Best Campgrounds near Wappapello, MO

Wappapello, Missouri hosts several established campgrounds around Lake Wappapello, with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV camping and cabin rentals. Redman Creek Recreation Area and Peoples Creek offer popular developed camping areas with both tent and RV accommodations. Lake Wappapello State Park provides two distinct camping options - Asher Creek Campground and Ridge Campground - where campers can find electric hookups, drinking water, and fire pits. Most campgrounds in the region feature picnic tables, trash service, and toilets, with several offering shower facilities for extended stays.

The camping season around Wappapello varies by location, with some campgrounds like Peoples Creek open year-round while others like Redman Creek operate seasonally from mid-March through October. "One of our favorite camping spots," wrote one visitor about Peoples Creek, highlighting its popularity among regular campers. Army Corps of Engineers manages several campgrounds in the area, maintaining paved pads, fire pits, and hookups at various price points. Weather conditions influence camping experiences, with summer attracting the most visitors for water activities. Sites near the lake tend to fill quickly during peak season, particularly on holiday weekends. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months.

Lake access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Wappapello area. Peoples Creek offers waterfront sites where visitors can pull boats directly onto a private beach area when staying at the campground. Several campers noted the good fishing opportunities on Lake Wappapello, with one mentioning "great sandbar in middle of the lake" as a highlight. Site spacing varies across campgrounds, with some offering more privacy than others. Many campsites provide shade from Missouri's summer heat, particularly in the wooded sections of campgrounds like Peoples Creek where trees cover sites throughout the day. Campground amenities typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to boat ramps, with swimming beaches available at several locations around the lake.

Best Camping Sites Near Wappapello, Missouri (93)

    1. Redman Creek Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Wappapello, MO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (573) 222-8233

    $10 - $50 / night

    "Paved roads for bike riding & close to the lake for swimming, kayaking, etc. Playground for the kids nearby as well."

    "Campers decorate campsites and the kids walk through. They also hold the Festival of Lights around Christmas time."

    2. Peoples Creek - Lake Wappapello

    10 Reviews
    Wappapello, MO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (573) 222-8234

    $16 - $50 / night

    "Lower Peoples Creek is on beautiful Wappapello Lake, MO. It has nicely spaced sites and well maintained facilities. There is a public swimming beach and boat ramps located at the entrance."

    "Walk to the swimming beach and boat ramp. The showers are huge. But it's dark don't go out at night without a flashlight. I got lost looking for my rv, walked around and around."

    3. Asher Creek Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park

    8 Reviews
    Wappapello, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 297-3232

    "Worth the trip up from US 60 if you’re driving E/W, standard MSP rates and setup. There’s a campground on the lake and and a campground up on the ridge."

    "My group and I camped in two of the basic sites in Asher Creek campground and we couldn’t get enough of the front-row lake view!"

    4. Ridge Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park

    8 Reviews
    Wappapello, MO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 297-3232

    "Lake Wappapello SP is a refreshing little get away. We took a girls weekend in the fall and enjoyed the trails and fall foliage...which was mostly already on the ground."

    "Love this park, lakeside or ridge top. Only 4 spots without electricity, use that how you will. The lake side is dope for water views and stag gazing."

    5. Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Patterson, MO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 856-4411

    "State Park in Southeast Missouri along Big Creek. Well maintained campsites with electric hook ups. Water and dump stations, but no water hook up sites."

    "Shower houses were conveniently located in camping area. Big River was just a small walk away from the campsite. I know they had been flooded, but I am still cleaning rocks and dirt from the camper."

    6. Holliday Landing Campground & Marina

    7 Reviews
    Greenville, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 224-3430

    $30 - $35 / night

    "He had a bonfire waiting for us right outside our cabin!  The cabin was great!  Anything we needed was supplied.  And the birds nesting across the lake were an added bonus!"

    "The Holliday Landing is your fishing paradise, crappie & catfish everywhere on this side of the lake. "

    7. Camelot RV Campground/RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Poplar Bluff, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 785-1016

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Simple one the best park in all of southern Missouri."

    "Close to town for everyone’s shopping, dining and entertainment needs."

    8. Greenville - Lake Wappapello

    9 Reviews
    Greenville, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 224-3884

    $16 - $50 / night

    "There are walking and biking trails. Boating, swimming & fishing access is available at nearby Lake Wappapello. The campsite is actually located in the area of Old Greenville."

