Greenville Recreation Area

Overview

Greenville Recreation Area is located on the northen end of Wappapello Lake Project, nestled on the banks of the St. Francis River. The spacious campground is built on the original site of the historical Old Greenville City, visitors have seemingly endless opportunities for fun. The Memory Lane trail winds along the historical foundations and streets offering a glimpse back in time. The Greenville Trail, a three mile hike or bike trail, connects the modern city of Greenville to the campground. The expansive grounds, multiple playgrounds, play courts and large event area provide opportunities for all ages and abilities.

Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake!

Recreation

Greenville boasts a one-mile historical trail to explore. A three-mile hike/bike trail is open year-round and a great choice for families. 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 and trapping are popular activities around the lake, boasting 44,000 acres for public use.
Special events are put on throughout the year but the annual Black Powder Rendezvous, Old Greenville Days and Halloween Boo Bash events are notable experiences in Greenville.

Facilities

The day use portion of the recreation area includes 14 picnic sites, a playground, basketball court, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, day use shelter, and boat ramp with courtesy dock. Facilities within the campground include showers, a playground, and 106 campsites with full hookups, consisting of electric, water, and sewer.

Natural Features

Wappapello Lake, fed by the St. Francis River, 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. The St. Francis River provides multiple caves, gravel bars, and open stretchs of water surrounded by open woodlands and rocky bluffs.

Contact Info

Between 04/01/2026 and 11/02/2026 this location is staffed. Please call (573) 224-3884 to speak with local staff. From 11/03/2025 to 03/31/2026 this location is unstaffed. Please call (573) 778-5404 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

Explore one of the 9 trail systems along the Wappapello Lake. The nearby Ozark Trail is the only Horse friendly trail at the Lake. The Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or lower St. Francis River are approximately 22 miles away. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 31 miles from Old Greenville Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 21 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 14 miles away from Old Greenville Recreation Area. The nearby 34 Bridge Recreation Area is an ideal place to swim or picnic along its large gravel bars.