Camping near Arkabutla Lake
Arkabutla Lake in northern Mississippi features several campgrounds with varying levels of development and amenities. The area includes established sites like Hernando Point and South Abutment Recreation Area operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offering water and electric hookups for both tent and RV camping. Kellys Crossing provides primitive tent camping for those seeking a more basic experience. Nearby options include Dub Patton Campground along the lake shore and several private RV parks within a 30-mile radius in surrounding communities like Horn Lake, Southaven, and across the state line into Tennessee and Arkansas.
Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with some campers reporting significant water level changes affecting shoreline accessibility. Most Corps of Engineers campgrounds feature paved sites with full hookups, though water levels can impact camping conditions throughout the year. Reservations through Recreation.gov are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds have recently upgraded their facilities to include sewer connections, improving the experience for RV campers. "The campground recently installed sewer lines throughout the campground, so the sites are now full hookups," noted one visitor to Hernando Point.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive reviews, with campers particularly appreciating the fishing access directly from shoreline sites. The main camping areas provide shade coverage, spacious sites, and clean facilities. Several visitors mentioned the quiet atmosphere and beautiful views as highlights of their stay. Kellys Crossing offers more secluded primitive camping primarily accessible for tent campers and is described as "a good spot to go if you needed to get away for some solitude." While some campgrounds lack playground facilities within the camping areas, open fields provide space for recreational activities. Recent reviews indicate ongoing improvements to infrastructure throughout the Arkabutla Lake camping areas, with upgraded hookups and well-maintained facilities despite the occasional seasonal flooding.
