1. Aberdeen Lake - 40 minutes south of Tupelo, MS
Location: Aberdeen, MS
Recommended For: Anglers, boaters, campers, nature lovers, and families looking for outdoor fun.
What I Love: ♥ "A peaceful reservoir with bluffs, birdsong, and a bass fishing legacy. Whether you’re casting off from a quiet cove or hiking up clay and limestone ridges, it’s got that ‘hidden gem’ vibe written all over it."
- Fish for bass, crappie, and catfish—especially during the annual Tenn-Tom Bassmaster Classic in April.
- Play in the water with swimming, boating, and water skiing on the 4,121-acre reservoir.
- Camp at Blue Bluff Campground with both traditional sites and RV hookups available for scenic overnight stays.
Cost: Entry is free; camping and boat ramp fees may apply—check with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for current rates.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for warm-weather activities and fishing tournaments; April for the Bassmaster Classic.
Local tips: Arrive early on weekends to snag a good fishing spot or campsite. Don’t miss the historic homes and the vintage Elkin Theater in nearby Aberdeen.
Distance: About 40 minutes south of Tupelo, MS; 2 hours west of Birmingham, AL.
How to Get to Aberdeen Lake: From US-45, take the Aberdeen exit and follow signs to Blue Bluff Road. The campground and recreation area are located on the eastern side of the lake.
2. Aliceville Lake - 1 hour west of Tuscaloosa, AL
Location: Pickensville, AL
Recommended For: Anglers, campers, birders, boaters, and families looking for lakeside recreation.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s where Southern charm meets riverside quiet. A historic visitor center, wildlife in every direction, and the kind of laid-back boating and fishing that makes a weekend feel like a true escape."
- Fish for largemouth bass and crappie in the 8,300-acre reservoir created along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
- Explore the Tom Bevill Visitor Center—a striking replica of a historic Southern mansion overlooking the water.
- Camp at Pickensville Campground, offering both tent sites and RV hookups for easy overnight access to the lake.
Cost: Entry is free; camping fees apply and may vary by site type and season.
Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for wildlife, water activities, and comfortable camping conditions.
Local tips: Bring binoculars for birdwatching, and check in with the Visitor Center about hunting permits if you're visiting during season.
Distance: About 1 hour west of Tuscaloosa, AL; 2.5 hours from Birmingham, AL.
How to Get to Aliceville Lake: From US-82, take AL-14 west to Pickensville. Turn onto Lock and Dam Road and follow signs to the campground and Visitor Center.
Address: 1382 Lock and Dam Rd, Pickensville, AL 35447
Romantic Lakes
3. Arkabutla Lake
Location: Coldwater, MS
Recommended For: Outdoor adventurers, campers, mountain bikers, disc golfers, and families seeking lakefront recreation.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s big, bold, and packed with options. From biking to birding, disc golf to dam-side picnics, Arkabutla brings that 'spend all day outside and forget your phone' kind of energy."
- Explore more than 57,000 acres of lake and land, with hiking trails and scenic overlooks throughout.
- Play disc golf, go for a swim, or ride mountain biking trails—there’s something for every kind of explorer.
- Camp at one of three Class-A campgrounds with options for tents and RVs, including hookups and modern amenities.
Cost: Entry is free; camping and facility fees vary by site and season.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for water activities, biking, and camping; year-round for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Local tips: Start at the Visitor Information Center to learn about the lake’s history and grab maps. Early arrival is key on busy weekends.
Distance: About 45 minutes south of Memphis, TN; 1 hour 20 minutes from Oxford, MS.
How to Get to Arkabutla Lake: From I-55, take Exit 271 to Coldwater. Follow signs west to Arkabutla Dam Road and continue to the lake’s main recreation areas.
4. Bay Springs Lake
Location: Dennis, MS
Recommended For: Anglers, campers, boaters, hikers, and families looking for a scenic waterfront retreat.
What I Love: ♥ "Tucked into Mississippi’s hill country, Bay Springs has that blend of wilderness and convenience—deep woods, quiet coves, and a full-service marina if you’re making it a weekend thing."
- Fish for bass, walleye, and sauger—or join one of the seasonal tournaments that draw anglers from all over the region.
