved trail that leads to a scenic bluff, making it accessible for everyone. The landscape is predominantly characterized by majestic oak, hickory, and various hardwood trees, all of which are carefully managed through controlled burning, thinning, and crop tree release. This meticulous management results in a thriving habitat, making Quercus a haven for turkey hunters and mushroom foragers alike. Additionally, the area boasts the state record Downy Serviceberry tree, adding to its unique charm. The soil in Quercus is a sandy silt loam, formed during the retreat of glaciers from Iowa, resembling the rich soil found in the Loess Hills of Western Iowa. This unique geological feature contributes to the area's biodiversity and overall ecological health. Quercus Wilderness Area caters to a wide range of outdoor activities, appealing to both novices and seasoned adventurers. Visitors can hunt, cross-country ski, hike, picnic, and enjoy primitive tent camping. There are

Pets

Austin Park

33mi from Lake Wapello State Park · 1 site · Keosauqua, IA

Austin Park stands out as a hidden gem along the picturesque banks of the Des Moines River, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This charming campground features 13 non-reservable campsites, each equipped with gravel pads and electrical hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors. In addition to the campsites, Austin Park boasts a well-maintained shelter house, perfect for gatherings or picnics. Outdoor adventurers will appreciate the convenient boat ramp, providing easy access to the river for fishing, kayaking, or leisurely boat rides. For added convenience, the park is equipped with two water hydrants, ensuring that guests have access to fresh water during their stay. Restroom facilities are available at the entrance of the park, with porta potties provided for visitor convenience. Whether you're looking to unwind by the river, explore nearby hiking trails, or simply enjoy the tranquility of nature, Austin Park is the ideal destination for a memorable outdoor experience.

Pets

Eddyville Inn & RV Park

24mi from Lake Wapello State Park · 1 site · Eddyville, IA

If you're seeking a unique lodging experience near Eddyville, look no further than our motel, conveniently situated less than a mile from Eddyville's Industrial Complex. This prime location makes us the top choice for contractors and professionals working in the area, providing easy access to your job site. Our motel is designed for longer-term stays, featuring comfortable rooms equipped with a single queen bed and a kitchenette, perfect for those who need a home away from home. We understand the importance of cleanliness and convenience, which is why we offer weekly cleaning services for our long-term guests. For your convenience, we also provide on-site coin-operated laundry facilities, ensuring you have everything you need during your stay. Please note that we do not allow pets, as we strive to maintain a peaceful environment for all our guests. To accommodate our guests effectively, all rooms can be reserved up to two weeks in advance of your arrival date. This policy helps us manage new reservations while continuing to provide excellent service to our existing guests. Experience the comfort and convenience of our motel during your time in Eddyville.

Pets

Singing Mesa Ranch

50mi from Lake Wapello State Park · 1 site · Lucas, IA

Singing Mesa Ranch stands out as a unique destination for horse boarding, travel layovers, and camping, offering a welcoming atmosphere for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Our commitment to creating a safe and inviting environment ensures that everyone can unwind and enjoy their time here, whether you have a horse or not. Since our establishment in December 2015, we have gradually expanded our offerings to enhance the guest experience. In 2016, we introduced our indoor stall barn and a cozy campground. Over the years, we have added outdoor covered stalls and uncovered paddocks, along with a robust trail system that now boasts 20 miles of mowed trails, perfect for exploration. Our latest feature is a spacious 100x220 outdoor arena designed for team roping. Conveniently located just 20 minutes east of I-35 at Osceola, 20 minutes south of Indianola, and right on Highway 65, we are an ideal stop for travelers. Bring your camper or living quarters and horses, and enjoy a restful night with us. Our facilities are open year-round, ensuring you can experience the beauty of Singing Mesa Ranch any time of the year. Please note that we do not offer horses for rent at this time.

Pets

Unionville City RV Park

32mi from Lake Wapello State Park · 1 site · Unionville, MO

Discover the charm of our unique park, conveniently located on US Hwy 5, just north of US Hwy 136 and the four-way stop. This inviting destination offers a blend of recreational activities and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Recent enhancements have transformed our park into a vibrant community hub. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the new swimming pool, take a leisurely stroll along the walking trail, or let the kids explore the upgraded playground equipment. For sports lovers, we have a basketball court, and covered picnic tables are available for gatherings and relaxation. Join us for Bingo nights every Monday at the Lions Club, and don’t miss the Putnam County Fair, which kicks off the week after Labor Day. Throughout the year, you can also participate in various auctions held at the 4-H building or nearby venues. For those looking to stay longer, we offer 77 full RV hookups at just $25.00 per night, along with 8 limited hookups (no sewer) for $20.00 per night. The park also features a few Frisbee golf holes and expansive open terrain on the west end, perfect for outdoor activities. We invite you to enjoy all that our park has to offer. Stay safe and have fun!

Pets

Toilets

Corydon Lake Park

38mi from Lake Wapello State Park · 1 site · Corydon, IA

Corydon Lake Park stands out as a serene retreat just a stone's throw from home, enveloped by majestic oak timber. This picturesque park is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you're looking to hike scenic trails, set up camp under the stars, or enjoy a peaceful day of fishing, Corydon Lake Park has something for everyone. The park features 20 campsites equipped with water and electric hookups, available on a first-come, first-served basis for just $20 per night. Guests can enjoy modern amenities, including a shower house with flush toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the electric motor-only policy, which helps maintain the tranquility of the lake. In addition to camping and fishing, Corydon Lake Park boasts two open shelters perfect for picnicking and gatherings. Adventurers can explore the park's well-maintained hiking trails or challenge friends to a game of disc golf. With its diverse offerings and natural beauty, Corydon Lake Park is the perfect destination for a memorable outdoor experience.

Pets

The best camping in Lake Wapello State Park, IA guide

Overview

About

Looking for one of southern Iowa's best kept secrets? Give Lake Wapello State Park a shot! You’ll be cooling off in its cool clean waters via canoe or kayak, or swimming out from the park’s sandy beaches. If you’re the kind of person that rather be fishing, you’ll be pleased to know the lake is well stocked with bluegill, sunfish, crappie, and catfish (we can hear that fish sizzling over the campfire now). Land lubbers will be satisfied that they can stretch their legs on miles of lake shore trails, while taking in beautiful views of the hawkeye state. Finally, pitch a tent, rent a cabin for the whole family, and swing in the hammock while the sun is setting with a cold one in hand. Cheers to that!

When to go

The ideal time to visit Lake Wapello State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer brings warm days perfect for water activities, though it can be quite busy. Winters are less crowded but can be cold, so ensure you're well-prepared if visiting during this season.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit to pack appropriately for seasonal conditions.
Be aware of park hours, typically from 6am to 10:30pm, to plan your activities within this timeframe.
Remember to bring water and snacks, as options for purchasing food may be limited.
Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions by checking the park's official website or visitor center.
For a smooth visit, familiarize yourself with the park's rules and regulations, including those regarding wildlife interactions and trash disposal.

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