Summary
Situated in the Southern United States, Mississippi derives its name from the river that flows along its western border. The state is rich in history and culture, complemented by a favorable climate that rarely sees temperatures drop below 9°C, making it an attractive destination year-round.
While gambling is a significant attraction for travelers, the state also offers ample opportunities to experience its natural beauty. Mississippi is predominantly made up of forests, but also features swamps, mountains, bays, and lakes. The lakes in Mississippi provide an excellent way to cool off during summer and offer year-round fishing opportunities. Here are the 15 finest lakes in Mississippi.
1. Sardis Lake; Lafayette, Panola & Marshall Counties
Sardis Lake is regarded as one of the most picturesque lakes in the state, attracting thousands of visitors annually due to its exceptional recreational activities.
This 39,870-hectare reservoir is an excellent site for water skiing, sailing, fishing, and picnicking. An inviting beach area allows for relaxation and sunbathing.
The lake is located on the Little Tallahatchie River and is encircled by numerous public use areas and the John W Kyle State Park. The southeastern corner hosts the Sardis Lake Marina, which offers 140 slips, dining options, and rentals for boats, skis, tubes, and wakeboards.
2. Grenada Lake; Grenada County
This 14,000-hectare reservoir lies just northeast of Grenada city and serves as a primary attraction due to its varied recreational activities and frequent fishing tournaments.
Each year, Grenada Lake hosts 16 professional fishing tournaments, such as Bass Pro’s Crappie Masters Tournament, the Grenada Lake Crappie Classic Tournament, and the Magnolia Crappie Club Tournament. The lake is also abundant with bass, catfish, and bream.
The shoreline features several day-use areas, hiking trails, beaches, and camping grounds, along with 16 boat launch ramps, some of which are complimentary while others have a nominal fee.
3. Ross Barnett Reservoir; Madison & Rankin Counties
As the largest drinking water resource in Mississippi, Ross Barnett Reservoir also garners immense popularity as a recreational area. Over two million individuals visit the lake annually to partake in water skiing, boating, swimming, and fishing.
The reservoir provides five campgrounds along its 169-kilometre shoreline, together with 22 boat launches, 16 parks, and multiple multi-purpose trails.
This 13,467-hectare lake is situated on the Pearl River and was named in honor of the 52nd Governor of Mississippi, Ross R. Barnett.
4. Clear Springs Lake; Franklin County
Clear Springs Lake is a tranquil reservoir located within the Homochitto National Forest, surrounded by pine-covered hills and favored for camping and recreational activities.
Although relatively small at just under 5 hectares, the scenic surroundings make it a worthwhile destination. Swimming, fishing, and picnicking are popular, alongside multi-purpose trails.
A beach on the lake’s northern side is easily accessible on foot, providing convenient access to camping sites, parking, and the lake’s amphitheater.
5. Lake Washington; Washington County
This 2,000-hectare oxbow lake was formerly a part of the Mississippi River before shifting eastward around 1300 AD. It is a site of significant historical interest, with numerous historic landmarks along its shores.
Today, Lake Washington serves as a prominent fishing spot, well known for its plentiful crappie, bass, bream, and catfish. Regulations are in place to limit the daily catch to maintain the lake’s fish population.
The majority of land surrounding the lake is utilized for agricultural purposes, though there is a boat ramp on the western side.
6. Arkabutla Lake; DeSoto & Tate Counties
Attracting over 2 million visitors annually, Arkabutla Lake is a favored destination, offering a multitude of recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking.
Numerous camping sites surround the lake, with some providing electrical hook-ups, along with several day-use facilities that are open year-round.
Arkabutla Lake is a constructed reservoir formed during the damming of the Coldwater River, located just south of Memphis, Tennessee, and serves as a popular retreat for many local residents.
7. Little Black Creek Lake; Lamar County
This 259-hectare lake is found within the Little Black Creek Campground and Park. The park is popular among water enthusiasts and offers a wide range of recreational opportunities.
Little Black Creek Lake provides various activities from zip-lining to kayaking. Visitors can swim in the lake or launch boats for fishing trips.
