The Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area

A sailor’s haven, a fisherman’s dream and a draw for hunters, campers and hikers, Arkabutla Lake is just 20 minutes south of Memphis, Tenn. in DeSoto County, Miss. Created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Coldwater River, this 33,000-acre lake has prevailing westerly winds which makes it one of the best sailing lakes in the nation. It has eight boat ramps and 333 campsites, nature trails, picnic areas, hiking and biking trails, playgrounds and swimming beaches. More than 35,600 acres of land surrounding the lake are open to public hunting for waterfowl, small game and large game. Fish in the lake include largemouth and white bass, black and white crappie, channel and flathead catfish, and is rated one of the top-five crappie fishing locations in the U.S. Because of the lake’s turbidity and lack of depth, all game fish tend to stay shallow.
3905 Arkabutla Dam Road
662-562-6261
www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Lakes/ms/arkabutla/
Admission: Free