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Established Camping

South Abutment Recreation Area

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

US Army Corps of Engineers

Arkabutla Lake

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.

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

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Location

South Abutment Recreation Area is located in Mississippi

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

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

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 3, 2023

AWESOME Views

Beautiful clean and safe for families or solo campers. Many water view spots and full hookups throughout the campground

Site#25
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of South Abutment Recreation Area by Donna  🌻., April 3, 2023
  • Review photo of South Abutment Recreation Area by Donna  🌻., April 3, 2023
  • Review photo of South Abutment Recreation Area by Donna  🌻., April 3, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2022

Gorgeous sunrises (and the sunsets aren't bad either)!

We arrived just before sunset in late November (dang Daylight Savings time) so quickly got to our site and set up. Did not see anyone to check in but had reservations as now are required at all CoE campgrounds (a ranger drove through the next morning). The water level looked to be very low, but we still had a nice view at the end of the loop.

Sites are FHU and other amenities include a large concrete picnic table, lantern hook, fire pit, BBQ grill, and food prep table. Sites are paved, generous in size, and spaced a very decent distance apart from each other; even though all the leaves had fallen and there were other campers in our loop, I did not feel a lack of privacy.

The restrooms were clean and although there were paper towels, the soap dispensers were empty (my only beef with this campground)! The showers looked to be reasonable, but it was below freezing the next morning, so I didn’t try them out. There was also what appeared to be a utility sink in the bathroom but no shelves or other place to stage dishes. 

I can only assume that water sports are in-season and not sure about other recreational activities. Because the ground was frozen the next morning, I was able to walk down to the water and get some great photos of the sunrise and birds. 

This was just an overnight stay for us but for $12 (with the Golden Access Pass), it is a real bargain and the reason we often seek out Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds.

Site75
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of South Abutment Recreation Area by Lee D., December 7, 2022
  • Review photo of South Abutment Recreation Area by Lee D., December 7, 2022
  • Review photo of South Abutment Recreation Area by Lee D., December 7, 2022
  • (16) View All
Reviewed Apr. 8, 2021

Great Campground

This Corp of Engineers camp is top rated.  Clean and excellent facilities.   Near casinos if that is your thing but I love the fishing

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2020

Hidden gem, perfect for a few nights.

A big, undeveloped lake in Northern Mississippi? Yep, indeedy!!!

We stayed here for two nights to break up the long drive between Nashville and Petit Jean in Arkansas. Since we're brilliant planners and choose to travel through the southeast in August when it's 95 degrees every day, we always look for places on the water.

Don't let the less-than-poetic name deter you the South Abutment Recreation Area is beautiful. Sites are large (thank you Army Corps of Engineers) and clean (thank you other campers) and many are right on the water.

We stayed at site 19, which was great. 

If you want something right on the water, I'd recommend site 25.

Bottom line: If you're looking for somewhere on the water and quiet to stay for a few days, check this one out.

To break up potentially long stretches of driving betwe

Site19
  • Review photo of South Abutment Recreation Area by Mike G., July 30, 2020
  • Review photo of South Abutment Recreation Area by Mike G., July 30, 2020
  • Review photo of South Abutment Recreation Area by Mike G., July 30, 2020
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does South Abutment Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, South Abutment Recreation Area has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at South Abutment Recreation Area?

    South Abutment Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 85 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at South Abutment Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at South Abutment Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does South Abutment Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, South Abutment Recreation Area does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at South Abutment Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is poor.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at South Abutment Recreation Area?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at South Abutment Recreation Area. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at South Abutment Recreation Area, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at South Abutment Recreation Area?

    There are 78 campsites at South Abutment Recreation Area and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts