Grenada Lake spans 90 miles of shoreline in north Mississippi with seasonal water level fluctuations of up to 30 feet between summer and winter. Located at 209 feet above sea level, this impoundment provides year-round camping options with higher occupancy from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Temperatures range from 32°F in winter to over 90°F in summer, affecting both camping comfort and wildlife activity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple piers and shoreline access points accommodate anglers at Wallace Creek Campground. "Enid Lake is recognized as one of America's Top 10 Fishing Spots," notes Nancy W. The campground includes a "boat launch/fish cleaning station" for those with successful catches.
Swimming beaches: Cool off during summer months at designated areas throughout the region. Chickasaw Hill offers "a day use area with a boat ramp, pavilion, beach, and playground," according to Tiffani H., making it convenient for families seeking water recreation near their campsites.
Educational visits: Tour the North Mississippi Fish Hatchery near Persimmon Hill Campground for a small fee. "The fish are well stocked, and a visit to the hatchery offers some interactive displays, history on the area, and a chance for the kids to feed the fish," says Brandie D., highlighting its educational value.
Nature trails: Explore paved paths around camping areas for wildlife viewing. "During our stay, we bank fished, walked the paved walking trail and our son took advantage of the upgraded playground and basketball court," shares Shana D. about Persimmon Hill, noting the abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature generously-sized camping areas that accommodate various setups. At North Graysport Campground, Paula F. found that "all sites have concrete pads and some are tree covered but not all. My site was pretty much level" and could fit her "40' fifth wheel and truck."
Clean facilities: Restrooms and common areas maintain good standards throughout the region. At Persimmon Hill, Gary P. observed the "park was so clean the roads were blown clean of leaves & pine needles twice a day by worker on a driven power blower," demonstrating the maintenance level visitors can expect.
Waterfront views: Premium sites offer direct lake access and scenic vistas. Michael Austin S. noted at Wallace Creek that "the campground is large and well-kept, with over 100 sites, and the sites are very spacious" with many offering panoramic views of Enid Lake.
Abundant wildlife: Dawn and dusk bring opportunities for wildlife spotting. "Lots of wildlife to observe. I've never seen more deer, especially close up, in my life!" shares Shana D. about her camping experience in the area.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Lake depth varies significantly throughout the year. Bruce F. at North Graysport mentioned, "Came to ride the lake bottom in our SXS" during winter when water levels were low, noting plans to "go back once the lake fills up this summer."
Off-season quiet: Weekday camping outside summer months offers solitude. "It's off season and the lake is empty. There is only one other person camping," observed Paula F., highlighting the tranquil atmosphere available outside peak periods.
Limited services: Eagle Point Primitive Campground offers basic amenities only. JP A. advised, "Do not try to come at night. It is pitch black and steep drop offs," while Harrison T. noted "the occasional truck that passes through to sit listening to music or use the campground road as a turn around."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs between locations. At Chickasaw Hill, Chris D. reported "good Verizon service with our booster," while Gary P. found "good ATT & Verizon cell service" at Persimmon Hill, information crucial for those needing to stay connected.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. Tiffani H. appreciated that despite sites being "very close together" at Chickasaw Hill Campground, "my daughter loved running around with the other kids" in the communal spaces.
Swimming safety: Designated beaches provide safer water entry points. "The lake is great for jet skis, kayaking, and relaxing on an inner tube. Life jackets are provided at the beach if needed," notes Brandie D., highlighting equipment available for children's water safety.
Weekend planning: Secure reservations well in advance for summer weekends. Brandie D. advised, "We've only had to camp in the overflow section once in all the 11 years we've been bringing our family here, and that was during a Fourth of July weekend," indicating how quickly sites fill during holidays.
Local supply options: Stock up on provisions in nearby towns. Several reviewers mention Batesville (approximately 30 miles north) as the nearest location with a Walmart, while smaller stores closer to the campgrounds offer limited emergency supplies.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: North Abutment Campground offers varied loops with different advantages. Bran P. suggests, "Loop 1-36 over looks Grenada Lake with several sites having nice water access. Many have great views but I really liked 14 and 17," providing specific site recommendations for optimal positioning.
Hookup availability: Recent improvements have expanded full-service options. Cal K. noted, "Recently they installed sewer for full hookup in all sites" at North Abutment, making it more attractive for extended stays in self-contained rigs.
Navigation considerations: Campground roads vary in accessibility. Bran P. observed that at North Abutment, "Loop 37-61 used to be the tent loop so the sites were a bit closer and the road was less big rig friendly," information valuable for drivers of larger rigs.
Seasonal differences: Winter camping offers different experiences than summer stays. Chip's experience at Chickasaw Hill revealed, "Water level in Enid Lake was very low so the swimming beach was closed," demonstrating how seasonal changes affect available amenities.
