Established Camping
South Abutment Recreation Area
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/
South Abutment Recreation Area, near Coldwater, Mississippi, is a fantastic spot for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors with some solid amenities. With spacious sites that often come with full hookups, it’s a comfortable place to set up camp whether you’re in a tent or an RV.
This campground is known for its stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Many visitors have raved about the beautiful water views and the peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect retreat for families or solo adventurers. One camper mentioned, “Beautiful clean and safe for families or solo campers,” highlighting the welcoming vibe here.
If you’re into water activities, you’ll love the direct access to the lake for kayaking or paddleboarding. The sites are generously spaced, giving you a sense of privacy even when the campground is busy. Clean restrooms and well-maintained facilities add to the overall positive experience, though some campers noted that the soap dispensers could use a refill.
Located near Arkabutla Lake, this area is ideal for fishing and enjoying nature. Plus, if you’re looking to break up a long drive, it’s a great stopover with plenty of charm. Whether you’re here for a quick overnight stay or a longer getaway, South Abutment Recreation Area offers a relaxing escape with plenty to enjoy.
Description
Overview
South Abutment 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 81 family sites and one group day-use shelter, 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 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 ahve been charged the first nights use fee, there is no $10.00 service fee.
Fee Info
$20.00
Location
South Abutment Recreation Area is located in Mississippi
Directions
From I-55, take the Hernando, Mississippi exit and follow Scenic Route 304 to the main dam. Follow signs into the recreation area; the campground is just south of the dam.
Address
3905 Arkabutla Dam Road
Coldwater, MS 38618-6548
Coordinates
34.7466667 N
90.1325 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Detours Nearby
SK campground
50 min away
Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area
1 hr 28 min away
Drive Time
- 43 min from Memphis
- 1 hr 33 min from Jonesboro
- 1 hr 45 min from Jackson
- 2 hrs 36 min from Little Rock
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
