Top 7 Lakes in National Forests In Mississippi
Best lakes in National Forests in Mississippi are found across 6 National Forests, which collectively span over 1.2 million acres. These forests offer diverse natural landscapes, from rolling hills to bottomland hardwoods, providing a variety of recreational opportunities. The region is characterized by its tranquil forest settings and numerous lakes, which serve as focal points for outdoor activities. These areas are significant for their ecological diversity and provide accessible natural spaces for visitors.
Best lakes in National Forests In Mississippi
- The most popular lakes is Choctaw Lake, a lake that is a large reservoir in Tombigbee National Forest. It offers boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, with a 2.5-mile Lakeside Trail providing scenic views and wildlife observation.
- Another must-see spot is Airey Lake, a lake with a sizable parking area, toilets, and a water fountain. This small reservoir in De Soto National Forest is stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish, and the popular Tuxachanie Trail passes by the lake.
- Visitors also love Puskus Lake, a lake located in Holly Springs National Forest. It features hiking trails, limited campsites, a boat dock, and fishing access, being stocked with bluegill, bass, and crappie.
- National Forests In Mississippi is known for recreational lakes for fishing and boating, spring-fed lakes for swimming, and remote peaceful lakes with hiking trails. These areas provide a variety of lakes to see and explore, catering to different outdoor interests.
- The lakes in National Forests In Mississippi are appreciated by the komoot community, with 3 upvotes and 2 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Airey Lake
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The popular Tuxachanie Trail passes right by the lake and extends in both directions.
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Choctaw Lake
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Killing Hill Trail, Roosevelt State Park
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The Civil War Hill hiking loop is part of the newer trail system in the park. There are bridges at the major water crossings and informational signs at trailheads with obvious trail signage.
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Lake at Paul B. Johnson State Park
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Paul B. Johnson State Park is home to a lot of different recreational activities. Along with hiking, camping, and fishing, the park also has a splash park, a game room, and a disc golf course.
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Puskus Lake
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Tips from the Community
Airey Lake is a small lake (pond really) stocked with Bass, Bluegill and Catfish. Camping available.
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The Puskus Lake Recreation Area is a fee area located in Holly Springs National Forest and features hiking trails, limited campsites, a boat dock, and lots of fishing access. The lake is stocked with bluegill, bass, and crappie and is beautiful, but the trails traveling around the lake do not see a lot of maintenance. That being said, they are usually clear and easy to follow.
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Roosevelt State Park has a load of recreational options and facilities. The camping, picnic, and hiking areas overlook Bienville National Forest and Roosevelt Lake. The Civil War Hill hiking loop is part of the newer trail system in the park. There are bridges at the major water crossings and informational signs at trailheads with obvious trail signage.
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The park has one main hiking loop (Trail of the Southern Pines) that has a cutoff, offering two different distance options. There are many bridges on the trail, and they can sometimes be "out of order" turning this swampy walk into a wet one. Paul B. Johnson State Park is home to a lot of different recreational activities. Along with hiking, camping, and fishing, the park also has a splash park, a game room, and a disc golf course.
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Airey Lake is a small reservoir in De Soto National Forest. The Airey Lake Recreation Area has a sizable parking area, toilets, and a water fountain just a few hundred yards from the water. The popular Tuxachanie Trail passes right by the lake and extends in both directions.
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Choctaw Lake is a large reservoir in Tombigbee National Forest. You can boat, fish, and swim in the waters, and the Forest offers camping, picnic, and other day use options for a fee. The trail circling the lake is one of the most popular trails in the National Forest, but there are over 30 miles of dirt roads and hiking trails to explore nearby.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for fishing in Mississippi's National Forests?
Many lakes in Mississippi's National Forests are excellent for fishing. Choctaw Lake in Tombigbee National Forest is regularly stocked with catfish, bass, and crappie. Okhissa Lake in Homochitto National Forest is a popular fishing destination, stocked with bass, bream, crappie, and channel catfish, and features two boat ramps. Other great options include Clear Springs Lake, Puskus Lake, Davis Lake, Marathon Lake, and Turkey Fork Reservoir, all known for various species like bass, bream, crappie, and catfish.
Are there family-friendly lakes with swimming areas in Mississippi's National Forests?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly amenities and designated swimming areas. Clear Springs Lake in Homochitto National Forest is a spring-fed lake ideal for swimming with a dedicated picnic area. Chewalla Lake in Holly Springs National Forest has a sandy beach perfect for swimming. Choctaw Lake in Tombigbee National Forest and Davis Lake also offer swimming. Marathon Lake and Shongelo Lake in Bienville National Forest both provide swimming areas, picnic tables, and campsites.
