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Wappapello Lake, Missouri, USA

Also known as:  Lake Wappapello

Wappapello Lake is a Missouri gem, located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in the southeastern region of the state. Although some larger Missouri lakes may draw more attention than Wappapello Lake, 2.5 million people visit this 8,400-acre reservoir each year to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and all sorts of outdoor recreation. Steeped in rich American Indian history, the lake was named after Shawnee Chief Wappepilese….
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    • All About Wappapello Lake, MO

    Lake Locations: USA - US Midwest Region - Missouri - Southeast Missouri -

    Wappapello Lake is a Missouri gem, located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in the southeastern region of the state. Although some larger Missouri lakes may draw more attention than Wappapello Lake, 2.5 million people visit this 8,400-acre reservoir each year to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and all sorts of outdoor recreation. Steeped in rich American Indian history, the lake was named after Shawnee Chief Wappepilese.

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers created Wappapello Lake during the 1930’s with construction of the Wappapello Dam across the St. Francis River. The project, completed in 1941, provides flood control and hydroelectricity to southeastern Missouri. At the normal recreation pool of 8,400 acres, the elevation of the lake is 360 feet above sea level. The lake’s flood pool capacity can expand to 23,200 acres at elevation 395 feet. During winter months, lake levels are reduced to 5,600 acres to make room for melting snow and spring rains. In addition to the St. Francis River, secondary water sources feeding into Lake Wappapello include Otter Creek, Caldwell Creek, and the East and West Forks of Lost Creek.

    Although built for flood control and hydroelectricity, Wappapello Lake offers all types of water sports and outdoor recreation, with fishing at the top of the list for anglers. Largemouth bass, white bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill are among the fish that are commonly caught at Wappapello Lake. There is ample access for boaters and shoreline fishermen. Anglers who like putting their skills to the test in a competition can join one of the tournaments held on the lake. Of course, it can be just as fun to spend a relaxing day on the lake fishing alone or with a buddy.

    Boating is a favorite Wappapello Lake activity, ranging from a leisurely exploration of the lake’s many coves to adrenaline-pumping activities such as water skiing and jet skiing. Visitors can rent boats from lake marinas. With 25 boat ramps scattered around the lake and several full-service marinas, Lake Wappapello provides ample opportunity for water recreation.

    Wappapello Lake is loaded with 38 recreation areas, with more than 30 areas managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources manages Lake Wappapello State Park. The 1,854-acre State Park offers paved boat ramps, fishing, swimming, picnicking, camping, lodging, and trails for hiking, horseback riding, all-terrain biking, and backpacking. Two campgrounds provide basic and electric hookups, hot showers, and modern restrooms and laundry facilities. For an especially fun camping experience, visitors can stay at one of the handful of campsites located on two of the lake’s islands. Visitors who prefer a roof over their heads can rent one of the State Park’s eight modern cabins with kitchens. A swimming beach and playground equipment complete the package of fun for the entire family.

    Take some time to appreciate the wildlife living around Wappapello Lake, including nesting bald eagles, migrating waterfowl, and river otters playing in lake waters. The Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, provides special events and activities from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Programs include natural resources management, environmental stewardship, water safety, plus nature walks and gatehouse tours. Hunters, too, appreciate the Lake Wappapello area. Thousands of acres near the lake are available for hunting of deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, and waterfowl.

    If you’re looking for a lake that’s not overly developed, but one that still offers a bounty of outdoor fun, Wappapello Lake is a great choice. Everyone who visits Wappapello will appreciate the great outdoor opportunities that abound at this beautiful lake.

    Things to Do at Wappapello Lake

    These are some activities in the Wappapello Lake, MO area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Jet Skiing
    • Water Skiing
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • State Park
    • Playground

    What Kind of Fish Are in Wappapello Lake?

    Wappapello Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Catfish
    • Channel Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Sunfish
    • White Bass
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    Find Places to Stay at Wappapello Lake

    If you’re considering a Wappapello Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Wappapello Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Wappapello Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Wappapello Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

    Surface Area: 8,400 acres

    Shoreline Length: 180 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 360 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 352 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 395 feet

    Average Depth: 10 feet

    Maximum Depth: 47 feet

    Water Volume: 63,000 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1941

    Drainage Area: 1,310 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Eutrophic

    Wappapello Lake Map
    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

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