St. Francis Boat Ramp & River Access
Wappapello Lake Greenhouse
Shelter 6 at Spillway Recreation Area
Cornhole Boards at Spillway Recreation
Spillway Playground

Featured amenities

Playground Playground

About Spillway Recreation Area

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! 

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Boating

Boating

Spring Summer Fall
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Kayaking

Kayaking

Spring Summer Fall
Volleyball

Volleyball

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Playground Playground
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Playground
Missing information?

Reviews (4)

What Guests Are Saying

The pavilion area at Spillway Recreation Area is clean, spacious, and well-equipped for family gatherings, offering plenty of tables and shade. Its proximity to a great playground enhances its appeal for families. Additionally, there is ample parking and a beautiful surrounding environment.

Review Summary

4.8
4 reviews
5
75.0%
3
4
25.0%
1
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Dewayne J

January 15, 2020

5

This was our third year at this location. It is well shaded, has ample seating (might want to bring a few extra lawn chairs for those who want sit on the shaded lawn), and has water and electric. There is a playground as well as a volleyball area and horseshoe pit. The only thing missing is "you". Enjoy!!!!

Cassie H

August 19, 2023

5

We used it for a gender reveal. The space worked out very well and was conveniently located close to the parking spaces and restrooms. The playground was a plus as it entertained the kids that were in attendance and was in eye sight of the pavilion. The rock fireplace was used for the balloon arch and backdrop for pictures. The large grill was very handy for cooking for several people. There was plenty of tables and seating. Suggest bringing a broom or extendable duster to knock down spider webs.

Stephanie B

September 17, 2023

4

The dumpster smelled really bad and had a ton of flies

Sara W

May 29, 2026

5

The pavilion area was clean and had plenty of space/tables. This is an ideal spot for family gatherings because the area is shaded and it is so close to a great playground. Ample parking and a beautiful area!

Location & Directions for Spillway Recreation Area

10992 Highway T, Wappapello, MO 63966-9603 United States

Elevation: 118 ft

Getting There

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 mi to State Highway T. Cross Wappapello Dam and take the first left onto a paved ro...

Nearest town

Wappapello, MO - 1.4 mi

About 3 min to downtown

Highway access

Spillway Recreation Area is accessible via I-55, US Highway 67, and State Highway D. It is also reachable from US Highway 60 and State Highway T.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 7, 2026

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Explore Wappapello, MO

Nearby larger city

Jonesboro, AR

Approx. 79 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 354 ft

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Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers