Fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to Arkabutla Lake at this Corps of Engineers campground, where sites accommodate RVs up to 54 feet with water and electric hookups. The forested setting provides shade for most sites, though Wild Sage F. notes that "site 9 and site 10 are by far the most beautiful sites in the camp" due to their lakefront positioning. These prime spots sit close together, so groups often book them as a pair.
The campground maintains clean facilities year-round, with flush toilets and heated shower houses that impressed winter visitors. Sites feature spacious layouts with room to maneuver larger rigs, though the access road can present challenges during wet conditions. A dump station operates near the entrance for departing campers. Storm damage has left plenty of fallen timber for firewood collection around the grounds.
Campers report minimal ranger presence during busy periods, which can affect noise enforcement between closely spaced sites. Cell service runs weak with Verizon showing one bar, though signal boosters can improve reception. The $30 nightly rate drops to $10 for senior pass holders. For those exploring the broader region, places to camp near Hernando offer additional options within a short drive of this lakeside location.
Description
Overview
Dub Patton Recreation Area sits along Arkabutla Lake and Dam in the hills of northwest Mississippi. The dam project is on the Coldwater River and offers some of the best sailing east of the Mississippi River.
Recreation
Families come to Arkabutla Lake to enjoy the great outdoors by fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and biking. Wildlife management areas around Arkabutla Lake boast a combined 30,000 acres of public hunting lands where whitetail deer, wild turkeys, quail and waterfowl roam. Several trails wind around the lake and throughout the nearby landscape. The Coldwater River Nature Trail System encompasses two hiking trails as well as an interpretive trail that helps educate hikers on the wildlife and ecosystem. The Swinging Bridge Nature Trail is also nearby, and includes a section of land that was part of the river prior to the dam being built. This trail is also an interpretive educational trail. Thousands of people each year visit Arkabutla Lake to go fishing. The lake is home to several species of native fish to Mississippi waters, such as largemouth bass, bream, catfish and crappie.
Facilities
This year-round campground offers 59 family sites and two group day-use shelters, all with electric hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, showers and drinking water, creating a comfortable camping experience for guests.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the waterfront, among rolling hills forested with a shady mixture of oak, hickory, beech, sweet gum and birch trees.
Nearby Attractions
The Lost Indian Spring Disc Golf Course is just below the Arkabutla Dam near Pratt Road. The course has 18 holes and is free to the public. The Senatobia Wetlands project is just a 30-minute drive from the park. It provides visitors with educational displays and an area to observe wildlife and waterfowl.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation has been created, there will be a $10.00 fee to cancel and a $10.00 fee to change your site or dates. Cancellations made the day before, or up to the day after your arrival date will also be charged the first nights use fee. No-shows are charged a $20.00 fee plus the first nights use fee. If your reservation is for 1 night, and you have been charged the first nights use fee, there is no $10.00 service fee.
Fee Info
$20.00 per night
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Arkabutla Lake will be experiencing substantially lower water levels for an extended period of time. Long-term repairs to Arkbabutla Dam must be completed before water levels can return to normal. This affects boating access and water-based activities on the lake. Many boat ramps are currently closed with Hwy. 51 Landing being the only open ramp. Most day use and campground facilities remain open for public use. For more information, please contact the Arkabutla Lake Field Office at 662-562-6261 or 662-292-1992. For a full list of all affected areas and facilities as well as to get information on what's going on at Arkabutla Lake, please visit our project page at https://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Programs-and-Project-Management/Project-Management/Projects/Arkabutla-Project-Page/
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundDub Patton Campground is located in Mississippi
Directions
From I-55 take the Coldwater, Mississippi, exit and proceed west on Scenic Route 304. Follow the signs to the camping area, which is located just north of the dam.
Address
3905 Arkabutla Dam Road
Coldwater, MS 38618-6548
Coordinates
34.7744444 N
90.1147222 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/29/26- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/29/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 4/29/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/29/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/29/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 4/29/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 40 min from Memphis, TN
- 1 hr 30 min from Jonesboro, AR
- 1 hr 42 min from Jackson, TN
- 2 hrs 33 min from Little Rock, AR