- Explore the shoreline’s hiking trails, swimming spots, and wildlife—133 miles of nature waiting to be discovered.
- Camp at Piney Grove Campground, with 139 Class-A campsites plus access to boating, picnicking, and more.
Cost: Entry is free; campground and marina fees vary by service and season.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for warm-weather recreation, fishing tournaments, and wildlife spotting.
Local tips: Book Piney Grove Campground early in peak months. The marina is great for boaters needing fuel, supplies, or a slip for overnight docking.
Distance: About 1 hour from Tupelo, MS; 2.5 hours from Birmingham, AL.
How to Get to Bay Springs Lake: From MS-25, take MS-4 to Dennis, then follow signs to Bay Springs Resource Road and the Piney Grove Recreation Area.
Address: 82 Bay Springs Resource Road, Dennis, Mississippi 38838
Lakes for Families
5. Chewalla Lake, Mississippi
Location: Holly Springs, MS
Recommended For: Families, anglers, history buffs, paddlers, and campers looking for a quiet forest retreat.
What I Love: ♥ "With calm waters, pine-shaded trails, and ancient mound sites, Chewalla Lake mixes relaxation with a little bit of wonder. It's peaceful without being boring—perfect for unplugged weekends."
- Paddle across the 260-acre reservoir in a kayak or canoe, with no wake zones perfect for smooth exploration.
- Fish for bass, bluegill, and catfish in well-stocked waters, especially popular during warm summer months.
- Camp between April and November at seasonal sites with RV hookups, picnic shelters, and forest views.
Cost: Day-use fees may apply; camping rates vary by site and amenities.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for water sports, camping, and warm-weather hiking.
Local tips: Don’t miss the four-mile hiking loop to see indigenous mound sites. Head into Holly Springs for charming B&Bs and historic home tours.
Distance: About 1 hour from both Memphis, TN and Tupelo, MS.
How to Get to Chewalla Lake: From I-22, take Exit 30 to MS-7 North toward Holly Springs. Follow signs to Chewalla Lake Road and the campground entrance.
6. Choctaw Lake
Location: Tombigbee National Forest, near Ackerman, MS
Recommended For: Campers, nature lovers, anglers, families, and outdoor explorers looking for a peaceful forest lake escape.
What I Love: ♥ "Nestled between two lakes, Choctaw feels like a secret summer retreat. Swim, fish, or hike under tall trees—and still have time to grill lunch lakeside. It’s simple, scenic, and totally refreshing."
- Fish from the ADA-accessible pier or take a boat out from one of two ramps on Choctaw Lake.
- Hike a scenic three-mile nature trail—great for wildlife watching and unplugging from the day-to-day.
- Camp at 18 well-maintained sites with hookups, picnic areas, and access to all the lake has to offer.
Cost: Day-use and camping fees may apply—check with the U.S. Forest Service for seasonal pricing.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for warm-weather activities, especially swimming, hiking, and fishing.
Local tips: Pack a picnic and make use of the shaded pavilions. Don't skip nearby Cabin Lake for quieter shoreline time.
Distance: About 1 hour east of Jackson, MS; 40 minutes west of Starkville, MS.
How to Get to Choctaw Lake Recreation Area: From MS-15, head west from Ackerman and follow signs into the Tombigbee National Forest. Access is well-marked from forest roads.
Address: Suite 500-N, 200 S. Lamar St., Jackson, MS 39201
Lakes For Photographers
7. Clear Springs Lake
Location: Meadville, MS
Recommended For: Campers, hikers, mountain bikers, history lovers, and anyone craving a peaceful forest escape.
What I Love: ♥ "This little spring-fed lake is pure tranquility. Steep trails, historic 1930s pavilions, and crystal-clear swimming water—it’s the kind of place you stumble upon and never want to leave."
- Swim in the spring-fed lake from March through September—cool, clear, and uncrowded.
- Hike and bike through steep terrain on four trails surrounded by Homochitto National Forest beauty.
- Camp at 22 primitive sites or two group sites, both great for stargazing and nature immersion.
Cost: Day-use and camping fees may apply; check seasonal rates with the Forest Service.
