Small Lake with Swimming Dock

Arkabutla Lake Vacation Rentals

Breathe the fresh pine air and swim the sandy shores with your family near Arkabutla Lake Marina in Mississippi.

North Mississippi's 33,000-Acre Sailing and Fishing Destination

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Enough room in the surrounding yard to throw a football, to kick a soccer ball, or to throw a baseball for a game of catch.
Charming home in Brighton, TN – Close to Memphis
Brighton, TN, United States of America
$96 night
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Arkabutla Lake
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Why Rent On Arkabutla Lake

Arkabutla Lake in Tate County, Mississippi is a place of quiet superlatives. At 33,000 acres, it is one of the largest lakes in the state, and its reputation for some of the best sailing east of the Mississippi River gives it a distinction that water sports families specifically seek out. Three pristine beaches, a world-class crappie fishery, and a natural setting that rewards both active recreation and unhurried relaxation make Arkabutla a destination that delivers consistently. A lakefront vacation home or cabin here is the proper way to experience it.

Sailing, Crappie Records, and Three Swimming Beaches

Arkabutla Lake’s open water and favorable wind patterns create sailing conditions that have made it a destination for sailors from across the region. The lake’s crappie fishery holds a state record catch that has stood since 1991, a detail that sets expectations appropriately high for visiting anglers. Three swimming beaches provide safe, family-friendly water access at multiple points around the shoreline, and 250 campsites accommodate guests across a range of preferences.

The Swinging Bridge Nature Trail and the Coldwater River

The Swinging Bridge Nature Trail offers a walking experience through historic landscapes with informative signage about native flora and the area’s agricultural history. The nearby Coldwater River Nature Conservancy adds additional trail access and ecological interest for guests who appreciate natural history alongside their lake time. The memorial to Old Coldwater, a town with a fascinating and poignant agricultural past, provides a reflective historical stop for curious travelers.

Why a Lakeside Rental Is the Right Home Base

Vacation rentals and waterfront homes near Arkabutla Lake give families full kitchens, lake views, private outdoor space, and the kind of flexible, self-directed daily rhythm that a hotel cannot provide. An 18-hole disc golf course, picnic areas with grills, and playgrounds within the recreation area ensure that guests of every age have activities within easy reach. Over 30,000 acres of public hunting land surrounds the lake for guests who arrive with broader outdoor ambitions. Pet-friendly rentals are available. Arkabutla is a north Mississippi lake that rewards everyone who stays long enough to understand it properly.

Best time to go
Visit Arkabutla Lake in late spring, particularly May, when the wildflowers bloom in vibrant hues and the air is fragrant with fresh growth. Experience serene mornings on the water with ideal fishing conditions, while enjoying fewer tourists and idyllic sunshine that dances on the lake’s surface.
Water Quality
Arkabutla Lake's water is typically murky with a silty appearance, often described as tea-colored or sediment-rich. The water color is generally a deep blue or indigo, with some areas exhibiting a smoky blue hue.
Surface area (mi)
29.85
Max depth (ft)
55.12
Elevation (ft)
226.38
Shoreline length (mi)
133

Popular activities

  • Kayaking
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Boating
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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Arkabutla Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, there are designated swimming areas at Arkabutla Lake. Swimming is allowed within the designated swimming beaches inside the buoy line areas at the South Abutment Day-Use Area and another day-use area. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming is at your own risk.

  • Arkabutla Lake is a popular destination because of its excellent fishing, particularly for crappie. It is rated one of the top crappie fishing lakes in the Southeast and holds the Mississippi state record for a black crappie. The lake also offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as camping sites and sailing opportunities.

  • At Arkabutla Lake in Mississippi, you can use no more than four fishing poles per person. Each pole can have up to two hooks or lures. This rule applies to all four North Mississippi Flood Control Reservoirs, including Arkabutla, Enid, Grenada, and Sardis lakes.

  • The South Abutment Day-Use Area beach is best for families. It has a swimming beach, an ADA playground, and picnic areas with tables and grills. This area also includes restrooms and is part of the lake’s alcohol-free environment.

  • Towns near Arkabutla Lake include Hernando, Holly Springs, and Senatobia, all located in Tate County, Mississippi. These towns are close to the lake and the unincorporated community of Arkabutla. They are part of the same county and are within a reasonable driving distance from the lake.