About CHOCTAW LAKE
Overview Scenic Choctaw Lake Campground wraps around Choctaw Lake in the Tombigbee National Forest of Mississippi. It's location provides visitors with ample opportunities for recreation, including fishing, boating, hiking and biking. A day-use area is popular for picnicking and has a swimming beach.Recreation Choctaw Lake Recreation Area offers a range of outdoor opportunities, including camping, picnicking, hiking and biking. The lake offers boating, swimming and fishing. Anglers can look forward to a catch of largemouth bass, bream, catfish and crappie. An accessible walking trail around the lake is available for a leisurely stroll, as well as a moderate skill level, 3-mile trail, that takes off from the campground. A variety of birds and wildlife may be seen along these paths. Facilities The campground offers nearly two dozen campsites, some of which are accessible. Additional sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with both water and electric hookups, a picnic table and a campfire ring with grill. Sites do not have sewage hook ups; however, there is a dump station located adjacent to the entrance.Individual and group picnic shelter sites are also available within the day-use area and swimming beach. Accessible flush toilets, showers drinking water are provided. A campground host is on-site. Natural Features The campground is situated between smaller Cabin Lake and larger, 100-acre Choctaw Lake. It is near the Natchez Trace Parkway, Noxubee Wildlife Refuge and French Camp, all popular destinations in the area. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (662) 285-3264. Nearby Attractions The campground is located 5 miles south of the town of Ackerman, 11 miles northwest of Louisville and 20 miles southwest of Starkville. The Noxubee Hills hiking and biking trailhead is located at the Choctaw Lake Recreation area as well. The 26-mile trail has vault toilets at
How to Get There
From Jackson, Mississippi, travel Highway 25 north toward Starkville. Turn onto Highway 15 north toward Ackerman, Mississippi, and travel 11 miles to Forest Road 967 to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed 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 CHOCTAW LAKE
Heading to CHOCTAW LAKE? 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 CHOCTAW LAKE?
No central reservation system listed for CHOCTAW LAKE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232255) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CHOCTAW LAKE?
From Jackson, Mississippi, travel Highway 25 north toward Starkville. Turn onto Highway 15 north toward Ackerman, Mississippi, and travel 11 miles to Forest Road 967 to the campground.
How do I contact CHOCTAW LAKE?
You can reach the park at phone: 662-285-3264.
References & Official Resources
