• What is the significance of the Mississippi River?
    • Mississippi’s namesake river is the second-largest drainage basin in the United States after the Hudson Bay system.
    • It spans 2,320 miles from Minnesota’s Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico.
  • What efforts have been made to control flooding along the Mississippi River?
    • Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a variety of dam projects were undertaken by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
    • These projects aimed to control regional flooding from the river and create reservoirs for public drinking water and recreational use.

Best Time to Visit Lakes in Mississippi

  • March to May – Mild temps and blooming landscapes make for ideal fishing and boating conditions.
  • April & May – Great for picnics, kayaking, and early-season camping near the water.
  • June to August – Hot and humid, but perfect for swimming, water sports, and lakeside fun.
  • September to October – Cooler weather and fewer crowds offer a peaceful lake experience.
  • November to February – Quieter season for birdwatching, hiking, and relaxed fishing trips.

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Aberdeen Lake


Go fishing or explore scenic shorelines for a peaceful outdoor escape.

Aberdeen Lake

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  • What is Aberdeen Lake?
    • Aberdeen Lake is a man-made reservoir located in northeast Mississippi along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, created by the Aberdeen Lock and Dam in 1981.
  • Who manages Aberdeen Lake?
    • The 4,121-acre lake and its surrounding recreational land areas are managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
  • What recreational activities are available at Aberdeen Lake?
    • The lake offers a variety of outdoor activities including swimming, fishing, water skiing, boating, and nature hiking to the top of the area’s surrounding clay and limestone bluffs.
  • Are there camping facilities at Aberdeen Lake?
    • Campsites are available at the Blue Bluff Campground and Recreation Area, including RV hookup sites for visitors looking for an extended stay.
  • What events take place at Aberdeen Lake?
    • Each April, the lake hosts the Tenn-Tom Bassmaster Classic, drawing competing anglers from across the region.
  • What nearby attractions can visitors explore?
    • Visitors can explore attractions in the city of Aberdeen, including a lakeside restaurant, the historic Elkin Theater, and several historic homes open to the public as living history museums.

20051 Blue Bluff RD, Aberdeen MS 39730

Aliceville Lake, Mississippi


Go boating or fish in calm waters surrounded by lush greenery.

Aliceville Lake, Mississippi

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  • What is Aliceville Lake?
    • Aliceville Lake, also known as Pickensville Lake, is one of 10 lakes dammed along the man-made Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
  • When was Aliceville Lake created?
    • The 8,300-acre lake was originally dammed in 1980, though it was not opened for public use until 1985.
  • What wildlife can be found at Aliceville Lake?
    • The lake is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including white-tailed deer, quail, and wild turkey, which may be hunted with permits in designated areas.
  • What fishing opportunities are available?
    • The lake is populated with largemouth bass and crappie, offering ample fishing opportunities for anglers.
  • What recreational activities can visitors enjoy?
    • Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, boating, bird watching, and picnicking. Additionally, children’s playgrounds are available for family use.
  • What visitor facilities are available at Aliceville Lake?
    • Visitors can explore the Tom Bevill Lock and Dam Visitor Center, which recreates a historic plantation mansion. The Pickensville Campground also offers tent and RV hookups for overnight stays.

1382 Lock and Dam Rd, Pickensville, AL 35447

Arkabutla Lake


Explore sandy beaches or go kayaking in this vast recreational lake.

Arkabutla Lake

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  • What is Arkabutla Lake?
    • Arkabutla Lake is a man-made reservoir located in Tate and DeSoto Counties, created as a result of the 1937 Flood Control Act.
  • Where is Arkabutla Lake located?
    • The lake is dammed from the Coldwater River and is located approximately four miles from the community of Arkabutla in Mississippi.
  • How large is Arkabutla Lake?
    • The lake and its surrounding facilities cover more than 57,000 acres and attract over two million annual visitors.
  • What visitor facilities are available?
    • A visitor information center provides public exhibits detailing the lake’s history and ecosystem.
  • What recreational activities are available at Arkabutla Lake?
    • The lake offers swimming areas, hiking and mountain biking trails, and disc golf courses. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
  • Are there camping facilities at Arkabutla Lake?
    • The site features three Class-A camping facilities, offering a mix of tent camping and RV hookup sites for overnight stays.

