About REDMAN CREEK RECREATION AREA
Overview Redman Creek offers a variety of recreational opportunities for every visitor! This large park is an ideal place for just a day visit or an extended stay. Redman Creek Campground features 109 full service campsites in the Redman East and West Campground. Each campground loop has a playground and shower house. As of 2025, recent campground improvements at Redman East include newly paved campsites which include a picnic table, lantern post, and fire pit. Enjoy the scenic view along the Lake View Trail, this multi-use trail is a hiker, biker or walkers dream. Beginning at Redman East Campground, the trail connects the entire Wappapello Dam area featuring multiple trailheads with unique landscapes. A tennis court, basketball court, sand volleyball court and playground are available for use year-round. A family picnic or a day of grilling are easy at one of 17 picnic sites or 4 reservable group shelters. An accessible fishing pier, 4-lane boat ramp with courtesy dock and a seasonal swimming beach provide a multitude of water recreation opportunities. Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake! Recreation Wappapello Lake can be a boater's paradise with a string of secluded coves, islands and wooded shorelines. 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. Shell Lake Archery Trail is a unique destination for archery enthusiasts. Facilities The day-use portion of Redman Creek includes the visitor center, four picnic shelters, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, horseshoe pits and more. The campground portion provides 109 full service campsites with 50-AMP electric, water and sewer hookups in addition to six non-electric boat-in island camp sites.Natural Features Wappapello Lake is fed by the St. Francis River and boasts 8,400 acres on a whopping 45,000-acre expanse of public land in the foothills of the Ozar
How to Get There
From St. Louis: Take I-55 south to Highway 67. Go south and turn left on State Highway D. Take Highway D south for 20 miles and look for signs. From Poplar Bluff: Take Highway 60 east to Highway T. Take exit toward Wappapello Lake (north). Continue and look for signs.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- 🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
- 🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- 🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to REDMAN CREEK RECREATION AREA
Heading to REDMAN CREEK RECREATION AREA? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for REDMAN CREEK RECREATION AREA?
No central reservation system listed for REDMAN CREEK RECREATION AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233690) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to REDMAN CREEK RECREATION AREA?
From St. Louis: Take I-55 south to Highway 67. Go south and turn left on State Highway D. Take Highway D south for 20 miles and look for signs. From Poplar Bluff: Take Highway 60 east to Highway T. Take exit toward Wappapello Lake (north). Continue and look for signs.
How do I contact REDMAN CREEK RECREATION AREA?
You can reach the park at phone: 573-222-8233 or email: WappapelloLake@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
