Best Lakes in Mississippi:- One of the most fascinating Southern states in the country, Mississippi boasts of incredible natural beauty. It is named after the Mississippi River that flows through it, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The Magnolia State is also home to plenty of lakes that draw nature lovers and adventure junkies alike.
From soaking up the sun, picnicking, and enjoying water sports to fishing, there is a variety of recreational activities to enjoy at these reservoirs.
Planning a lakeside vacation in Mississippi?
Make sure you include the Best Lakes in Mississippiin your itinerary for an epic vacation: –
Aberdeen Lake #1
This artificial lake is located along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Made by damming the waterway by the Aberdeen Lock and Dam in 1981, this lake is spread across 4,121 acres.
There is a plethora of recreational activities to enjoy here. You can fish, swim, go water skiing, boating, and much more, there is something here to suit every taste.
Love spending time amidst nature?
Go for a nature hike in the nearby clay and limestone bluffs. When hunger strikes, head to the lakeside restaurant to relish your favourite snacks.
If you’re visiting in April, you may witness the Tenn-Tom Bassmaster Classic that brings many anglers to compete with each other.
Want to spend the night here?
There are various campsites and RV hook-ups at the Blue Bluff Campground and Recreation Area. Nearby attractions include the historic Elkin Theatre and several living history home museums.
Sardis Lake #2
Covering almost 100,000 acres, Sardis Lake is a scenic reservoir on the Little Tallahatchie River. Its beauty and abundant recreational activities on offer draw millions of tourists every year for a memorable lakeside vacation.
From sailing, skiing, and swimming to fishing and camping, there is a wide range of activities to enjoy at this popular water attraction. You can also spot deer, quail, turkey, and waterfowl in the area.
There are 20 recreational areas, six swimming pools, and over 500 campsites here.
Looking to shop and dine? You can explore numerous boutique stores and restaurants at the Sardis Lake Marina.
Got some more time on your hands?
Utilize the amenities at the nearby John W. Kyle State Park which include a swimming pool, an 18-hole golf course, and sporting courts.
Choctaw Lake #3
Nestled within the state’s Tombigbee National Forest, Choctaw Lake Recreation Area offers a serene escape into nature. From swimming and boating to cycling and fishing, there are abundant outdoor recreational activities to enjoy.
Sprawled across 100 acres, the lake is surrounded by verdant forested land that adds to its allure. You can explore the area by hiking on a three-mile-long moderate-level hiking trail.
There’s also an ADA-accessible fishing pier and two boat ramps.
Want to spend the night in this beautiful setting?
Campsites are available with hook-ups. These include accessible sites and sites with picnic facilities.
If you have more time and wish to explore more, you can check out Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and Mississippi State University.
Clear Springs Lake #4
Located within the Homochitto National Forest, Clear Springs Lake draws families and solo vacationers alike for a fun lakeside outing. Spread across 12 acres, this spring-fed lake is perfect for fishing and picnicking.
If you’re visiting between March and September, you can enjoy swimming too. Experienced hikers and bikers can use the four mountain biking and hiking trails on the area’s steep terrain.
What’s more?
There’s also a historic pavilion and amphitheatre from the 1930s.
Want to spend more time in this scenic setting?
There are 22 primitive campsites as well as two secluded group campsites. Located only 35 miles from Brookhaven, it’s easily accessible.
Arkabutla Lake #5
Around four miles from Arkabutla, this scenic lake is located in Tate & DeSoto Counties and is dammed from the Coldwater River.
Spread over 11,000 acres, it’s the smallest of the “big four” reservoirs made for flood control in the northern part of the state.
The stunning natural scenery and endless leisure activities bring over 2 million visitors to the lake every year. From swimming, boating, and picnicking to fishing, there is plenty to keep you engaged here.
There are many hiking and biking trails and disc golf courses too. The lake’s proximity to nearby cities makes it a popular choice among vacationers.
There are many lakeside campsites, some of which also have pavilions, enabling visitors to soak in panoramic views of the area.
Grenada Lake #6
Located in the Hill Region of northern Mississippi, Grenada Lake is the largest water body in the state. Sprawled over 35,000 acres, it began to be built in 1954 after destructive floods.