    "Power and water both worked very well and the dump station had easy access. 3 playground areas and a neat old civil war cemetery are located in the camping area."

    9. Sulphur Springs Dispersed

    1 Review
    Greenville, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 222-8562

    "Open for solar panels, but tree cover around the lot. Only about 5 parking spaces are not on a slant. Places in the trees for tents. Absolutely beautiful views up and down the river."

    10. Markham Springs

    6 Reviews
    Williamsville, MO
    18 miles
    Website

    $10 - $34 / night

    "The sites are all right on or right near the Black River and the forest surrounding is gorgeous. A unique experience while passing through Missouri."

    "Definitely on the list of favorite spots in Missouri"

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Recent Reviews near Wappapello, MO

336 Reviews of 93 Wappapello Campgrounds


  • Robin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Rector City Park

    Nice clean park

    This campground had 3 full hookup sites that were fairly level. Looks like they adding 5 more sites. The bathrooms are good with multiple stalls and flushing toilets. We had to call because electric not working when we arrived. They showed up within minutes to turn breaker on. All was well after that. Site 2. Playground for kids.

  • Reviewer
    Oct. 13, 2025

    General Watkins Conservation Area

    Rattlesnake Hill

    Rattlesnake Hill- is what the locals call this place. This conservation area is home to Missouri's largest venomous snake- the timber rattlesnake. This snake is known to reach 5 feet in this area and I have seen more than a few that reached that size.(I attached my pics of a massive rattlesnake on the loop trail.) Timber rattlesnakes move at night during the summer- so I wouldn't rush to camp here. Fishing is rough- as the watersnakes will chase you up the bank if they feel threatened. Insane amount of gnats, biting flies, and ticks. No water, no electricity, no trash cans. Hunters will be shooting nearby during hunting season.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Lake Girardeau Campground

    Clean and free

    Stayed here in September. Had the campground to myself. It's run by Missouri Dept. of Conservation so there's no charge. Each site has concrete picnic tables, grill and lantern hook.

  • Overland 1.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Piedmont Park

    Beautiful Place

    This is a beautiful campground. It is an older campground but very well maintained and very clean. The view from my camp is spectacular. I have electric, water, a covered picnic table, a fire ring and all for $8/night with my pass discount. Only negative thing I can say is the long hike to the bathrooms, but not really all that bad. Wonderful campground, will stay here again

  • Overland 1.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Mark Twain National Forest Markham Springs Campground

    Beautiful out of the way spot.

    This is a very clean, well kept campground in Mark Twain National Forest. It has electric, vault toilets showers and a potable water spigot. Very reasonably priced. The water was cut off for repairs shortly after I arrived but, no problem, stuff happens. Been here 12 days and it has been very enjoyable. I did a field report and it tested my "cell" reception but I have no signal here so I am using Starlink and have a great connection so that will skew the test results. They need to ask if using Starlink before doing that test.

  • J
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Beautiful but not free

    Stunning views. Multiple spots. All have a picnic table and fire ring. They have a QR code on each picnic table so you can book your site through the state and pay $10 to Camp but there's no service in that area so I'm not sure how they expect us to be able to do that. There's two camping sections. One is about halfway down the road. It's grass and trees and it's across from a vault toilet and a trash bin. If you go all the way to the end of the road it rocks and sand and you're right on the water but there's no toilets or trash.

    The coordinates for this place just takes you to the start of the road not to the actual campsites. So once you get to the road just drive down it. It's not too far and car could make it.

    The only annoying thing was that when I stayed with my tent on the rocks by the water, all the way at the end, I could still hear the person at the very first campsite with RV generator humming very loudly and it took away a lot of the ambiance of the place. So it's primitive but you may not be alone.

  • Trevor S.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Black River Hideaway Campground

    Clean and neat

    Camp host were very friendly, park is very clean and neat. Nice amenities through the campground; pool, small playground, basketball court and volley ball. Would most definitely stay again.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Rector City Park

    City park with RV parking

    If you’re passing through or need to be in this area, it’s a nice affordable park with full hookups.