The campground features both primitive and fully-equipped sites, along with bungalows and cabins. The area is easily navigable on foot, or by renting a golf cart for convenience.
8. Pickwick Lake; Tishomingo County
Extending across Alabama and Mississippi before entering Tennessee, Pickwick Lake covers 17,400 hectares and is renowned for its exceptional fishing prospects.
Two state parks are situated along the lake’s shores, including J.P. Coleman State Park in Mississippi, which provides access for water skiing, boating, and fishing activities.
The park is an ideal location for those wishing to fully experience the lake, offering campsites, cabins, and cottages, as well as an onsite motel.
9. Lake Bill Waller; Marion County
Though relatively small, Lake Bill Waller is recognized for its excellent fresh-water fishing opportunities, being stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and redear.
Biologists in Mississippi actively maintain the lake, ensuring regular stocking of game fish. Angling is the primary activity in this 68-hectare lake.
The lake is situated within a public hunting area; therefore, a license is required for hunting and fishing activities.
10. Enid Lake; Yalobusha, Panola & Lafayette Counties
While the majority of Enid Lake is situated in Yalobusha County, the 2,500-hectare lake also reaches into Panola and Lafayette Counties. Interstate 55 runs along the west side, offering a scenic route.
Enid Lake is famed for its camping facilities and is also a favored location for fishing. Nine recreation areas line the shoreline, providing spaces for picnicking, horseback riding, and hiking.
Located at the southwest corner of the lake is George P. Cossar State Park, featuring 76 campsites, 13 cabins, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a miniature golf course.
11. Bay Springs Lake; Tishomingo & Prentiss Counties
Spanning 14 kilometers along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Bay Springs Lake is located just south of Pickwick Lake, linked by Mackeys Creek.
Surrounding the lake are five recreation areas, including the Crows Neck Recreation and Environmental Center and Bay Springs Marina. The family-operated marina rents out pontoons to visitors interested in exploring the lake.
Piney Grove Recreation Area features a boat ramp and sandy beach, serving as the most developed area at Bay Springs Lake, offering 141 campsites, an amphitheater, a playground, hiking trails, and picnic shelters.
12. Columbus Lake; Lowndes & Clay Counties
Part of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Columbus Lake is located on the northwest outskirts of Columbus city, impounded by the John C. Stennis Lock and Dam.
The lake is noted for its recreational activities, which include water skiing, tubing, boating, and fishing. Access is provided by a marina and two boat ramps located along the southern shore.
In addition to water-related activities, visitors can also enjoy golf at four nearby courses, providing a refreshing break from aquatic pursuits.
13. Tunica Lake; Tunica County
Tunica Lake is an oxbow lake positioned just east of the Mississippi River and extends into Arkansas. The border between the two states intersects at the lake’s center.
All communities along the 1,000-hectare lake are located in Mississippi, with the northern end featuring cottages, an RV park, fishing camps, and bait shops.
Fishing is a prevalent activity here, with the sole boat access located within Mississippi. The lake hosts channel catfish, bream, crappie, largemouth bass, and green sunfish.
14. Aliceville Lake; Noxubee & Lowndes Counties
While the majority of Aliceville Lake resides in Alabama, a portion extends into Mississippi. This artificial lake serves both navigational and recreational purposes.
Visitors can partake in swimming, fishing, and boating, while those preferring dry land might enjoy hiking, bird-watching, camping, and hunting.
Campsites are available around the lake, with many electric hook-ups located predominantly on the Alabama side, which is easily accessible by a short drive or boat ride.
15. Choctaw Lake; Choctaw County
Choctaw Lake is a picturesque body of water nestled within the Tombigbee National Forest. It is particularly favored by nature enthusiasts who appreciate both the lake and the surrounding natural landscape.
The four-kilometer Lakeside Trail encircles the lake, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the area’s scenic beauty. This pathway connects to additional trails leading into the forest.
A campground encircling the southwest corner of the lake allows for various recreational activities like fishing, boating, canoeing, and swimming, making it enjoyable even for day visitors not staying overnight.