Best time to visit: March to September for swimming, or fall for quieter hiking and cool-weather camping.
Local tips: Bring plenty of water if hiking—slopes are steep. Check out the 1930s-era amphitheater for a quiet picnic or some great photos.
Distance: About 35 miles west of Brookhaven, MS; 1.5 hours from Natchez, MS.
How to Get to Clear Springs Lake: From US-84, head toward Meadville and take Clear Springs Rd (CR 104) into the Homochitto National Forest. Follow signs to the lake and campground.
Address: Clear Springs Rd (CR 104), Meadville, Mississippi 39653
8. Enid Lake
Location: Enid, MS
Recommended For: Anglers, campers, equestrians, water sport lovers, and outdoor adventurers of all kinds.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s big, it’s beautiful, and it’s famous for fishing. With world-record catches, vast trails, and tons of room to roam, Enid Lake is a weekend warrior’s dream come true."
- Fish for crappie, bass, and catfish in a lake known for two world-record catches.
- Ride horseback or hike along miles of scenic trails through northern Mississippi’s Hill Region.
- Camp at one of six lakefront locations or nearby George Payne Cossar State Park—options range from primitive to full hookups.
Cost: Entry is free; camping and boat launch fees vary by site and season.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for ideal fishing, trail riding, and warm lake activities.
Local tips: Enid is a fishing hotspot, so arrive early for the best shoreline spots. Nearby George Payne Cossar State Park has nature trails and additional lodging.
Distance: About 1 hour south of Memphis, TN; 40 minutes from Oxford, MS.
How to Get to Enid Lake: From I-55, take Exit 233 toward Enid. Follow signs along CR 36 to lake access points and campgrounds.
Address: 457 CR 36, Enid, Mississippi 38927
Lakes for Hikers
9. Grenada Lake, Mississippi
Location: Grenada, MS
Recommended For: Anglers, campers, water sports fans, families, and wildlife watchers.
What I Love: ♥ "Grenada’s got that ‘something for everyone’ vibe—crappie fishing hotspots, wetland wildlife, a golf course, and plenty of space to roam. You could easily spend a weekend and still not do it all."
- Fish one of the top crappie lakes in the country—35,000 acres of prime angling water.
- Explore the Haserway Wetland Demonstration Area—330 acres of natural habitat perfect for birding and quiet nature walks.
- Camp at any of the 300 primitive and hookup sites near 25 recreation areas with playgrounds, picnic spots, and sports fields.
Cost: Entry is free; camping and activity fees vary by area and season.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for fishing and hiking; summer for swimming, boating, and family-friendly lakeside fun.
Local tips: Stop by Scenic Loop 333 for access to boat launches and campsites. Highway 51 has great local eats and amenities nearby.
Distance: About 1.5 hours south of Memphis, TN; 45 minutes from Oxford, MS.
How to Get to Grenada Lake: From I-55, take Exit 206 toward Grenada. Follow signs to Scenic Loop 333 for lake access and campground facilities.
10. Horn Lake
Location: Southaven, MS
Recommended For: Kayakers, anglers, day-trippers, and travelers looking for a peaceful lake near Memphis.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s a lake with a story—formed by the Mississippi River itself. A quiet, scenic spot just outside the buzz of Memphis, perfect for paddling and catching a few bass before grabbing dinner in the city."
- Paddle through calm oxbow waters by kayak or canoe—ideal for spotting birds and soaking in nature.
- Fish for flathead catfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, and largemouth bass from a boat or shoreline.
- Relax near the water with city convenience—shopping, dining, and lodging just minutes away in Horn Lake and Southaven.
Cost: Free public access; fishing license required for anglers.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for boating and fishing; summer for pairing a lake day with Memphis sightseeing.
Local tips: Bring your own boat or kayak—rentals are limited. End your day with Memphis-style BBQ just a short drive away.
Distance: About 20 minutes south of downtown Memphis, TN; 10 minutes from Horn Lake, MS.
How to Get to Horn Lake: From I-55, take Exit 287 to Church Road West, then head south on Pepper Chase Drive to access lake areas near Southaven.
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