Wakonda State Park

Introduction of Wakonda State Park

Boating, hiking, and nature study are just some of the activities available at Wakonda State Park, which is popular with both locals and visitors from all over the country. In fact, over 259,000 people visit this 1,053-acre wonderland in the city of La Grange, Missouri, each year. With six clearwater lakes to choose from, you can do whatever you want while you’re here and in which lake you want to do it. Connect the boat trailer to the RV so you can explore all of the bodies of water at the park.

The park’s namesake, Wakonda Lake, has a 20,000-square-foot beach where you can swim, boat, build sandcastles, play volleyball, or simply work on your tan. Agate Lake, like Wakonda Lake, has a free boat launch so you can get out and enjoy some fishing or one of the water trails. The other four lakes have boating as well, but they must be carry-in boats with electric motors or oars. From mid-April to November, you can also rent a Jon boat or kayak from the park office.

Furthermore, the park has 87 tent and RV campsites spread across two camps, over seven miles of trails, and miles of lakeside picnic areas. If you have a larger group, you can reserve one of the picnic shelters, which can accommodate up to 50 people. Whatever you enjoy doing, you will find it at Wakonda State Park.

Wakonda State Park Camping

Wakonda State Park has primitive, electric, and sewer/electric/water camping options. The main campground has basic and electric campsites, and the additional camping area has sewer/electric/water campsites. On-season services include modern restrooms, a dump station, showers, water, and laundry (April 15 through October 31). Fees for first-come, first-served campers must be paid at the park office during the season. The campground is open all year. During the on-season, reservations can be made. For weekend reservations, a two-night minimum stay is required.Campers who intend to bring firewood must follow current firewood advisories. The park’s gates close at 10:00 p.m. Campers must arrive prior to the gate closing time.

Wakonda State Park Activities

Fishing

With six lakes, you could spend nearly every day of the week on a different lake, deciding which one you prefer. All of the lakes have their fair share of catfish, bluegill, crappie, walleye, and bass. The most popular are Wakonda, Quartz, Jasper, and Agate. All fish species have a size and daily limit that you can inquire about at the park office. To fish in Missouri, you must have a fishing licence and keep it with you at all times. Place the poles in the RV now so you don’t forget them.

Hiking

Don’t just sit in your RV. Explore the wildlife in the woods. If you’re a beginner hiker looking for something short and easy, try the Quartz Lake Trail. The trail begins at the lake parking lot and meanders for less than a half mile along the lake. The Campground Trail, which connects the campground to Jasper and Agate Lakes, is another short one. This one is also short (about a half mile). Take the Wakonda Water Trail from the lake’s shoreline, past the beach, and on to the eastern loop, which goes past the Wakonda Lake Campground, if you’re up for a challenge.

Biking

It would be a shame to miss out on Wakonda State Park’s biking trails, so make sure you pack your bikes in or on the RV or campervan. Because it is a natural surface, the Sand Prairie Trail can be difficult for bikers, but it is a fun and exciting one-mile route to Agate Lake. The Campground Trail is only a half-mile long and paved, making it a quick ride from the campground to Jasper or Agate Lake.

Boating

This park is a favourite among Missouri boaters, with six lakes to choose from. Although only Agate and Wakonda have boat launches, you are welcome to boat in any of the park’s lakes. At the other four lakes, however, you can only use small carry-in boats with oars or trolling motors. Take a water trail on Wakonda, Jasper, or Agate Lakes to explore and learn about the area. If you forget to bring your boat, you can rent one from the park office from mid-April to November.

Swimming

From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, your family can enjoy a fun day in the sun at Wakonda Lake’s beach. The 20,000-square-foot natural sand beach offers plenty of space for sunbathing, sandcastle building with the kids, or a game of frisbee or volleyball. The beach is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., but there is no lifeguard, so swimming is at your own risk. For your convenience, there are restrooms and a changing room. While you’re at the park, get out of the RV and spend some time in the sun.

Wakonda State Park Location

The lovely Wakonda State Park, located in La Grange, Missouri, two hours from St. Louis or four hours from Kansas City, has six different lakes to choose from. Take one of the state highways just past Hannibal or Palmyra, Missouri, to get to the small city of La Grange, which is not far from Interstate 70. A scenic drive along several country roads will take you through some of the most beautiful valleys, rolling hills, and majestic forests. However, be cautious on some of these roads because they are narrow and curvy, which can be dangerous when driving a large campervan or pulling a trailer.

Some of the park’s access roads, especially those with low hanging branches and dirt or gravel roads with potholes, can be difficult to navigate with a large rig or trailer. Most visitors will leave their RV at their campsite and walk or ride their bikes around the park, going wherever they want. However, because some of the lakes and other activities require a long walk, the park provides parking lots large enough to accommodate your rig.

Parking

Parking is available

Public Transport

Public transport is not available