Guide to Wappapello

Camping sites near Wappapello, Missouri vary from heavily wooded to lakefront options with water views. The landscape transitions from Ozark foothills to river valleys with elevations between 400-700 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 85-95°F with high humidity, while winter camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing.

What to do

Hiking opportunities: Lake Wappapello State Park features multiple trails connecting campsites to natural areas. "We took a girls weekend in the fall and enjoyed the trails and fall foliage...which was mostly already on the ground. We followed a wandering trail around the edge which was interesting to attempt to follow due to the leaves on the ground," shared one visitor at Ridge Campground.

Bicycle routes: Greenville Recreation Area offers dedicated riding paths extending into town. "Lots of bike/walking trails. We were in the very back of the campground and it was quiet," notes a camper at Greenville - Lake Wappapello. The area features "a paved bike trail into Greenville" perfect for family rides.

Historical exploration: Several campgrounds near Wappapello contain historical points of interest. At Greenville Recreation Area, visitors can see "old foundations of the court house and various homes. There are also markers telling the history of the area. Truly a neat place to visit!" The site includes connections to the Trail of Tears with historical markers throughout the camping area.

What campers like

Riverfront sites: Markham Springs offers direct access to Black River. "A beautiful place indeed! The sites are all right on or right near the Black River and the forest surrounding is gorgeous...the sites were well spread out!" according to one reviewer who appreciated the Markham Springs layout.

Clean facilities: Many campers note the well-maintained amenities at local campgrounds. At Asher Creek Campground, visitors find "the cleanest park restrooms I've ever seen," and multiple reviewers mention the "brand new and so very nice" bathhouse facilities, particularly important during extended stays.

Space between sites: Campgrounds in the area typically offer good separation between campsites. At Peoples Creek, "the spaces are big with fire pits and barbeques at every site. Trees cover every site so you're in shade all day." Another camper noted, "Sites are paved easy to get into and very level. Power and water both worked very well."

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across campgrounds. At Sulphur Springs Dispersed, "T mobile service has 3 of 4 bars. There is no apparent Verizon service." Other campgrounds report "Decent cell service for both ATT & Verizon" or "ATT & Verizon both worked weakly but got out."

Site differences: Some campgrounds feature distinctly different camping areas within the same property. At Peoples Creek, "Upper is basically less trees and isn't near the lake. I would probably avoid it if there are other choices but some folks like the large sites and the overview. People's lower has a mixture of sites that are very close to the lake but relatively less shade."

Seasonal variations: Visitor experiences change dramatically throughout the year. "We stayed at the Ridge campground up on the ridge. We've stayed on the ridge twice, and on a weeknight or any night in the off season, you can nearly have the place to yourself. On a Monday in July, I counted 2 other campers in the ridge campground."

Tips for camping with families

Halloween events: Several campgrounds offer special activities during October. "They do a Trick or Treating event at Halloween. Campers decorate campsites and the kids walk through," shares a visitor to Redman Creek Recreation Area, noting it's "Usually full of families with children."

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Redman Creek has "a playground in the middle by the shower house," which many parents appreciated because it was "Right in the middle and easy to keep an eye on your kid."

Swimming options: Lake areas provide various water access points. At Asher Creek, "the lake is great to swim in - very clean bottom and not slimy at all," making it ideal for younger swimmers. Another visitor noted, "The showers are huge. But it's dark, don't go out at night without a flashlight. I got lost looking for my RV, walked around and around."

Tips from RVers

Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds require additional preparation for uneven sites. At Redman Creek Recreation Area, "Not many real level sites. Bring plenty of blocks." Another camper advised that "Our original site was extremely unlevel but thankfully we were able to get into a level one last minute."

Water supply considerations: Several campgrounds have limitations on water connections. At Ridge Campground, "you must fill your water tank at the different hydrants scattered around the campground" as sites only offer electric hookups. Sam A. Baker campground similarly offers only electric at sites with water fill stations available.

Rig size constraints: Some campgrounds have limitations on larger vehicles. While Redman Creek is "Right off the hiway, so easy in & out," others like People's Creek warn "if towing anything over 35' be careful when navigation. The twisty turns will grab your stabilizers and bumper if you're not very careful."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Wappapello, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wappapello, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 93 campgrounds and RV parks near Wappapello, MO and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Wappapello, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wappapello, MO is Redman Creek Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wappapello, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Wappapello, MO.