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Spillway Recreation Area

Wappapello Lake, Missouri

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As of October 2026, Spillway Recreation Area is a campground in Missouri with 2 campsites. Spillway Recreation Area is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Spillway Recreation Area for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Spillway Recreation Area is located at 36.9261° N, 90.2831° W.

people allowed on 1 of 2 sites: 60
people allowed on the largest site: 80

Spillway Recreation Area reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 4 (2 sites)Oct 5 (2 sites)Oct 6 (2 sites)

2 sites open on Oct 4 at Spillway Recreation Area. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 03:19 UTC.

Stay and booking rules

Maximum stay: 14 nights
Military discount available

Published by Recreation.gov for Spillway Recreation Area, read on September 28, 2026.

Campsites at Spillway Recreation Area

S04S06

Group 2
Accessible 1
Hookups 2

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Lake.

Things to do: fishing, boating, hiking, stargazing, horse riding.

All sites at Spillway Recreation Area, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the SPILLWAY REC loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Hookups	Access
S04	Group	80	Electric, Water	Accessible
S06	Group	60	Electric, Water	-

About Spillway Recreation Area

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.

Rules and notices at Spillway Recreation Area

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Spillway Recreation Area on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

No overnight camping allowed

Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Existing day use shelter reservations may be cancelled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers if the facility is closed due to flooding, elevated security threats, maintenance problems, etc. Reservations may also be cancelled when the reservation conflicts with large public special events that would negatively impact a private event at the shelter. For these reasons, customers should consider an alternate date or location in the event a closure is necessary. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides free, family-oriented programs throughout the calendar year, for more information about scheduled events you can contact the management office at 573-222-7500 or on the Wappapello Lake Facebook page.

Attention All Recreation Users: If you would like to hold an event or wedding at any of the project’s day use shelters, boat ramps, or any recreation area please call or visit the USACE Wappapello Lake project office to obtain the special use or event permit REQUIRED.

These permits are required if you are hosting: a large gathering greater than 50 people, fishing tournaments, 5k’s, weddings, use of a bounce house/water slide of any kind, ETC.

Please note that if events are held that require, but do not possess a special use or special event permit may be subject to a WRITTEN CITATION. Per Title 36 CFR 327.21(a)

If you are planning on hosting an event and it does not fall under these specific criteria, please contacting with the USACE Wappapello Lake Project Office at 1(573) 222-7500 or messaging us on our Facebook page.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Spillway Recreation Area FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Spillway Recreation Area?

Spillway Recreation Area is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Spillway Recreation Area?

Cancellations happen frequently at Spillway Recreation Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Spillway Recreation Area have?

Spillway Recreation Area has 2 campsites.

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