The best camping near Lake Wappapello State Park

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

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Soak up the summertime vibe at Southeast Missouri’s largest lake.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lake Wappapello State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lake Wappapello State Park

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Lake Wappapello Campground

74 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Wappapello State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Wappapello State Park

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Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · Ironton, MO

A wooded, more private camping experience with unique site designs and natural elements. Wood-burning sauna and hot tub available for guest use. Primitive Camping Van/vehicle Camping Small Trailers Glamping Bike Trails, Hiking, creek sit-in' on site! Best of the midwest biking, hiking, Ozark Trail, rock climbing Elephant Rocks Park, Johnson Shut-ins and more swimming holes nearby! Wood for sale on site, $5 per bundle, Fire starters also available. Ask us about our "Really Good At Camping" merchandise. We have shirts, mugs & wine tumblers! *Cash Only* at this time. We Have free stickers! *For camp site locations please refer to our map in the campsite listing photos. We are located just west of the Ironton Water Works Plant and the Shepherd Mountain Lake dam. Turn right after the dam, drive through Shepherd Mountain Lake Park. If our "campground guests only" gate if it is closed, and please close gate behind you. Thank you! No Hook Ups No swimming in the lake and no outside boats, but we have boats for campers to use free of charge! General Store and restroom facilities/showers coming soon!

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Four Creeks Campground

19 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Ellington, MO

Three crystal clear creeks to swim, wade, hunt rocks, or just relax. We have several tent sites right on the creeks and RV sites close for just a short walk for swimming fun. Right on miles of ATV, OHV, SxSs or hiking trails. Close to the Black River and the Current for floating, Kayaking or fishing. Clearwater Lake for boat rentals or Jet skies. Sites to see, Blue Springs, Big Springs Johnson Shut Inns, Elephant Rock, Rocky Falls, and many state parks to explore. We are also only three miles from the town of Ellington, MO for your shopping needs, several restaurants and antiquing.

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Sycamore Springs Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Fredericktown, MO

The campsite sits alongside the Castor River, offering electric hookups at 5 sites. Enjoy outdoor adventures just minutes away, at the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River, located south of Route J, eight miles east of Fredericktown.

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Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

1 site · Tent68 acres · Arcadia, MO

BaseCamp is respite nestled into the Arcadia Valley just miles from Shepherd Mountain Bike Psrk. With nearly 70 acres surrounded by Mark Twain National Forest, there are many opportunities for hiking, botanical exploration, licensed fishing, mountain biking, equine accessible trails, and much more. There is a small pond on the property with a walking trail and a rock garden that doubles as a small creek when rains are heavy. With camping options ranging from backpacking and tent camping to van dwellers and Tiny House glamping, all are welcome. Adventure begins at Base Camp!

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Robert's Redneck Retreat, LLC

3 sites · Lodging74 acres · Doniphan, MO

Robert's Redneck Retreat is located on about 16 acres of pasture and 58 acres of forested land with a creek and trails running through it. Our property also adjoins 1200 acres of the Mark Twain National Forest, dotted with springs, trails, rivers, lakes, ponds and breathtaking views. We have three small cabins on the property that are spaced out for privacy. There are also potential for tent camp sites.My husband and I love nature, farming, gardening, and sharing time with like-minded individuals. Our dream is small scale hobby farming adjoined with cabin rentals, allowing trees to regrow in places that were once pasture in order to do our part to help maintain habitat for wild animals and plants. It is a balance that we love and it is our pleasure to share this property with you. We are new here, but we are not new to the camping world; we have been helping campers have positive experiences since 2013 and already have over 170 positive reviews on Airbnb. We would love for Hip Campers to come experience our brand of cabin camping, with farm and forest experiences.A little history of the surrounding area: The Mark Twain National Forest was stripped by loggers in the 1800's and was purchased by the government as a preserve. Since then, it has regrown into hardwood forest, dotted with remnants of pine. It feels wild and untouched, despite knowing it's history. And within it, it harbors all manner of waterways, wildlife, plants, and fungi beyond your imagination. We love southern Missouri and hope you come catch a taste of the wildness that is the Forest. Disconnect, unplug, lose your cell signal, and come find yourself in the woods :)

