Redman Creek Recreation Area

REDMAN CREEK RECREATION AREA

Part of Wappapello Lake

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! 

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 Ozark Mountains.

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.  

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 11.6 miles from Redman Creek Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 17 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 34 miles away from Redman Creek Recreation Area. 

Contact Info

Between 04/02/2026 and 10/28/2026 this location is staffed. Please call (573) 222-8233 to speak with local staff. From 11/03/2025 to 04/01/2026 this location is unstaffed. Please call (573) 778-5404 for general information.

Important Notices

  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides free, family-oriented programs throughout the calender year, for more information about scheduled events you can contact the management office at 573-222-8562 or on the Wappapello Lake Facebook page. 

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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) 222-8562 or messaging us on our Facebook page. 

Available Activities

  • Swimming Site - Swimming Site
  • Fishing - Fishing
  • Camping - Camping
  • Day Use Area - Day Use Area
  • Hiking - Hiking
  • Picnicking - Picnicking
  • Visitor Center - Visitor Center
  • Water Access - Water Access

Directions

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. <br /><br /> From Poplar Bluff: Take Highway 60 east to Highway T. Take exit toward Wappapello Lake (north). Continue and look for signs.

Contact Information

Phone: 573-222-8233

10992 State Hwy T
WAPPAPELLO, MO 63966
10276 Hwy T
Wappapello , MO 63966

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery