Warning
GeneralArkabutla Lake will be experiencing substantially lower water levels for an extended period of time. Long-term repairs to Arkbabutla Dam must be completed before water levels can return to normal. This affects boating access and water-based activities on the lake. Many boat ramps are currently closed with Hwy. 51 Landing being the only open ramp. Most day use and campground facilities remain open for public use. For more information, please contact the Arkabutla Lake Field Office at 662-562-6261 or 662-292-1992. For a full list of all affected areas and facilities as well as to get information on what's going on at Arkabutla Lake, please visit our project page at https://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Programs-and-Project-Management/Project-Management/Projects/Arkabutla-Project-Page/
Featured amenities
Showers
About South Abutment Campground
Number of accommodations: 71
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Boating
Kayaking
Swimming
Water Skiing
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
Water and Hygiene
- Showers
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for South Abutment Campground.
Rates, Sites & Availability
71 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
71 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (692)
What Guests Are Saying
South Abutment Campground offers a peaceful and well-kept environment, ideal for relaxation and enjoying nature. Many reviewers appreciated the cleanliness of the sites and facilities, spacious camping areas, and the quiet atmosphere, making it a great escape from daily life. However, some concerns were noted regarding outdated bathrooms, lack of water activities due to low lake levels, and occasional maintenance issues, including power outages and service challenges. Overall, it is viewed as a lovely campground with potential for improvement.
What Guests Are Saying
South Abutment Campground offers a peaceful and well-kept environment, ideal for relaxation and enjoying nature. Many reviewers appreciated the cleanliness of the sites and facilities, spacious camping areas, and the quiet atmosphere, making it a great escape from daily life. However, some concerns were noted regarding outdated bathrooms, lack of water activities due to low lake levels, and occasional maintenance issues, including power outages and service challenges. Overall, it is viewed as a lovely campground with potential for improvement.
Review Summary
Paul P
VerifiedJuly 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 31, Loop: SOUTH ABUTMENT
BEWARE - as of July 2023, lake is practically drained
We enjoy Arkabutla South Abutment, it's close to our home in Memphis and it is always clean. The sites are fairly level and there are full hookups now.
THE LAKE IS PRACTICALLY DRAINED currently due to repairs being done to the dam and gates. The Recreation.gov website says that the lake level is at winter pool level but it is well below that. There is no water within 200 yards (or more) of the normal shoreline at the campground. Just be aware.
With the lake levels so low, you probably won't have any problem getting a camp site. So, if you don't plan on doing any boating or fishing, this might be a good time to go, but we prefer campgrounds that are a little more populated and having the scenic beauty of a lake. Not sure we will stay for the entire 4 days.
Debra B
VerifiedJuly 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 69, Loop: SOUTH ABUTMENT
Even though the lake barely has any water in it, it did not detract from the beauty of the park. We had a wonderful time watching the squirrels and birds. It was the perfect getaway to relax, meet up with friends, and enjoy nature.
Cindy A
VerifiedJuly 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: SOUTH ABUTMENT
The pics of the campsite show a view of the lake right at the back of the site, but when we got there, the lake had been drained for maintenance on the dam -- no swimming or fishing. The mosquitoes were unbelievable, biting us through our clothes. The bathhouses were deplorable -- toilets leaning to one side or set so low that you have to squat rather than sit, no shower curtains or even a place to lay a bar of soap. The bathhouses look like they haven't been upgraded since the 70s. There were stray cats begging for food. No shade at our site, with temperatures in the upper 90s and heat index of 110F. Between the heat and the mosquitoes, we were trapped inside for most of our stay. I would never visit this campground again.
Cindy A
VerifiedJuly 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: SOUTH ABUTMENT
The pics of the campsite show a view of the lake right at the back of the site, but when we got there, the lake had been drained for maintenance on the dam -- no swimming or fishing. The mosquitoes were unbelievable, biting us through our clothes. The bathhouses were deplorable -- toilets leaning to one side or set so low that you have to squat rather than sit, no shower curtains or even a place to lay a bar of soap. The bathhouses look like they haven't been upgraded since the 70s. There were stray cats begging for food. No shade at our site, with temperatures in the upper 90s and heat index of 110F. Between the heat and the mosquitoes, we were trapped inside for most of our stay. I would never visit this campground again.
Melissa K
VerifiedJune 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: SOUTH ABUTMENT
Great views of the lake and the beach area is perfect for a family day.
Melissa K
VerifiedJune 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: SOUTH ABUTMENT
Great views of the lake and the beach area is perfect for a family day.
John A
VerifiedJune 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: SOUTH ABUTMENT
We absolutely love it there. It’s our favorite campground
John A
VerifiedJune 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: SOUTH ABUTMENT
We absolutely love it there. It’s our favorite campground
Wes C
VerifiedJune 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: SOUTH ABUTMENT
We have stayed here several times over the years and have absolutely loved it. But this time the restroom near our campsite was absolutely disgusting.
Wes C
VerifiedJune 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: SOUTH ABUTMENT
We have stayed here several times over the years and have absolutely loved it. But this time the restroom near our campsite was absolutely disgusting.
Location South Abutment Campground
Address:
3905 Arkabutla Dam Road
Coldwater, MS, 38618-6548
United States
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 34.7467 / -90.1325
Elevation: 81 feet
Policies & Rules
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Safety & rules
- Visitors should familiarize themselves with the park's general rules.
- A Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) is required on Arkabutla Lake for certain activities, with specific rules based on vessel length.
Fires & fuel
- Buy firewood locally and burn it on-site to protect forests.
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralArkabutla Lake will be experiencing substantially lower water levels for an extended period of time. Long-term repairs to Arkbabutla Dam must be completed before water levels can return to normal. This affects boating access and water-based activities on the lake. Many boat ramps are currently closed with Hwy. 51 Landing being the only open ramp. Most day use and campground facilities remain open for public use. For more information, please contact the Arkabutla Lake Field Office at 662-562-6261 or 662-292-1992. For a full list of all affected areas and facilities as well as to get information on what's going on at Arkabutla Lake, please visit our project page at https://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Programs-and-Project-Management/Project-Management/Projects/Arkabutla-Project-Page/
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: June 4, 2026
