Enid Lake serves as the central hub for camping near Oakland, Mississippi, with several campgrounds located along its 44-mile shoreline at 230 feet elevation. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, dropping significantly during summer months when temperatures average 90°F. Multiple Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campgrounds provide varying levels of services and amenities for tent and RV camping near Oakland.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Pats Bluff, campers access prime fishing spots along Sardis Lake. "Great place to fish or just relax," notes reviewer B.C., with another mentioning "the boat ramp is very close by."
Swimming areas: The day use area at Chickasaw Hill includes a beach for swimming. "Has showers bathrooms playground boat ramp and beach for the campers and picnickers that come to the lake," explains Rachel in her review.
Disc golf course: George P. Cossar State Park features a complete disc golf course. "There is a Frisbee golf course that has gotten better over time. The course is now marked very well," notes reviewer Steve G.
Miniature golf: Family entertainment includes mini-golf at George P. Cossar State Park. "The miniature golf course is old, but kids will still like it," according to a reviewer, with another mentioning "a nice playground with the putt-putt golf course a short walk away. 4$+tax per person to play."
What campers like
Spacious sites: North Abutment campground receives praise for its layout. "Large campground with a couple of different loops. The sites in the first loop are close together, but the other loops have spacious sites! Most sites are either water front or have a water view," writes Shana D.
Cleanliness: Persimmon Hill maintains exceptional standards. "Park was so clean the roads were blown clean of leaves & pine needles twice a day by worker on a driven power blower," notes Gary P., with another reviewer calling it "the cleanest park we've seen."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities for wildlife observation. At North Abutment, reviewer Lynn G. explains, "Very shady with lots of trees and grassy areas to create privacy. Very large camping sites and some are right on the water."
Level concrete pads: The concrete camping pads at many sites receive positive mentions. "Full hookups, level, clean and top rated bathroom facilities. The view is great from every camp spot," reports Thomas W. about Persimmon Hill.
What you should know
Cell service varies: Coverage depends on your specific location. At Persimmon Hill, "Both ATT & Verizon came in strong," according to a reviewer, while at Pats Bluff, "Verizon signal was okay, not great."
Bathroom conditions fluctuate: Cleanliness varies between campgrounds and timing. One camper noted about Pats Bluff: "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."
Bridge closures affect access: Construction occasionally impacts travel routes. About Persimmon Hill, a reviewer noted "the route to the park is a bit tricky, as a bridge is out. But should be completed by this spring, I was told."
Weekend crowds: Popular sites fill quickly Thursday through Sunday. "A quick walk around the park showed almost every site was reserved for the weekend starting Thursday. A popular park and worth it," mentions a Persimmon Hill reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: George P. Cossar State Park offers dedicated play areas. "Yokona ridge has a great playground for kids with the putt-putt golf course a short walk away," writes Suzi T.
Nature trails: Accessible walking paths suit families with children. At Persimmon Hill, "Behind the playground is a nice nature trail that is lit at night for an evening stroll," according to one reviewer.
Swimming beaches: Multiple locations offer sandy beaches for children. "Life jackets are provided at the beach if needed," notes Brandie D. about Persimmon Hill Recreation Area.
Basketball courts: Active recreation options extend beyond water activities. "Our son took advantage of the upgraded playground and basketball court," shares a reviewer about Persimmon Hill.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Long Branch, "It seems to be set up for older campers," according to Jennifer R., while at Chickasaw Hill, "RV spots with or without full hookup" are available.
Dump station access: Some locations have limited waste disposal options. At Pats Bluff, "They have pretty much made the dump station unusable by dumping tons of rock there," warned Steve G., though a more recent reviewer noted "Everytime i went they had one that worked fine."
Winter camping considerations: RV camping near Oakland continues year-round. "We camped for the weekend at George Payne Cossar State Park in March. It was still a bit cold and the pollen had come out - looked like snow falling in my headlamp," shares Blair M.
Rate information: Persimmon Hill offers competitive pricing for full-hookup sites. "Great vieas of the lake, which is said to be one of the best crappie lakes in the United States.$20.00 a night for full hook up and the geezer card bring it to$10.00," writes Gary P.