Today, this inland oasis offers a range of outdoor recreational activities that include swimming, camping, boating, golfing, hunting, birding, and more.
There’s a variety of wildlife in the area such as deer, squirrel, and turkey to name a few.
The lake hosts around 16 professional fishing competitions annually including the Grenada Lake Crappie Classic Tournament, and the Bass Pro’s Crappie Masters Tournament.
Ross Barnett Reservoir #7
Affectionately called “The Rez” by locals, this reservoir was created by the damming of the Pearl River in 1965 for drinking water supply. Spread over 33,000 acres, this vast lake boasts over 100 miles of shoreline.
It is home to 22 boat launches and 16 parks. From sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and boating to going on visitor cruise rides, there is a host of leisure activities available here.
Looking for some more adrenaline rush?
There are many mountain biking and hiking trails around. The lake abounds with different types of fish such as crappies, largemouth bass, and flathead catfish.
Wish to spend the night here?
There are five campgrounds that also offer RV hook-ups and come replete with amenities such as picnic tables, playgrounds, and sporting courts.
If you’re looking for a more comfortable stay, you can also explore the hotels in Madison City nearby. Nearby highlights include the Natchez Trace Parkway and the Pearl River Waterfowl Refuge.
Lake Washington #8
This charming lake features a double crescent shape and is spread across an area of over 2,900 acres. It was created in 1300 AD when the Mississippi River changed its course.
Featuring 23 miles of shoreline, the lake is a popular destination for activities such as water skiing, swimming, tubing, boating, and wildlife spotting.
One of the most popular activities here is fishing since the lake abounds with crappie, channel catfish, bream, and largemouth bass.
If you wish to make a multi-day vacation out of your outing, stay at one of the many campsites many of which also have RV hook-ups.
With the village of Glen Allan nearby, you can enjoy easy access to convenience stores too.
Enid Lake #9
Only an hour’s drive from Memphis lies this beautiful lake in the Hill region of northern Mississippi. Dammed in 1952, it offers a wide variety of recreational activities, drawing nature lovers and adventure junkies alike.
Spread over 28,000 acres, it features a shoreline of around 220 miles, offering ample space for everyone.
Popular leisure activities to enjoy here are swimming, water skiing, hunting, and boating.
You can also go horseback riding or hiking in the area. Fishing is another preferred activity here due to the large population of crappie, bream, catfish, and largemouth bass.
You can choose from primitive or hooked campsites in the recreational area. Several campsites are also available at the George Payne Cossar State Park nearby.
Bay Springs Lake #10
Located along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, this scenic reservoir is spread over 6,700 acres. Boasting 133 miles of shoreline, it is a recreational haven, with many activities on offer.
You can enjoy swimming, picnicking, boating, and hiking. You’ll need permits for fishing and hunting.
There’s also a visitor centre, a 150-boat marina, and numerous areas for recreation here. Various fishing competitions are also held here. You may also spot sauger, white-tailed deer, and turkey.
To make a memorable vacation out of your visit, stay at the Piney Grove campground which offers around 139 class-A campsites. With so much to offer, it’s one of the best lakes in Mississippi.
Columbus Lake #11
From enjoying water sports to relaxing, whatever your definition of a perfect lakeside getaway is, Columbus Lake won’t disappoint.
Located on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, it offers a plethora of fun activities such as water skiing, boating, tubing, and fishing to name a few.
Spread across 9,000 acres, the lake is also a popular spot for fishing owing to the abundance of carp, bream, bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish among others.
With four golf courses close to the lake, you can enjoy golfing too.
What’s more?
There are ample RV and primitive camping spots.
So, choose the one that fits your view of the best lake in Mississippi and get ready for an unforgettable lakeside vacation in the Magnolia State.
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FAQs:-
Q. What is the major lake in Mississippi?
Grenada Lake is the largest water body in Mississippi with a surface area of around 36,000 acres. It’s located entirely within the state of Mississippi.
Q. Does Mississippi have a lake?
Mississippi is home to around 119 public lakes.
Q. What are the three biggest lakes in Mississippi?
Grenada Lake, Sardis Lake, and Ross Barnett Reservoir are the three biggest lakes in Mississippi.