About Pat's Bluff
Overview Pat’s Bluff is a 15 site campground located on the southern shoreline of Sardis Lake. Conveniently located near I-55, Sardis Lake consistently ranks as one of the top crappie fishing location in the country. The 32,000 reservoir is also a great fishery for bass and catfish and offers many other outdoor activities as well. Recreation Sardis Lake offers an array of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, camping, picnicking and many others. Pat’s Bluff Recreation Area includes a boat ramp, picnic shelter, and campground available to visitors. Facilities Pat’s Bluff has 15 campsites with water and electric hookups. Flush toilets, showers, and a dump station are available in the campground. The area also offers a group picnic shelter and a boat ramp. Natural Features Sardis Lake’s total area covers 98,000 acres in the rolling hills of North Mississippi. As part of Sardis Lake, Pat’s Bluff is appropriately named because of the sandstone bluff that prominent on the shoreline of Sardis Lake. The Pat’s Bluff Recreation Area is covered in a mixture of hardwood and pine forests that open up for great views of Sardis Lake. Nearby Attractions Pat’s Bluff campground is located off of MS Highway 278. It is a 20 minute drive to the university town of Oxford, MS (Home of Ole Miss) and a 10 minute drive to Batesville, MS. The towns of Sardis and Como are also nearby.
How to Get There
From Interstate 55 take the Hwy. 278 east exit at Batesville, MS. Follow the road approximately 10 miles and take a left onto BlackJack Road. Follow Blackjack Road approximately 3/4 of a mile and turn right onto Sardis Lake Drive. Follow Sardis Lake Drive for approximately 6 miles and the road dead ends straight at Pat's Bluff Recreation Area. Follow the road straight to get to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- 🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
- 🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- 🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Pat's Bluff
Heading to Pat's Bluff? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Pat's Bluff?
No central reservation system listed for Pat's Bluff. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10046288) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Pat's Bluff?
From Interstate 55 take the Hwy. 278 east exit at Batesville, MS. Follow the road approximately 10 miles and take a left onto BlackJack Road. Follow Blackjack Road approximately 3/4 of a mile and turn right onto Sardis Lake Drive. Follow Sardis Lake Drive for approximately 6 miles and the road dead ends straight at Pat's Bluff Recreation Area. Follow the road straight to get to the campground.
How do I contact Pat's Bluff?
You can reach the park at phone: 662-563-4531 or email: sardis-lake@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
