About Ford's Well Day Use Area
Overview Ford's Well Recreation Area is located on the south side of Enid Lake. This recreation area is designed for horse enthusiasts to be able to camp with their horses and to ride a 20.8 mile horse trail. The campground features eighteen campsites with full hook-ups, a shower house, dump station, picnic shelter, playground, six picnic sites, five interpretive buildings that date back to the early 1900s, and a 20.8 mile equestrian trail. The Ford's Well Recreation Area is a point of historical significance as an early 1900s site where many visitors came to either drink or bathe in the therapeutic waters that were produced by Mr. W. B. Ford's water well. It was also a way station for a major stage coach route through North Mississippi. This area is popular among equestrian riders and historians. Recreation Spyglass Hill Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts 20.8 miles of moderately hilly terrain with rock outcrops and scenic views of Enid Lake. Interpretive programs and guided tours of the buildings are provide on request. Nearby recreation areas on Enid Lake offers access to the lake for boating, fishing, and designated swimming areas. Facilities The horse-friendly campground has 18 sites, each with a 70 foot RV pad with parking apron, water, electric and sewage hook-ups, charcoal grill, grill table, picnic table, lantern holder, fire ring, and hitching rail for horses. An accessible shower house with flush toilets is located in the middle of the campground. Other amenities in the campground include: A picnic shelter, playground, dump station, horse shower station, horse waste deposit bin, mounting block, and historical interpretive buildings that includes: a water well with gazebo, log cabin, blacksmith shop, outhouse, and barn are located in the campground. Spyglass Hill equestrian trail offers 20.8 miles to ride or walk. Rest stops along the trail includes picnic tables, grills, service tables, swing bench and a prominent peak to provide a view of the lake. Natural
How to Get There
Take Exit 227 off of U.S. Interstate 55 Highway toward Water Valley, MS. Go east on Mississippi Highway 32 for 6.9 miles. Turn left onto County Road 41 which will turn into County Road 557 for .8 miles and the destination is on the right.
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 Ford's Well Day Use Area
Heading to Ford's Well Day Use Area? 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 Ford's Well Day Use Area?
No central reservation system listed for Ford's Well Day Use Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10119469) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Ford's Well Day Use Area?
Take Exit 227 off of U.S. Interstate 55 Highway toward Water Valley, MS. Go east on Mississippi Highway 32 for 6.9 miles. Turn left onto County Road 41 which will turn into County Road 557 for .8 miles and the destination is on the right.
How do I contact Ford's Well Day Use Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 662-563-4571 or email: enid.lake@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources