Enid Lake serves as the focal point for campgrounds near Pope, Mississippi, with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facilities distributed along its 16,130 acres of water. The lake maintains seasonal water level fluctuations, with winter drawdowns exposing additional shoreline areas. Most campgrounds in the area sit at approximately 260 feet above sea level, providing moderate protection from summer humidity while maintaining easy water access.
What to do
Fishing excursions: Enid Lake offers premier fishing opportunities, particularly for crappie. "Enid Lake is recognized as one of 'One of America's Top 10 Fishing Spots,'" notes a camper at Wallace Creek. The lake supports abundant fish populations with minimal shoreline development.
Hiking options: Persimmon Hill features a paved nature trail suitable for all ability levels. "Behind the playground is a nice nature trail that is lit at night for an evening stroll," explains a reviewer at Persimmon Hill Campground. The trail loops through wooded areas with interpretive signs about local ecosystems.
Educational visits: North Mississippi Fish Hatchery provides interactive displays and fish feeding opportunities. "The North Mississippi Fish Hatchery(by the Enid Dam) is a fun place to visit and tour for very small fee," shares a Wallace Creek visitor. Operating hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
What campers like
Level sites: Chickasaw Hill campground offers stable, flat concrete camping pads. "This place offers nice concrete pads with full hookups that are relatively level," reports a camper at Chickasaw Hill. The concrete surfaces drain well even after heavy rain.
Panoramic water views: Wallace Creek features sites with unobstructed lake vistas. "We stayed on site 28 which is a pull-thru on a paved pad and is waterfront with beautiful panoramic views of Enid Lake," notes a visitor. Premium waterfront sites typically fill first during reservation windows.
Quiet atmosphere: Pats Bluff provides a more secluded camping experience. "It's off the beaten path, so it wasn't very busy. The sites at the end with the lake view are nice," explains a visitor at Pats Bluff. The campground's smaller size contributes to its peaceful setting.
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities at some campgrounds may not be consistently maintained. At Pats Bluff, a camper noted "the bathroom was absolutely disgusting" while others reported clean facilities at other times. Bringing sanitizer and toilet paper serves as a practical backup.
Cell service coverage: Most campgrounds maintain functional mobile connections. "Good ATT & Verizon cell service," reports a camper at Persimmon Hill, allowing for navigation and emergency communication throughout most areas.
Site selection matters: Research specific site numbers when making reservations. "My favorite site is #72... feels private and is a concrete pull through site. Lakeside view and nice area for picnic," suggests a Wallace Creek visitor. Sites with numbers ending in even digits typically face the water directly.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "A playground and basketball court is centrally located and easily accessible to all families," notes a visitor at Persimmon Hill. The equipment includes slides, swings, and climbing structures suitable for children ages 5-12.
Kid-friendly water access: Beach Point offers tent-only sites near swimming areas. "Very pretty view of Sardis Lake," reports a camper at Beach Point, which provides gradual water entry points suitable for younger swimmers with supervision.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature abundant deer sightings. "I've never seen more deer, especially close up, in my life!" shares an enthusiastic camper at Persimmon Hill. Early morning and dusk offer optimal wildlife viewing times.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Some campgrounds have limited waste disposal facilities. At Pats Bluff, a camper warned "they have pretty much made the dump station unusable by dumping tons of rock there," suggesting alternatives at other nearby facilities.
Hookup availability: Electrical service comes standard at most sites. "They just added sewer with makes a full hookup at $20/night a total bargain," notes a camper at Wallace Creek. Most sites provide 50-amp service rather than 30-amp connections.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Pope: All major campgrounds welcome pets with standard leash requirements. "Lots of wildlife to observe," mentions a Persimmon Hill visitor, suggesting morning walks provide exercise opportunities for both pets and owners while temperatures remain cooler.
