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Large Pavilion at Choctaw Lake Recreation Area
Open

Open year-round. Swimming beach facilities close seasonally during winter. Some sites reservable through Recreation.gov; others available first-come, first-served.

Heat Advisory issued July 21 at 1:50PM CDT until July 22 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS

1:50 PM — 10:00 PM

* WHAT...For the Heat Advisories, heat index values in excess of 105 degrees expected. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and northeast Mississippi. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory today, until 9 PM CDT this evening. For the Heat Advisory tomorrow, from 10 AM to 8 PM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

Heat Advisory issued July 21 at 1:50PM CDT until July 21 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS

1:50 PM — 10:00 PM

* WHAT...For the Heat Advisories, heat index values in excess of 105 degrees expected. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and northeast Mississippi. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory today, until 9 PM CDT this evening. For the Heat Advisory tomorrow, from 10 AM to 8 PM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

Tombigbee National Forest

Weapons Use FOREST ORDER NO. 08-11-37-23-152-1

FOREST ORDER NO. 08-11-37-23-152-1  Discusses weapons use, storage, and travel prohibitions on the National Forests in Mississippi

About

Choctaw Lake Recreation Area wraps around a scenic 100-acre lake in the Tombigbee National Forest of east-central Mississippi, about 5 miles south of Ackerman. The campground offers 20 sites, each equipped with water and electric hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring with grill. Two bath houses provide flush toilets and hot showers. A dump station is located near the entrance for RV waste disposal. Recreation centers on the lake, which operates as a no-wake zone. Two boat ramps provide access for fishing and paddling. An accessible fishing pier serves anglers pursuing largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie. A swimming beach with a designated swim area is open seasonally. On land, a 3-mile hiking trail loops through the forest, and a disc golf course offers additional activity. The Noxubee Hills 26-mile mountain biking and hiking trail also originates here. The recreation area operates year-round following a 2023 policy change that eliminated the traditional winter closure. Note that swimming facilities close during winter months. Sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov or obtained first-come, first-served. The area is unstaffed; visitors should bring correct currency for the fee station or use QR code payment.

Directions

From Ackerman, travel 2.5 miles south on MS Highway 15. Turn left onto Choctaw Lake Road and travel 1 mile east to the main entrance. Alternatively from Jackson, take Highway 25 north toward Starkville, turn onto Highway 15 north toward Ackerman, and travel 11 miles to Forest Road 967.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups Yes
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store
Price $20 - $40

Vehicle

Max RV Length 55ft
Max Trailer Length 55ft
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (662) 285-3264

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Large Pavilion at Choctaw Lake Recreation Area
First Come First Serve sites
Choctaw Lake Recreation Area entrance kiosk
View of Choctaw Lake, looking across the lake towards the campground
First Come First Serve side.
One of the many boardwalks along the lakeside trail.
Please use situational awareness when walking around the lake. The wildlife is out!
Photo looking across Choctaw Lake
Campsite in Choctaw Lake Recreation Area

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