Peoples Creek
- Nearest town
- Puxico, MO · 6.4 mi
- Elevation
- 436 ft
- Coordinates
- 36.94644, -90.27525
About this place
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.
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.
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.
Services
What you can do here
A dotted outline means nobody has told us either way. It is not a no — it is an honest gap, and the fastest way to close it is a traveller who has been there.
Rates
What it costs
Peak season, May 6, 2026 to September 28, 2026. Outside those dates the site may be closed or priced differently.
| Site type | Per night |
|---|---|
| Tent Only Electric | $16.00 |
| Standard Electric | $40.00 |
| Group Shelter Electric | $50.00 |
Recreation.gov booking system · read Aug 19, 2026. Fees change; the booking page is authoritative.
The details, and where each came from
Everything we know
- ADA accessible
- No
- Back-in spaces
- 52
- Campfires allowed
- Yes
- Electric hookup (amps)
- 50
- Fresh tank fill
- Yes
- Longest rig that fits (ft)
- 120
- Number of campsites
- 57
- Pets allowed
- Yes
- Phone number
- (573) 222-8234
- Pull-through spaces
- 1
- Reservable
- Yes
- Shower facilities
- Showers
- Water hookup at site
- Yes
If this one is closed
Other dump stations nearby
| Location | Distance | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| RV Dump Station | 3.2 mi | Limited confidence |
| RV Dump Station | 3.3 mi | Limited confidence |
| RV Dump Station | 25 mi | Limited confidence |
| River Road Park | 30 mi | Limited confidence |
| Piedmont Park | 31 mi | Limited confidence |
Photos
What it looks like
Last updated Aug 19, 2026.