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Eagles Landing Resort

6 sites · RVs7 acres · Van Buren, MO

Welcome to our campground in Van Buren, Missouri, where you can experience the beauty of the Current River and enjoy a relaxing stay in your camper or RV. Our campground offers 5 well-maintained spots with gravel pads, water, and both 30 and 50-amp electric hookups, as well as sewer hookups for your convenience. Just a short walk away, you'll find access to a shared private gravel bar along the Current River, perfect for swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water. If you're feeling adventurous, side-by-sides are welcome for exploring the area's scenic trails. During your stay, be sure to explore the charming town of Van Buren, where you can dine at local restaurants like The Landing, Las Margaritas, or Joly Cone for delicious meals. Nearby markets, gas stations, and a Dollar General Store make shopping convenient for all your needs. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or simply looking to unwind by the river, our campground in Van Buren provides the perfect setting for your next getaway. We look forward to hosting you!

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Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

20 sites · RVs33 acres · Fredericktown, MO

Fredrock is a small privately owned glampground on crystal clear 12mile Creek. It is located about 15 minutes from the nearest town on 33 beautiful acres. Enjoy one of the 7 themed stays or bring your own RV and stay in one of only 5 RV spots. It is just a few minutes walk to 12 Mile Creek which runs through the property. Enjoy the beautiful bluffs, shut-ins, gravel river beds and crystal clear water. Swimming, hiking, stargazing, and horseshoes are all available at Fredrock!

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Two River Ranch RV and Tent sites

1 site · RV, Tent50 acres · Alton, MO

Looking to take a step back and have a peaceful getaway? This beautiful property sits on 50 acres of seclusion and privacy. Bring your four legged friends, along with your ATV's. You can rest and relax or go exploring on several trails constructed on the property. We have four kayaks and only 5 miles from the scenic Eleven Point River boat launch and swimming hole. Roughly the same distance is Fourche Lake Recreation Area, Mark Twain National Forest. Also, we are 20 miles from the Current River, both rivers are known for trophy fishing and world class floating/rafting/boating all summer long. Just a short drive up the road is the Irish Wilderness and Mark Twain National Forest, which is ideal for hiking, hunting, mushroom foraging and photography. Don't forget your Kayak, fishing pole, ATV, horses ,and Camera! Also we have corn hole, Croquet, latter ball, and various fun competition games.

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Saco Valley Farm, LLC

4 sites · Tents28 acres · Cherokee Pass, MO

Camp, Swim, BBQ, wade the creek, enjoy the campfire! Primitive Camping. Very Private. Water is cool and clear. Open to the stars. A great place to commune with nature, or enjoy some peace and quiet! 12 mile creek runs directly through our property. Shallow and deep all throughout. Great for wading, swimming, floating, kayaking. Great small mouth fishing! We are approximately one mile by water from the St. Francois River. We have kayaked down the creek to the river for many years. The farm is very rural. We are 16 miles to the closest gas station, and 25 miles to town. There is no internet. Cell phone service is spotty at best. Currently a working farm, we have 2 high tunnels on the property behind the house, and our original market garden. Across the creek we are finishing up our 5 acre agroforestry planting. 3 acres of elderberries and 2 acres of blackberries. 28 acres, 3 on one side, and 25 on the other. The farm is located approximately 2 hours south of St. Louis. Fredericktown is 30 mins away. Food, Drinks, Golf, and Lalo's Mexican Restaurant! There are a ton of local antique shops, and outdoor activities. Local places of interest: Amidon Arcadia Valley Black River Bonne Terre Mine Elephant Rocks Johnson Shut Ins Mill Stream Gardens One Nation Paintball Park Sam A. Baker State Park Saco Valley Farmstand Sherpher Mountain Bike Park Silvermines Taum Sauk Mountain

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Copper Top Campsites

4 sites · RVs1 acre · Doniphan, MO

Copper Top Campsites is a 4 slot boondock site near the Current River. Each lot has enough room for a vehicle and boat. Dumpster service is provided and each site has its own locally built custom fire pit. Firewood is available upon request. There are no hookups at this time, this is complete dry camping or boondock camping. It’s approximately 10 minutes to Doniphan where you can launch a boat, get groceries, eat out, and do some local shopping. If you are looking for other rivers the Eleven Point River is close by as well. For a few more amenities, Poplar Bluff is less than 45 minutes away.

