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Spillway Recreation Area
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — WAPPAPELLO · Missouri · Wappapello Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Wappapello Lake |
| Location | WAPPAPELLO · Missouri · Wappapello Lake · 36.92609, -90.28306 · Map |
| Sites | 2 public sites counted from the federal listing — 2 group shelter electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 2 of 2 sites (up to 15 amp where reported) Water hookups at 2 of 2 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 2 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 2 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Group Shelter Electric ($50.00) |
| Check-in / out | In 8:00 AM · Out 10:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 2 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 1 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Flush toiletsPlayground |
| Phone | 573-222-8562 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview The Spillway Recreation Area's iconic outllet structure has delighted visitors to Wappapello Lake since 1937. Feeding the St. Francis River, the spillway banks are a favorite location for fisherman. A one lane boat ramp provides river access, the lower boat ramp area is also an ideal location for kayakers with easy bank access for launching. 11 picnic areas and 2 accessible picnic shelters are available for use year round. Each shelter has a large capacity grill, electricity, water fountains and water hydrants available, Shelter 4 has a large wood burning fireplace in the covered area. A 6 stall, accessible restroom is centrally located within the recreation area.
A sand volleyball court, large playground, horseshoe pits, cornhole boards and a Lake View Trailhead offer recreational opportunities for all ages and interests.
Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake!
Recreation Boating and fishing are the most popular activities with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish, among other species.
Pine Ridge Natural Trail, a 3/4-mile double loop, starts at the Spillway Recreation Area and provides an excellent way to explore the beautiful woodlands. Facilities This day use area includes two large picnic shelters, 8 picnic sites, a volleyball court, playground, horseshoe pits and bank fishing. Natural Features Wappapello Lake has a seemingly endless string of secluded coves hugged by a winding, wooded shoreline. The public recreation area spans 45,000 acres in the southeastern Ozark foothills. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (573) 222-7500. Nearby Attractions The extensive 33-mile Ozark Trail, starts just south of Sam A. Baker State Park and winds along the west side of the St. Francis River and Wappapello Lake.
Directions, from the listing
From St. Louis, Missouri: Take I-55 South to US Highway 67 South to State Highway D (located just South of Greenville, Missouri). Take State Highway D south for 20 miles to State Highway T. Cross Wappapello Dam and take the first left onto a paved road and watch for signs.
From Poplar Bluff, Missouri: Take US Highway 60 East to State Highway T North. Go North on State Highway T for 22 miles and watch for signs.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · Wappapello MissouriUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersEagle Point Recreation Area
1 mi straight-line · Wappapello MissouriUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersPeoples Creek
1 mi straight-line · Wappapello MissouriUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersSnow Creek Campground
5 mi straight-line · Williamsville MissouriUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersGreenville Recreation Area
15 mi straight-line · Greenville Missouri
Trip Card — Spillway Recreation Area
WAPPAPELLO · Missouri · Wappapello Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | WAPPAPELLO · Missouri · Wappapello Lake |
| Fees | Group Shelter Electric ($50.00) |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 2 |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 2 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233691 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.