3905 Arkabutla Dam Road, Coldwater MS 38618-9737

Bay Springs Lake


Go sailing or explore hiking trails with stunning lake views.

Bay Springs Lake

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  • What is Bay Springs Lake?
    • Bay Springs Lake, also known as the Jamie L. Whitten Lock and Dam, is the northernmost body of water along the 234-mile Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
  • How large is Bay Springs Lake?
    • The lake spans a surface area of 6,700 acres and offers 133 miles of recreational shoreline for day use and overnight accommodations.
  • What facilities are available at Bay Springs Lake?
    • The lake features a 150-boat marina, a visitor center, and several recreational areas for public use, along with the Piney Grove Campground, which offers 139 Class-A campsites.
  • What recreational activities are available?
    • Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, picnicking, and hiking. The lake also offers ample opportunities for fishing and hunting with permits.
  • What wildlife can be found at Bay Springs Lake?
    • The lake is home to various species, including largemouth and spotted bass, walleye, sauger, white-tailed deer, and turkey, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Are there any special events held at the lake?
    • Bay Springs Lake hosts a variety of fishing tournaments throughout the spring, summer, and autumn months, drawing anglers from across the region.

82 Bay Springs Resource Road, Dennis, Mississippi 38838

Chewalla Lake, Mississippi


Go camping or paddle through serene waters for a relaxing retreat.

Chewalla Lake, Mississippi

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  • What is Chewalla Lake?
    • Chewalla Lake is a 260-acre man-made reservoir located an hour from Memphis and Tupelo. It was created in 1966 by the damming of Chewalla Creek and is managed by the United States Forest Service as part of the Holly Springs National Forest.
  • What recreational activities are available at Chewalla Lake?
    • Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and picnicking at a number of pavilions, which offer grills and children’s playgrounds.
  • What fishing opportunities are available?
    • The lake is heavily stocked with smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish, making it a popular summer fishing site.
  • Are there hiking trails near the lake?
    • A four-mile exploration trail provides access to nearby indigenous mound sites, offering a glimpse into the area's historical significance.
  • What camping facilities are available?
    • A seasonal campground allows overnight stays between April and November, including RV hookups for visitors looking for an extended stay.
  • What other attractions are near Chewalla Lake?
    • The nearby town of Holly Springs offers historic bed and breakfast facilities, pre-Civil War-era homes, a golf course, a motor park, and an Audubon center for bird-watching enthusiasts.

726 Chewalla Lake Rd, Holly Springs, MS 38635

Choctaw Lake


Explore forested trails or go fishing in this quiet, scenic lake.

Choctaw Lake

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  • What is Choctaw Lake Recreation Area?
    • Choctaw Lake Recreation Area is a seasonal outdoor destination located within Mississippi’s Tombigbee National Forest, offering a wide range of recreational activities.
  • What activities are available at Choctaw Lake?
    • Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and bicycling. The recreation area is located between the 100-acre Choctaw Lake and the smaller adjacent Cabin Lake.
  • Are there hiking trails at Choctaw Lake?
    • A moderate-skill three-mile hiking trail is available for exploration and wildlife watching, providing scenic views and opportunities for nature observation.
  • What facilities does the recreation area offer?
    • The area includes two boat ramps for water access, an ADA-accessible fishing pier, and picnic pavilions with grills and children’s playgrounds.
  • What camping options are available?
    • The recreation area features 18 campsites with hookups, including accessible sites and locations with private picnic facilities for a comfortable outdoor stay.
  • What nearby attractions can visitors explore?
    • Nearby attractions include the Natchez Trace Parkway, Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, and Mississippi State University, offering additional cultural, historical, and outdoor experiences.

Suite 500-N, 200 S. Lamar St., Jackson, MS 39201

Clear Springs Lake


Go swimming or explore nearby nature trails for a refreshing adventure.

