Enid Lake serves as the central feature for camping near Pope, Mississippi, with a shoreline that fluctuates between 13,000 and 18,000 acres depending on seasonal water levels. The lake sits at approximately 250 feet above sea level, creating diverse terrain around its earthen dam. Concrete camping pads at most sites range from 16 to 30 feet in length, with campgrounds typically situated within pine forests that provide natural shade during summer when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
What to do
Fishing at the spillway: The spillway area near Long Branch Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities below the dam. "This campground is beautiful. Right below the dam. Great for kayaking," notes one camper.
Mini-golf for families: George P. Cossar State Park Campground offers a mini-golf course for $4 plus tax per person. "They also have disc golf, but I don't play so I can't offer an opinion on the condition of that," mentions a visitor who explored the recreational facilities.
Educational visits: The North Mississippi Fish Hatchery near Enid Dam provides educational opportunities about local aquatic species. A camper at Persimmon Hill mentioned, "The North Mississippi Fish Hatchery(by the Enid Dam) is a fun place to visit and tour for very small fee."
Trail walking: Several campgrounds feature walking trails through pine forests. At Wallace Creek, "There is a walking trail that says closed, but according to the camp host it is actually open. Wish I would have known that sooner as I love to hike."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Wallace Creek Campground gets high marks for site size. "My girlfriend and I tent camped here for one night. The campground is large and well-kept, with over 100 sites, and the sites are very spacious," writes one visitor who appreciated the generous spacing.
Cost-effective full hookups: Many campers note the good value for fully-equipped sites. "They just added sewer which makes a full hookup at $20/night a total bargain," a camper observed about Wallace Creek's amenities.
Clean facilities: Persimmon Hill Campground receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "Shower house was very clean with plenty for hot water that was controlable. Park was so clean the roads were blown clean of leaves & pine needles twice a day by worker on a driven power blower."
Peaceful environment: Campgrounds around Pope generally offer quiet atmospheres. A camper at Chickasaw Hill noted it was "Quiet hardly any through traffic," making it ideal for those seeking relaxation.
What you should know
Water access variations: Water levels significantly impact the shoreline. A camper at Persimmon Hill observed, "This site will be waterfront in summer but with the winter let down no water right now."
Tent camping limitations: Some campgrounds are better suited for RVs than tents. At Chickasaw Hill, one camper noted: "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."
Bathroom facilities vary: Not all bathhouses offer the same amenities. A Wallace Creek camper warned: "There are several bathhouses throughout the campground, but beware if you are needing to use them for showers! Not all of them are full shower houses."
Limited supplies nearby: Stock up before arriving. "Plan on staying here for a couple of days and relaxing in the outdoors. Stock up on supplies because there is not much around," advised a Wallace Creek visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Chickasaw Hill Campground features facilities for children. "The campground was well maintained. The bathrooms were well kept, including showers. There is a day use area with a boat ramp, pavilion, beach, and playground."
Activity planning: Consider bringing entertainment for kids as playground equipment varies. At Wallace Creek, "The playground still looks to be the original from the 70's. I do wish they would upgrade that for the families with kids."
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites carefully for family camping. One camper recommended Wallace Creek site #72, saying it "feels private and is a concrete pull through site. Lakeside view and nice area for picnic."
Bring water gear: Swimming beaches are available but dependent on water levels. "It was very warm but we knew that, would go back in different seasons, easy place to walk to to fish and or swim opposite of the boat ramp," noted a Chickasaw Hill visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookups: Most campsites offer 50-amp service, but come prepared. "Sites are really nice and spacious with paved driveways and patios," reported an RVer at Wallace Creek.
Leveling challenges: Not all sites are perfectly level despite concrete pads. A Wallace Creek visitor mentioned, "Not all sites are level in fact we had to pass up a couple because of that reason."
Cell service reliability: Connectivity is generally good throughout the area. A Chickasaw Hill camper noted, "Quiet hardly any through traffic, good Verizon service with our booster."
Site reservations: Popular waterfront sites fill quickly. "If you come in the off-season, there are plenty of sites not reserved so you can drive around and pick one using the self-pay system," explains a Wallace Creek review.
