RV camping near Pope, Mississippi centers around Enid Lake, a popular Mississippi lake known for excellent fishing access. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round though water levels fluctuate seasonally. Winter months see reduced water levels that expose more shoreline, while summer brings higher lake levels ideal for swimming and boating activities at campgrounds like Chickasaw Hill.
What to do
Disc golf course access: George P. Cossar State Park offers a well-marked disc golf course for campers. "There is a Frisbee golf course that has gotten better over time. The course is now marked very well," notes one visitor. The park also features miniature golf that appeals to younger visitors despite its older condition.
Family nature trails: Persimmon Hill Campground provides a well-maintained nature trail for evening walks. "Behind the playground is a nice nature trail that is lit at night for an evening stroll," a camper shares about Persimmon Hill. The trail offers opportunities to observe local wildlife including deer.
Fishing opportunities: Enid Lake ranks among Mississippi's top fishing destinations, particularly for crappie. A camper at Chickasaw Hill notes, "easy place to walk to to fish and or swim opposite of the boat ramp." The North Mississippi Fish Hatchery located near Persimmon Hill provides interactive displays and fish feeding opportunities.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Campgrounds around Pope typically maintain good bathroom conditions. A visitor to Persimmon Hill reports, "The bath house is always super clean, stocked with supplies and has heat & ac. Huge plus for us as we do not have a bathroom in our Aliner!" Another camper mentions, "Shower house was very clean with plenty for hot water that was controlable."
Abundant wildlife viewing: The area offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "Lots of wildlife to observe. I've never seen more deer, especially close up, in my life!" shares one Persimmon Hill visitor. Many campsites throughout the region provide views of deer and other local wildlife.
Strong connectivity: Cell service remains reliable at many campgrounds for those needing to stay connected. A camper at Chickasaw Hill mentions "good Verizon service with our booster," while another notes about Persimmon Hill: "Good ATT & Verizon cell service. Did not try OTA TV." This makes the area suitable for remote workers requiring internet access.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Enid Lake experiences significant water level fluctuations throughout the year. One camper at Chickasaw Hill 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." Winter typically sees lower water levels.
Campground maintenance variations: State parks in the area show different levels of maintenance. A visitor to George P. Cossar State Park noted: "We did drive through the other loop (it was empty and closed at the time, the ranger let us look at it) and it appears to be much older than Yocona Ridge. There were trees/limbs down everywhere and the sites were pretty close to each other."
Limited shopping options: The region has minimal shopping facilities for supplies. One camper mentions: "The nearest town of any size is Batesville about 30 miles north if you need a Walmart." Local bait shops and small stores offer limited supplies, so bringing essentials is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. A visitor to George P. Cossar State Park shares: "Yokona ridge has a great playground for kids with the putt-putt golf course a short walk away. 4$+tax per person to play." These recreational facilities provide entertainment options for younger campers.
Tent site considerations: Tent campers should research specific site layouts. One camper at Chickasaw Hill notes: "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. Each site had their own electric box and shared a water faucet. Not much privacy, but my daughter loved running around with the other kids."
Swimming options: Beach access varies by campground and season. "There is a day use area with a boat ramp, pavilion, beach, and playground," mentions a visitor to Chickasaw Hill. The swimming areas typically operate during summer months when lake levels are higher.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling expectations: Most RV sites around Pope feature concrete pads that minimize leveling challenges. A camper at Chickasaw Hill reports: "This place offers nice concrete pads with full hookups that are relatively level." Another notes: "New to fulltime rv life we chose to spend a week at this quiet off the beaten path campground on our way west."
Television reception limitations: Over-the-air television signals may be unreliable in the area. One camper shares: "Our Verizon signal was strong enough to browse and stream with no issues but the over the air TV channels were non existent." RVers relying on television should plan alternative entertainment options or use streaming services where cell service permits.
Weekend availability challenges: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak periods. A Persimmon Hill visitor observes: "A quick walk around the park showed almost every site was reserved for the weekend starting Thursday. A popular park and worth it." Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during fishing seasons.