Clear Springs Lake

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  • What is Clear Springs Lake?
    • Clear Springs Lake is a 12-acre spring-fed lake located within the Homochitto National Forest, offering a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
  • Where is Clear Springs Lake located?
    • The lake is situated off United States Highway 84, approximately 35 miles west of Brookhaven, making it an accessible getaway for nature lovers.
  • What recreational activities are available?
    • Visitors can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and swimming, which is permitted between the beginning of March and the end of September.
  • Are there hiking and biking trails?
    • The area features four mountain biking and hiking trails, though visitors should be aware that the terrain is steep, with most trails and access roads featuring slopes higher than eight percent.
  • What camping options are available?
    • Camping is available at 22 primitive campsites, along with two secluded group campsites that can accommodate up to 30 people.
  • What historical attractions are available?
    • A historic pavilion and amphitheater constructed in the 1930s is also available for public use, adding a cultural and historical element to the recreation area.

Clear Springs Rd (CR 104) Meadville, Mississippi 39653

Enid Lake


Go boating or fish in this expansive lake known for its scenic beauty.

Enid Lake

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  • What is Enid Lake?
    • Enid Lake is a man-made reservoir located in northern Mississippi’s Hill Region, created in 1952 under the authorization of the 1928 Flood Control Act.
  • Where is Enid Lake located?
    • The lake is situated approximately one hour from Memphis, providing a convenient destination for outdoor recreation.
  • How large is Enid Lake?
    • The lake spans a surface area of 28,000 acres with 220 miles of visitor-access shoreline, making it a significant recreational hub.
  • What recreational activities are available?
    • Visitors can enjoy fishing, hunting, swimming, water skiing, boating, hiking, and horseback riding, making it a versatile outdoor destination.
  • Why is Enid Lake popular among anglers?
    • The lake is known for its abundant fish populations, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bream. It is also the catch site of two world-record fish, making it a renowned fishing location.
  • What camping options are available?
    • Enid Lake offers both primitive and hookup campsites at six different locations, along with additional accommodations at the nearby George Payne Cossar State Park.

457 CR 36 Enid, Mississippi 38927

Grenada Lake, Mississippi


Explore vast waters, go fishing, or take a weekend trip.

Grenada Lake, Mississippi

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  • What is Grenada Lake?
    • Grenada Lake is the largest body of water in Mississippi that is entirely contained within state lines. It was dammed in 1954 following the catastrophic flooding of the 1927 Great Flood.
  • Where is Grenada Lake located?
    • The lake is situated in northern Mississippi’s Hill Region and spans a surface area of more than 35,000 acres.
  • What recreational activities are available?
    • Grenada Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, water skiing, and crappie fishing. It is known as one of the best fishing destinations in the region.
  • What makes the Haserway Wetland Demonstration Area special?
    • The Haserway Wetland Demonstration Area is the country’s first public-use wetland demonstration site, covering 330 acres and providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and natural exploration.
  • What facilities and amenities are available?
    • The lake features 25 recreation areas with over 250 picnic sites, sporting fields, children’s playgrounds, and even an 18-hole golf course for visitors to enjoy.
  • Are there camping options at Grenada Lake?
    • There are 300 primitive and hookup campsites available for visitors, as well as a variety of accommodations and attractions located along Highway 51.

2151 Scenic Loop 333, Grenada, MS 38901

Horn Lake


Go canoeing or explore peaceful shorelines for a quick outdoor escape.

Horn Lake

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  • What is Horn Lake?
    • Horn Lake is a natural oxbow lake that was formed in the mid-19th century when a small section of the Mississippi River was cut off naturally, creating a dammed lake area.
  • Where is Horn Lake located?
    • The lake spans 1,200 acres within Mississippi’s DeSoto County and Tennessee’s Shelby County, making it a key recreational spot in the region.
  • What activities are available at Horn Lake?
    • Visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, and kayaking, along with fishing for pumpkinseed sunfish, flathead catfish, and largemouth bass.
  • What is the connection between Horn Lake and Memphis?
    • The lake and surrounding area are considered a suburb of Memphis, providing easy access to the city’s shopping, dining, and visitor attractions.
  • Are there camping facilities at Horn Lake?
    • No on-site camping accommodations are available, but visitors can find hotels, restaurants, and bed and breakfast facilities in the nearby city of Horn Lake.

4716 Pepper Chase Dr, Southaven, MS 38671

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