Lake Wapello State Park

Lake Wapello State Park is situated near Drakesville City in Davis County, Iowa and the park encompasses a total area of 1,150 acres of land. The park surrounds a 289-acre recreational reservoir called Lake Wapello. To get to the park, just drive about six miles west of Drakesville, off IA 273. 

The flora at the park is mainly comprised of beautiful woodland hillsides and the lake that offers a quiet elegance that some people refer to as the country club of Iowa's state parks. Besides the lake and the picturesque terrain other special features at the park include a newly remodeled stone and timber beach building that was initially constructed in the 1930s and a boy scout camp. 

Other facilities at the Lake Wapello State Park include family rental cabins, modern shower and restroom facilities, several campsites, open picnic shelter, picnic areas, nature trail, playground, concession, multi-use trails, swimming beach, fishing pier, restaurant, boat ramp, and boat rentals. 

These facilities make it a joy to participate in recreational activities like boating, lake fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Like all other state parks in Iowa, pets are welcome into the park albeit with some restrictions. For example, you should always ensure that your pet is leashed or in a secure enclosure. The leash that you use needs to have a maximum length of six feet. 

Additionally, if you decide to camp at the park, you are only allowed to have a maximum of two dogs in a camping tent yurt or cabin. Dogs are also not allowed to run at large or unattended to within the park. You are also encouraged to ‘Leave No Trace Behind’ which in this case specifically means that you should clean up after your dog right away and then get rid of the dog waste in the right manner.