Camping sites near Batesville, Mississippi cluster around Sardis Lake and Enid Lake, with both waterways providing a range of recreational opportunities within a 20-mile radius. Sardis Lake spans approximately 32,000 acres and serves as the primary attraction for most campers visiting the Batesville area. Most sites operate year-round, though winter camping requires additional preparation due to occasional freezing temperatures from December through February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Persimmon Hill Campground offers excellent fishing access on Enid Lake. As one camper noted, "Enid Lake is one of the top fishing lakes with no commercial or residential developments on the lake."
Disc golf course: The course at George P. Cossar State Park provides an alternative recreation option for campers. A reviewer mentioned, "There is a Frisbee golf course that has gotten better over time. The course is now marked very well."
Miniature golf: Family-friendly putt-putt is available at George P. Cossar State Park for $4 plus tax per person. One visitor commented, "Yokona ridge has a great playground for kids with the putt-putt golf course a short walk away."
Nature exploration: The North Mississippi Fish Hatchery located near Enid Dam offers educational opportunities. A camper at Wallace Creek shared, "The North Mississippi Fish Hatchery(by the Enid Dam) is a fun place to visit and tour for very small fee."
Walking trails: Several campgrounds offer walking paths for exercise and scenery. One camper at Wallace Creek mentioned, "There is a walking trail that says closed, but according to the camp host it is actually open."
What campers like
Lakefront access: Beach Point campground offers tent sites directly on Sardis Lake with minimal development. A camper noted, "The view and proximity to the water is truly what makes this spot. All sites are tent sites so you have to be parked in the parking lot."
Spacious camping pads: Many campgrounds feature concrete pads with room for equipment. A Wallace Creek visitor described, "The sites are very spacious. Each has a table, water and electric hookups, a hook, and a tent pad."
Pine tree coverage: The tall pines provide natural shade at most campgrounds. As noted by one Oak Grove camper, "Nice, spacious spots underneath large Pine trees. Water views and access to the Lower Lake."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting, especially at less developed campgrounds. A visitor to Elmers Hill reported, "This place is a gem if you're a tent camper. Nice little spot with about 8 tent sites."
Budget-friendly rates: Corps of Engineers campgrounds offer excellent value. A Persimmon Hill camper shared, "$20.00 a night for full hook up and the geezer card bring it to $10.00. Can't beat that!"
What you should know
Site reservations: Most campgrounds require advance booking, but some offer first-come sites. A visitor to Oak Grove noted, "The bad part is that they don't take reservations, so it's a gamble on what you get."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. A camper at Pats Bluff warned, "I am giving this one 3 stars because the bathroom was absolutely disgusting!! There appears to be a permanent resident in the campground that I assume is the camp host."
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels impact beach access and boat launches. A Chickasaw Hill camper observed, "Water level in Enid Lake was very low so the swimming beach was closed. That was kind of a bummer because Temps were in the 80's."
Site numbering: Some campgrounds have unclear site markings. One Persimmon Hill visitor advised, "The sites are not well marked, so make sure you get there during daylight."
Seasonal popularity: Weekends see significantly higher occupancy, especially during summer. A Persimmon Hill camper noted, "We stayed a couple of days and left before the weekend. A quick walk around the park showed almost every site was reserved for the weekend starting Thursday."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Chickasaw Hill provides family-friendly facilities near camp. A visitor mentioned, "There is a day use area with a boat ramp, pavilion, beach, and playground."
Tent site selection: Beach Point offers unique waterfront tent camping. A camper advised, "We reserved campsites 13 and 14, at the far end, behind the restrooms. You have to park in the parking lot and carry your stuff to the site. But it's a tent-only campground."
Insect preparation: Bring insect repellent, especially during warm months. A Beach Point camper warned, "The flies!! They were so so bad! And bighty!! My poor dogs were covered in flies, as were we."
Supply shopping: Stock up before arrival as convenience stores are limited. A camper at Wallace Creek suggested, "Plan on staying here for a couple of days and relaxing in the outdoors. Stock up on supplies because there is not much around."
Site spacing considerations: Chickasaw Hill campsites offer minimal privacy. A tent camper noted, "The only downside is the sites are very close together! We stayed in a tent and I booked based on the map. The tent sites are not shown correctly. There are 7 walk in sites grouped together."
Tips from RVers
Water hookup length: Bring extra hose at certain campgrounds. A John Kyle State Park visitor advised, "We did have to buy an extra hose to reach water hookup but other than that, it was good."
Site leveling: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. A Wallace Creek camper warned, "Not all sites are level in fact we had to pass up a couple because of that reason."
Dump station access: Pats Bluff has limited dumping facilities. A visitor noted, "The only real drawback is the fact that they have pretty much made the dump station unusable by dumping tons of rock there."
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies by carrier and campground. A Persimmon Hill camper reported, "Both ATT & Verizon came in strong. Did not try OTA TV."
Site selection for big rigs: Wallace Creek accommodates larger RVs with specific considerations. A reviewer shared, "The campground is pretty hilly but the roads were easy enough for us to navigate in our 45' RV and tow car."
