Mississippi / Tate County

Bayou Point Day Use

Open — Currently open for day use. Arkabutla Lake is experiencing substantially lower water levels due to long-term dam repairs. Many boat ramps are closed, but Bayou Point Boat Ramp remains open at elevations above 209 feet. Most day use facilities remain open for public use.

About

Bayou Point Day Use Area is located along Arkabutla Lake and Dam in the rolling hills of northwest Mississippi. The area serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation on the Coldwater River reservoir, which is known for some of the best sailing east of the Mississippi River. The day use area features picnic pavilions situated near the waterfront among forested hills with oak, hickory, beech, sweet gum and birch trees. The Bayou Point area provides access to multiple recreational opportunities including a boat ramp, fishing access, and the Bayou Point Mountain Bike Trail, which runs approximately 5.6 miles with views overlooking Arkabutla Lake. The trail is described as tight, twisty singletrack and is open year-round. The area also serves as access to the Sunfish Bay Equestrian Trail. Arkabutla Lake is home to largemouth bass, bream, catfish and crappie, attracting thousands of anglers each year. Nearby, the Coldwater River Nature Trail System and Swinging Bridge Nature Trail offer additional hiking opportunities with interpretive educational components about the local ecosystem and wildlife. The surrounding wildlife management areas encompass 30,000 acres of public hunting lands for whitetail deer, wild turkeys, quail and waterfowl.

Directions

Located on Scenic Loop 304 near the entrance to Arkabutla Dam in Tate County, Mississippi.

Nearby Campgrounds