Fishing enthusiasts will find direct lake access and boat launching facilities at Peoples Creek, an Army Corps of Engineers campground on Wappapello Lake. The facility divides into upper and lower sections, with the lower area positioned closer to the water and offering more shade from mature trees. Upper sites provide larger spaces with fewer trees but sit farther from the lake.

Most sites in the lower section include electric and water hookups, though full hookup options remain limited throughout the campground. [John W.](https://thedyrt.com/camping/missouri/peoples-creek-lake-wappapello/reviews/40952) notes that "not all sites on lower have water or sewer but many do." Sites feature fire pits and grills, with well-spaced layouts that provide privacy between neighbors. The bathhouses appear recently updated and receive consistent praise for cleanliness from visitors.

A public swimming beach and boat ramps sit at the campground entrance, while campers gain access to a separate beach area for pulling boats ashore. The winding access roads require careful navigation for RVs over 35 feet, as tight turns can catch stabilizers and bumpers on larger rigs. Cell service works reliably for major carriers.

Campers exploring the broader region can find [camping near Wappapello Lake] for additional lakefront options. The $20 nightly rate includes access to all facilities, making this a solid base for extended fishing trips on the 8,400-acre lake.

## Overview

 People's Creek Recreation Area, located in the southeastern Ozark foothills of Missouri, is a great launchpad for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking or simply exploring the Wappapello Lake area.Completed in 1941, Wappapello Lake provides an estimated $3.9 million in annual flood protection to agricultural lands and developed areas along the St. Francis River. A peaceful cove offers endless recreation opportunities with 57 campsites, a picnic shelter, beach, accessible fishing pier, and Lake View Trail. [Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake.][1] 
## Recreation

 People's Creek is ideally suited for swimming and boating activities. The lake is home to some of Missouri's most sought after game fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish. Hunting, fishing and kayaking are popular activities year-round. Hiking and biking on one of the Lake's 9 trail systems provides opportunities for all ages and abilities. The new accessible Shell Lake Archery Trail is a unique destination for achery enthusiasts. 
## Facilities

 The day-use portion of People's Creek includes a two-lane boat ramp with courtesy dock, an accessible fishing pier, swimming beach and large picnic shelter. The campground portion has an upper and lower campground. The lower area offers 38 sites with 50-amp electric and water hookups. Peoples Creek Lower section is the only campground at Wappapepello Lake with waterfront campsites. A large sandy mooring area is available for campers. The upper area has 19 full-service campsites with 50-amp electric, water and sewer hookups. 
## Natural Features

 Wappapello Lake stretches 8,400 acres on 45,000 acres of public land. Lightly wooded shorelines add shade to the scenic landscape. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Explore the nearby Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or St. Francis River. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 11.5 miles from Peoples Creek Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 18.2 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 33.4 miles away from Peoples Creek Recreation Area. 
## Contact Info

 Between 05/06/2026 and 09/28/2026 this location is staffed. Please call (573) 222-8234 to speak with local staff. From 09/02/2025 to 05/05/2026 this location is unstaffed. Please call (573) 778-5404 for general information. 

[1]: http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/wappapello/tour.html

Peoples Creek - Lake Wappapello

Wappapello, MO is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Wappapello. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Wappapello camping trip.

Wappapello

The Best Camping Near Wappapello, Missouri

People's Creek has upper and lower campsites. Upper is basically less trees and isn't near the walake. I would probably avoid it if there are other choices but some folks like the large sites and the overview. I think there are fewer mosquito issues on those sites. People's lower has a mixture of sites that are very close to the lake but relatively less shade. The higher parts of people's lower are very shady and beautiful. Not all sites on lower have water or sewer but many do. I love this area and would highly recommend.

A wonderful place to stay.

Fun time. Great sandbar in middle of the lake

Had a great time

Great place to swim!

Peoples Creek

Lake wappapello 

Very nice smallish park. Mostly level sites with electric &amp; water for $10 with geezer pass. Definitely a fishing lake. Plenty of extra parking spaces dispursed about the campground. Sites are open, but well spaced. Some site are full hook up, but most are e&amp;w only. Bath houses look fairly new &amp; clean, although we did not use them. Decent cell service for both ATT &amp; Verizon. Did not try OTA TV. Will definitely return.

Peoples Creek COE

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. In addition, there is a private beach area (not for swimming) where you can pull your  boat up if you are a patron of the campground.

Lower People's Creek - Wappapello Lake, MO

20.00 a night. The spaces are big with fire pits and barbeques at every site. Trees cover every site so your in shade all day. The hosts were very friendly. 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. Nice motorcycle ride around the lake. The only stores are gas stations and 1 dollar general so stop before you come here. Poplar bluff is only 12 miles away. 

On my top ten RV places

Nice wooded campsites with full hookups. Clean bathrooms and showers. 

Typical COE - Clean and Well Maintained

This park is amazing, clean, pretty wildlife, nice swimming beach and good fishing...BUT if towing anything over 35' be careful when navigation. The twisty turns will grab your stabilizers and bumper if you're not very careful. Our original site was extremely unlevel but thankfully we were able to get into a level one last minute. Originally booked 22, were able to switch to 24.

Photos of Peoples Creek - Lake Wappapello

Real photos from real campers