Swimming, fishing, and lakeside sites draw campers to Choctaw Lake, a US Forest Service campground set within Tombigbee National Forest outside Ackerman, Mississippi. Most sites sit directly on the water, and several reviewers single out sites 3 through 12 as the spots closest to the lake. The campground runs from early March through late November, with nightly rates ranging from $20 to $40.
Tree cover is lighter here than at many forest campgrounds, which means less shade but also more breeze and fewer insects than campers sometimes expect. A small beach area gives swimmers a designated entry point, and a boat dock serves those who bring their own watercraft. Anglers should note that fishing from shore tends to be slow. As Maddox H. puts it, "fishing is quite slow/inactive unless you're on a boat, rather over fished." Cell signal is limited regardless of carrier, so plan accordingly before arrival.
Full hookups, including electric, water, and sewer, are available at each site, with a maximum RV length of 55 feet. A dump station sits at the entrance. Reviewers consistently note clean bathhouses with showers. Tent campers should be aware that tent pads are rocky rather than grassy, which is worth factoring in when packing. Those looking at camping near Tombigbee National Forest will find this one of the more amenity-rich options in the area. Reservations are available and worth making for lakeside sites, especially on summer weekends.
Description
Overview
Scenic Choctaw Lake Campground wraps around Choctaw Lake in the Tombigbee National Forest of Mississippi. It's location provides visitors with ample opportunities for recreation, including fishing, boating, hiking and biking. A day-use area is popular for picnicking and has a swimming beach.
Recreation
Choctaw Lake Recreation Area offers a range of outdoor opportunities, including camping, picnicking, hiking and biking. The lake offers boating, swimming and fishing. Anglers can look forward to a catch of largemouth bass, bream, catfish and crappie. An accessible walking trail around the lake is available for a leisurely stroll, as well as a moderate skill level, 3-mile trail, that takes off from the campground. A variety of birds and wildlife may be seen along these paths.
Facilities
The campground offers nearly two dozen campsites, some of which are accessible. Additional sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with both water and electric hookups, a picnic table and a campfire ring with grill. Sites do not have sewage hook ups; however, there is a dump station located adjacent to the entrance.Individual and group picnic shelter sites are also available within the day-use area and swimming beach. Accessible flush toilets, showers drinking water are provided. A campground host is on-site.
Natural Features
The campground is situated between smaller Cabin Lake and larger, 100-acre Choctaw Lake. It is near the Natchez Trace Parkway, Noxubee Wildlife Refuge and French Camp, all popular destinations in the area.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (662) 285-3264.
Nearby Attractions
The campground is located 5 miles south of the town of Ackerman, 11 miles northwest of Louisville and 20 miles southwest of Starkville. The Noxubee Hills hiking and biking trailhead is located at the Choctaw Lake Recreation area as well. The 26-mile trail has vault toilets at each end and is rated moderate-to-experienced, for biking and hiking. The Choctaw Lake recreation area is also within 20 miles of Mississippi State University. Athletic, cultural and scholastic events abound there.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations may occur during severe weather events.
Fee Info
Please note an additional $6 utility fee will be added to the $14 daily rate for single family campsites (Total: $20/night) Shelter GS1 costs: $40 if less than 50 people. $80 if more than 50 people.Each vehicle using the rented pavilion is required to pay the day use fee of $5, this includes the renter of the pavilion. Exact fare; no change given for camping or day use payment methods.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsChoctaw Lake is located in Mississippi near Ackerman
Directions
From Jackson, Mississippi, travel Highway 25 north toward Starkville. Turn onto Highway 15 north toward Ackerman, Mississippi, and travel 11 miles to Forest Road 967 to the campground.
Address
6052 MS HWY 15
Ackerman, MS 39735
Coordinates
33.2716667 N
89.1436111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/2/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/16/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/9/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/2/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/16/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/9/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 34 min from Jackson, MS
- 2 hrs 12 min from Tuscaloosa, AL
- 2 hrs 30 min from Memphis, TN
- 2 hrs 34 min from Birmingham, AL