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The Holliday Landing on the Lake

44 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Greenville, MO

Learn more about this land: Holliday Landing Resort & Marina offers a variety of beautiful campsites to meet your camping needs. There are 11 sites with water, electric, and sewer hook-ups, 28 sites with water and electric, there is a secluded mini-loop where tent campers can enjoy the same access and amenities. All water and electric campsites have 30/120 amp electric service and frost-free water. Guests may use the modern restroom facility with showers. A dump station is available for your use. Each non-primitive site has a gravel pad for RV campers and parking, a grassy area for tent camping, visiting, or playing, a picnic table, and a fire ring with grill. Each primitive site has a grassy area, picnic table, and fire ring with no designated parking area. For your convenience, camping guests may use the boat ramp and may rent a boat slip for a $10 nightly fee. Kids and adults alike can play together at our playground area. Camping guests also have access to an inground swimming pool at no extra charge.

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Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

9 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · MO

Learn more about this land: To view a map of local points of interest, please visit https://bit.ly/WilliamsCampPOI (You will have to copy and paste that link! You'll have a private place of your own, with access to some of Missouri states most hidden springs, rivers, waterfalls, fishing, hunting, hiking, (some of the best) horseback riding trails, and historic landmarks. Rather you're after solitude or sport, this area has you covered. Kayak, canoe, and shuttle rental, service is available at hufstedlers.com and is a short 11.5 mile drive. Beautiful eleven point river offers blue, red, and white ribbon, spring fed trout/walleye water. If you're looking to float the river, be sure to research the many springs on the way down your trip and the historic mill communities that once flourished there. These are perfect opportunities to take a break, eat a meal, and explore the area. Most also will have public bathrooms. Unless there are multiple reservations, you will be allowed to hookup/stay at whichever site is the easiest for you to get parked at. Maps of the area and things to do will continue to be updated as they are developed. In the mean time, a great resource is MissouriScenicRivers.com. We do not live near this site so this is an exclusively non-hosted listing.

The best camping near Lake Wappapello State Park guide

Overview

About

Southeast Missouri’s largest lake is a summertime hotspot, with an endless menu of activities. From the time the sunrises over the Ozarks hills to the time it sets, revealing the stars above, Lake Wappapello State Park provides a basecamp for adventure. Of course, the lake is a focal point for boating, paddling, swimming, and fishing. Or, take to the hills or creek valley for hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, and horseback riding under a forest canopy. Lakeviews are a bonus. No tent or RV? No problem. This state park also has full-service cabins and camper cabins.

Notable campgrounds

Best for summertime shade: Lake Wappapello Ridge Campground is more wooded, keeping your campsite cooler on sunny days.
Best for lake access: Lake Wappapello Asher Campground earns high reviews for its water access and views. A boat launch is located here.
Best for group camping: Both Lake Wappapello Campgrounds offer family sites, which have paired pads and a shared yard.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Asher Creek Campground is closed November 1 to March 31, but Ridge Campground is open year round.
Reservations for both campgrounds are available April 1 through October 31, and open 12 months in advance.
Ridge Campground does not have water and showers available in the off season.
Book your site on the Missouri State Parks website or by phone.
Advanced reservations are encouraged during summer weekends and holidays.

When to go

As you might guess, summer is the busy season, as the cool lake waters and daytime temperatures warm. Be prepared for temperatures topping the 80s and 90s. While water recreation tapers off in the fall, the forests are at their prime, with colorful hues filling the hillsides. Spring also is too cool to take a swim, but hikers appreciate the pleasant weather for tackling the trails. The campgrounds empty in the winter months, providing solitude for those who can brave the freezing temperatures and occasional snows.

Know before you go

Lake Wappapello State Park has basic and electric sites, with both 30-amp and 50-amp power.
Cell signal strength varies greatly within the park.
Three free boat launches are found in the park along the lake shores.
The Allison Cove Day-Use Area is home to the swim beach, available seasonably.