What kind of hiking trails can I find near lakes in Mississippi's National Forests?
You'll find a variety of hiking trails near the lakes. For instance, Choctaw Lake features a popular 2.5-mile Lakeside Trail. Clear Springs Lake has a one-mile trail encircling it. Chewalla Lake offers a 2.3-mile trail that passes a reconstructed Choctaw burial mound. The popular Tuxachanie Trail is accessible from Airey Lake and POW Lake. For more options, explore the Hiking in National Forests In Mississippi guide.
Which lakes are best for boating and kayaking in Mississippi's National Forests?
Okhissa Lake in Homochitto National Forest is excellent for boating with two boat ramps, though swimming from a boat is allowed, not from the shoreline. Chewalla Lake in Holly Springs National Forest is a 'no-wake' lake, making it perfect for peaceful canoeing and kayaking. Choctaw Lake and Davis Lake also permit boating. Blue Lake in Delta National Forest offers a boat launch for small boats.
Are there camping opportunities near the lakes in Mississippi's National Forests?
Yes, many lakes offer camping. Choctaw Lake provides camping options, and Chewalla Lake has a campground. Puskus Lake offers limited campsites. Marathon Lake and Shongelo Lake in Bienville National Forest have developed campsites, some with water and electricity. POW Lake in De Soto National Forest is a primitive camping site, and Little Sunflower River Recreation Area in Delta National Forest also offers primitive camping.
What historical or cultural sites can be found near the lakes?
The region offers some interesting historical elements. Near Clear Springs Lake in Homochitto National Forest, you can find a picnic shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 2.3-mile trail around Chewalla Lake in Holly Springs National Forest passes a reconstructed Choctaw burial mound, adding a cultural dimension to your visit.
Which lakes are considered 'hidden gems' or offer a more secluded experience?
For a more tranquil and secluded experience, consider Puskus Lake in Holly Springs National Forest, known for its remote and peaceful natural setting. Marathon Lake in Bienville National Forest is described as a secluded and beautiful spot. Shongelo Lake, also in Bienville National Forest, is a small and beautiful recreation area offering a peaceful escape.
Can I spot wildlife around the lakes in Mississippi's National Forests?
Yes, the National Forests are rich in wildlife. The tranquil forest settings around lakes like Clear Springs Lake are noted for birdwatching. The Lakeside Trail at Choctaw Lake provides opportunities to observe aquatic plants and wildlife such as birds, frogs, and turtles. North Cypress Lake offers sweeping views for birdwatching, and the bottomland hardwood forests of Delta National Forest, where Blue Lake is located, are crucial for Gulf Coast biodiversity.
Are there accessible facilities or fishing piers at any of the lakes?
While specific details on accessible fishing piers are not extensively provided, Airey Lake Recreation Area has a sizable parking area, toilets, and a water fountain, suggesting some level of accessibility for visitors. Many recreation areas around the lakes are designed to be welcoming, but it's always best to check specific site details for individual accessibility needs.
What are the best lakes for a day trip with picnic facilities?
Several lakes are ideal for day trips with picnic facilities. Clear Springs Lake in Homochitto National Forest offers a dedicated picnic area and a historic CCC-built picnic shelter. Davis Lake in Tombigbee National Forest is the centerpiece of a developed recreation area with picnicking. Marathon Lake and Shongelo Lake in Bienville National Forest also provide picnic sites. Airey Lake and Blue Lake are also good spots for picnicking.
Which National Forests in Mississippi contain the most notable lakes?
All six National Forests in Mississippi feature notable lakes, each with unique characteristics. Homochitto National Forest is home to Okhissa Lake and Clear Springs Lake. Holly Springs National Forest boasts Chewalla Lake and Puskus Lake. Tombigbee National Forest features Choctaw Lake and Davis Lake. Bienville National Forest includes Marathon Lake and Shongelo Lake. De Soto National Forest has Airey Lake and Turkey Fork Reservoir. Delta National Forest is home to Blue Lake.
Are there any 'no-wake' lakes suitable for peaceful water activities?
Yes, Chewalla Lake in Holly Springs National Forest is specifically designated as a 'no-wake' lake. This ensures calm waters, making it perfect for peaceful activities like canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, allowing visitors to enjoy the serene natural environment without disturbance from motorized boats.
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