Mississippi / Tate County

South Abutment Campground

Open — Open year-round with reservations available through Recreation.gov. The lake is currently experiencing substantially lower water levels due to long-term dam repairs, affecting boating access, but campground facilities remain open.

About

South Abutment Recreation Area is located on Arkabutla Lake in the rolling hills of northwest Mississippi, just south of the Arkabutla Dam on the Coldwater River. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this year-round campground features 81 family campsites with electric hookups, along with flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. The campground sits in a predominantly forested area with a shady mixture of oak, hickory, beech, sweet gum, and birch trees, offering waterfront access along the lake. Arkabutla Lake is renowned for its excellent sailing conditions and fishing opportunities. Anglers target largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie in the lake's waters. The surrounding area includes over 30,000 acres of public hunting lands managed as wildlife management areas, where whitetail deer, wild turkeys, quail, and waterfowl are abundant. Several hiking trails are nearby, including the Coldwater River Nature Trail System with interpretive trails and the Swinging Bridge Nature Trail. The Lost Indian Spring Disc Golf Course, located below the dam, offers 18 holes free to the public. The campground provides a comfortable base for outdoor recreation including boating, swimming, hiking, and biking. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov. Currently, the lake is experiencing substantially lower water levels due to long-term dam repairs, which affects boating access and closes most boat ramps except Hwy. 51 Landing, but campground facilities remain fully operational.

Directions

From I-55, take the Hernando, Mississippi exit and follow Scenic Route 304 to the main dam. Follow signs into the recreation area; the campground is just south of the dam.

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