Fishing enthusiasts and paddlers gravitate toward Peoples Creek, where Lake Wappapello's waters meet forested campsites managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The campground divides into upper and lower sections, with the lower area providing closer lake access and more shade. Upper sites offer larger spaces with fewer trees and lake overviews, though they sit farther from the water.
Sites accommodate RVs up to 59 feet, with many featuring full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections. The lower section provides a mix of hookup options, while spacious sites throughout include fire pits and picnic tables. Bath houses appear well-maintained, and the campground maintains decent cell service for both AT&T and Verizon users.
A public swimming beach and boat ramps sit at the entrance, with an additional private beach area where campers can pull boats ashore. John W. notes that "not all sites on lower have water or sewer but many do," highlighting the varied hookup availability. The surrounding area stays well-shaded with mature trees, though campers should bring flashlights for nighttime navigation.
This Corps-managed facility works well for RV campers seeking lake access and fishing opportunities, with rates ranging from $16-50 per night depending on site amenities and season.
Description
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.
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.
Fee Info
Site Type: __Full Service (50 Amp, Water, Sewer) $28.00 Limited Service (50 Amp, Water) $24.00 Walk-in Tent Sites (50 Amp, Water) $16.00
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPeoples Creek - Lake Wappapello is located in Missouri
Directions
From St. Louis: take I-55 South to Highway 67. Head south to D Highway. Take D Highway South for about 15 miles and look for signs. From Poplar Bluff: Take Hwy 60 East to Highway T. Then take Highway T North and look for signs.
Address
10992 HIGHWAY T
Wappapello, MO 63966-9603
Coordinates
36.9464417 N
90.2752528 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/18/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 11/14/25
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/18/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 11/14/25
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 3 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 47 min from Jonesboro, AR
- 1 hr 49 min from Paducah, KY
- 2 hrs 32 min from St. Louis, MO
