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Armed with a little bit of knowledge and lessons learned from our Cuivre River State Park Camping, we head on to our next camping adventure at Lake Wappapello State Park in Williamsville, Missouri.
Nestled in the heart of Missouri, this park offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, making it an ideal destination for motorhome campers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re into fishing, boating, hiking, or simply lounging by the campfire with your trusty dog by your side, Lake Wappapello has something for everyone. Additional bonus was that we were mostly alone in the park since we camped before the summer rush
Driving and Setting up your Travel Trailer
Camping in the winter means that you have very limited daylight so it is good to adjust accordingly. It was a good 3.5 hours to travel from the storage facility of our travel trailer to Lake Wappapello State Park. We used apps like All Stay and RV Life to research our site because we did not have a lot of information on the site where we would be staying. Also, we are beginners so the more we know about our site the better we can prepare for it. From our last camping trip to Cuivre River, we learned a few lessons:
Lesson #1: Check with the campground hosts where the facilities are so you are not driving around with a 27 feet trailer hooked up to you
Lesson #2: People would let their dog off leash in a campground so best not to take your dog out when you are helping out with the setup (no matter how much she whines...)
Camping Amenities at Lake Wappapello State Park
Lake Wappapello State Park offers a variety of camping options to suit every camper's needs, whether you’re roughing it in a tent or enjoying the comforts of a motorhome:
RV and Motorhome Sites: The park features well-equipped sites for RVs and motorhomes, complete with electrical hookups, water, and sewage facilities. These spacious sites make it easy to set up and enjoy a comfortable stay with all the conveniences of home.
Tent Sites: For those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, the park offers numerous tent sites nestled in the forest. These sites come with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for cooking and enjoying meals outdoors.
Family Campsites: Designed to accommodate larger groups, family campsites provide extra space and are ideal for family gatherings or groups of friends. These sites offer a great balance of space and privacy.
Cabins: If you’re looking for a bit more comfort, the park’s cozy cabins provide a home-away-from-home feel. These cabins come equipped with basic amenities, including beds, kitchenettes, and heating, making them perfect for a comfortable stay.
Amenities and Facilities at Lake Wappepello State Park
To ensure a pleasant and convenient camping experience, Lake Wappapello State Park offers a range of amenities and facilities:
Restrooms and Showers: Clean and well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities are conveniently located throughout the campground, providing modern conveniences amid nature.
Picnic Areas: Scattered throughout the park are numerous picnic areas complete with tables and grills, ideal for family meals or a romantic dinner by the lake.
Playgrounds: The park features playgrounds for children, offering a safe and fun environment where kids can play and make new friends.
Dump Stations: Convenient dump stations are available for RV campers to maintain their vehicles during their stay.
Camp Store: The on-site camp store stocks a variety of camping essentials, snacks, and souvenirs, ensuring you have everything you need and more.
Boat Ramps. The site offers boat ramps for fishing and water skiing
Swimming Beach. There is a swimming beach where swimmers can safely swim in the lake
Camping & Set Up
Lake Wappapello State Park features a range of camping options, including both basic and electric campsites. For those needing more space, the park also offers family campsites. The on-site store provides various camping supplies to ensure you have everything you need.
You can now book your campsite at Missouri State Parks up to 12 months in advance. If you can I highly recommend it because camping spots get booked fast especially in the summer or around the holidays.
When we got to the campground though the campground host was not there, it was a good thing that the water filling station and dump station were easy to find. You can also download the park map to scope out the amenities. Once we filled up our fresh water tank we proceeded to our campsite which was on the Ridge Campground and we were on site #50. We booked because it is a pull-through site which it was but... this is what we have to work with...
It seemed tight but I determined to make it work.... but it did not work. This consequently brought us to the following lessons learned:
Lesson#3: If the campsite is a tight U shape it would probably not work for a travel trailer.
Lesson #4: Check the pad length and width before booking the site.
Lesson #5: Do not use your stabilizing jack as a leveling jack because it is not supposed to be weight-bearing. Otherwise, this would happen:
Lesson #6: Use the levelers to level from side to side instead of the stabilizing jacks
Thankfully the park superintendent allowed us to move on to the next site #49 and we got ourselves set up
Things to do in Lake Wappapello State Park
Lake Wappapello State Park is a haven for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. There’s a plethora of activities to suit every kind of camper:
Fishing: The lake is teeming with a variety of fish, making it a prime spot for anglers. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to cast a line and enjoy a quiet day by the water.
Boating: With ample space for boating, you can spend your days exploring the lake’s many coves and inlets. Rent a boat or bring your own to enjoy everything from a leisurely cruise to exhilarating water sports.
Hiking: The park features several well-marked trails that wind through its diverse landscapes. From easy walks to challenging hikes, there’s a trail for every fitness level and interest.
Horse Riding: For those who love equestrian adventures, the park offers horse riding trails that let you explore its scenic beauty from a different perspective.
Relaxation: If you prefer a more laid-back approach, there are plenty of spots to set up a hammock, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the tranquility of nature.
Pet-Friendly
One of the best parts about Lake Wappapello State Park is how welcoming it is for our four-legged friends. The park’s pet-friendly policies mean you don’t have to leave your dog behind. With vast open spaces for them to roam, dog-friendly trails to explore, and the lake to splash around in, your furry companion will have just as much fun as you do. The park ensures that both you and your pet can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
Hiking at Lake Wappapello State Park
There are 4 trails in the park and we wanted to check out all of them! You can find all the trial information here: Lake Wappapello State Park Trails
We are planning to do Lake Wappapello Trail 15 miles and Asher Creek Trail 2.75 hike. We wanted to take on as many trails as possible before leaving the park since we are only here for 2 nights
Lake Wappapello Trail offered a lot of nice views of the lake
Before you applaud we did not do all of that... we did the entire Asher Creek Trail but the Lake Wappapello Trail was more difficult than we thought so we did 11 miles and had to walk on the side of the road so we can get back on our car
All 8 legs are dead so the rest of the afternoon is spent on some R&R and dinner
More Hiking at Lake Wappapello State Park
Since it is the last day as well as our travel day we wanted to check out the trail Allison Cemetery Trail which was a short easy hike to get us moving for the day
Of course more lake views:
Lake Wappapello State Park offers a diverse and enriching camping experience, perfect for anyone looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy thrilling outdoor activities, and create lasting memories. Whether you're fishing on the serene lake, hiking through lush trails, or simply relaxing by the campfire with your dog, this park has something for everyone.
Ready to embark on your next adventure? Start planning your trip to Lake Wappapello State Park today! With its stunning landscapes, variety of activities, and excellent amenities, it’s the perfect destination for a memorable camping experience. Reserve your campsite now, pack your gear, and get ready to explore all that this incredible park has to offer.
We’d love to hear from you! Have you camped at Lake Wappapello State Park before? Did you find our Camping Guide to Lake Wappapello State Park in Missouri helpful? Share your experiences, tips, and favorite memories in the comments below. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to ask. Don’t forget to follow our blog for more travel adventures, camping guides, and tips to make your outdoor experiences unforgettable. Happy camping!
TTYL
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