During the brutal Mississippi summer, nothing is quite as important as finding a great spot to keep cool. Luckily, we don’t have a shortage of such locations in the Magnolia State. Whether you’re looking to swim, fish, kayak, or just relax on a sandbar, these gorgeous lakes in Mississippi will definitely deliver. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

1. Sardis Lake, Lafayette, Panola, and Marshall Counties
Sardis Lake, Mississippi, USA
Justin Ford/Flickr
What started off as a flood control facility in the 1930s has turned into a 98,000-acre recreation area, otherwise known as Sardis Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Mississippi. Attracting thousands of visitors each year, the area surrounding the lake is also a plus, as it’s ideal for everything from picnicking to hunting.

In the middle of Sardis Lake is an iron bridge left over from before the reservoir was created. Take a look at this unusual feature of this Mississippi lake in this video from NicaHarlista:
2. Lake Patsy, Oxford
Lamar Park, West Hattiesburg, MS 39402, USA
LRD615/Flickr
This serene lake in Mississippi can be found situated among the greenery, gardens, and walking trails that make up Oxford’s Lamar Park. If you're searching for peace and quiet, this is the spot.
3. Lake Bill Waller, Columbia
Lake Bill Waller, Mississippi 39429, USA
Michael Bogle/Google Reviews
Stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, and channel catfish, this 168-acre lake in Columbia, MS is a prime fishing spot, definitely one of the better fishing holes as far as Mississippi lakes are concerned. Happy fishing!
4. Tippah Lake, Ripley
Tippah Lake, Mississippi 38930, USA
Tippah County
This 145-acre lake in Mississippi, which is filled with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear, and channel catfish, is located just north of Ripley. Turn your fishing trip into an overnight adventure by taking advantage of the nearby campsites.
5. Oktibbeha County Lake, near Starkville
Oktibbeha County Lake, Mississippi, USA
Friends of Oktibbeha County Lake/Facebook
According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, this body of water is the largest state fishing lake in the north region. The 513-acre lake is known for its thriving population of catfish and largemouth bass, but also offers crappie and bream fishing. Make a weekend out of it and stay along the water's edge at the Starkville KOA.
6. Clear Springs Lake, near Meadville
Clear Springs Lake, Mississippi 39661, USA
Retro RV Recon/Youtube
This lovely 12-acre spring fed lake is located within the Clear Springs Lake Recreation Area which offers camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking.

Take a quick look at the lovely Clear Springs Campground in the Homochitto National Forest in this video from Retro RV Recon:

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7. Grenada Lake, Grenada
Grenada Lake, Mississippi, USA
Donnie White/Google Reviews
A wonderful setting for exploration, and perhaps one of the most beautiful lakes in Mississippi, the North Graysport Campground is surrounded by this man-made lake, which has about 148 miles of shoreline and holds 35,820 acres of water, making it a popular spot for water-enthusiasts. Take the 50-mile Grenada Lake Loop scenic drive for incredible waterfront views without ever leaving your car.
8. Bogue Homa Lake, Laurel
Bogue Homa, Mississippi 39572, USA
Savannah Gavin/Google Reviews
Located in the state’s coastal region, Bogue Homa Lake is an 882-acre lake in Mississippi that offers both beautiful views and the perfect setting for some fun in the sun.
9. Arkabutla Lake, DeSoto County
Arkabutla Lake, Mississippi, USA
Anthony Coley/Google Reviews
One of DeSoto County’s best kept secrets, Arkabutla Lake offers a little bit of everything - from some of the best fishing in the southeast to an abundance of recreational opportunities. An 11,240-acre "recreation pool," beaches, boat ramps, campsites, picnic areas, and playgrounds are just a few of the amenities visitors to this lake can enjoy.
10. Okatibee Lake, Meridian
Okatibbee Lake, Mississippi, USA
Mississippi and the South/Facebook
Located within a wildlife management area, visitors to this 3,800-acre lake in Mississippi can fully immerse themselves in the outdoors and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
11. Little Black Creek Campground and Park, Lumberton
Tyler Cook/Google Reviews
This gorgeous 640-acre lake in Mississippi is located within Lumberton’s Little Black Creek Campground and Park, which is ideal for water enthusiasts, as it offers everything from fishing to kayaking. The park also offers non-traditional amenities, including disc golf and zip lining, so you'll never be bored!
12. Lake Ferguson, Greenville
Lake Furguson, Mississippi 38703, USA
Tom Wicker/Flickr
Referred to as a "fisherman’s paradise," this ten-mile oxbow lake in Greenville, MS hosts numerous regional and national tournaments. Even though Lake Ferguson’s topography includes everything from sandbars to deep rocky structures to mud flats, the water stays clear year-round, making it a popular spot for anyone looking to beat the heat on a hot summer day.

If you are looking for one of the best lakes in MS for bass fishing head to Lake Ferguson in Greenville, MS. Check out some footage from one of Greenville's hottest fishing tournaments at Lake Ferguson in this video from The BassHunter:

Which Mississippi lakes do you plan on visiting this summer? Did your favorite lake make the list? Let us know about your favorite lakes in Mississippi with a comment!

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lakes in Mississippi

Jackie Ann | June 10, 2022

Are there any good swimming holes in Mississippi?

Some of the best swimming holes in Mississippi include:

 

Splashing the day away in one of Mississippi’s natural swimming holes is always a good idea. There are countless rivers and lakes in MS that are ideal for a refreshing swim, and one of our favorite Mississippi lakes for swimming is Sardis Lake. Featuring nearly 100,000 acres, Sardis Lake Recreation Area offers multiple picnic areas with grills, playgrounds, nature trails, beaches, and of course, the star of the show, the lake itself.

What are the most beautiful beaches in Mississippi?

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Mississippi include:

 

When that summer sun starts to beat down, you’ve got to find the balance between getting outdoors and staying cool, and Mississippi beaches are the perfect solution. There are plenty of MS lakes peppered around the state that offer stretches of sand to sink your toes into, from man-made parasites like the Blue Lagoon or more natural options like Yogi on the Lake. Of course, for a more traditional beach day, head down to the Gulf and sink your toes in the sand at Ship Island, home to some of the clearest water in the state.

Can I camp right on the water in Mississippi?

Yes, you can! Waterfront camping is one of the most memorable camping experiences you can have in Mississippi, and one of our favorite waterfront campgrounds in Mississippi is Pickwick Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Mississippi. The lake actually spans across Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, featuring nearly 500 miles of spectacular shoreline. Another option is Little Black Creek Campground and Park. With more than 100 campsites and 20 cabins available for rent, you can pretty much guarantee you’ll have a place to rest your head even on the most spontaneous of adventures.

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