Arkabutla Lake Recreational Information

Current camping reservations from 26 – 29 MAY

• Hernando point 100% reserved 
• South Abutment 100% reserved
• Dub Patton is 60% reserved but 100% reserved expected

There are currently no plans or circumstances that would affect campground reservations during the Memorial Day Holidays of for the foreseeable future.  Ops is investigating ways to update recreation.gov to notify users of drawdown plans for the lake prior to reserving sites.

• Rangers are currently communicating with campers with approved talking points provided by Dam Safety and PAO.  
• Hernando Point Beach Area will not be opened due to decreased water levels. This is the only designated swim beach on Arkabutla Lake due to the flashy nature of the lake.
• All day use pavilions will remain open for reservations except for the North Outlet Channel Pavilion which is closed in recreation.gov and cannot be reserved due to being located downstream of the dam. All pavilion reservations affected due to the Dam Safety emergency were given a refund or the option to choose a different pavilion location on the lake. 

All day use and fee use areas directly downstream of the dam are closed.  The full list of closures is as follows.

• Old Pratt Road 
• Toe Ditch Road
• Basketball Court
• Disc Golf Course
• North Outlet Playgrounds
• North Outlet Restroom
• North Outlet Pavilion 761 River  (Closed in recreation.gov.)
• North Outlet Day Use Area
• Coldwater River Nature Trail
• Fishing Pier
• South Outlet Boat Ramp
• Swinging Bridge Nature Trail
• South Outlet Campground 
• South Outlet Restroom
• South Outlet Day Use Area

Boating should not be affected by the reduction of water levels during the Memorial Day Holidays.  However, boaters are advised to use caution as lake levels are lowered due to unseen underwater hazards that may become exposed or remain unseen just below the water level. 

Currently, 7 boat ramps are accessible and open for use. Boating will be affected as lake levels continue to be reduced below Elevation 220. Closures will be announced on social media as closures occur.

At Elevation 215, only 3 would have water access, and 0 would have access below Elevation 209. Boat Ramp Closure Elevations are listed below.

• Coldwater Point – EL. 220
• Hwy 51 Landing – EL.218
• Pleasant Hill -  EL.217
• Hernando point – EL.215
• Kelly’s Crossing – EL.211
• Dub Patton – EL.211
• Bayou Point – EL.209

Prior Press Releases

May 15, 2023 - Arkabutla Dam failure NOT imminent as USACE Vicksburg District assesses conditions, temporary solutions
May 9, 2023 - USACE Vicksburg District activates Emergency Operations Center for potential breach at Arkabutla Dam

Visit the Vicksburg District Reservoir Report with up to the minute information about the levels of Arkabutla Lake - Click here.

This map and more information on Arkabutla Dam can be found on the National Inventory of Dams website by clicking here.