MISSISSIPPI - In Mississippi, the "Hospitality State," the landscape of water is a blend of massive federal flood-control projects and ancient oxbow lakes left by the mighty Mississippi River. Whether you are looking for a bustling recreational reservoir near the capital or a wild, cypress-filled natural basin, Mississippi's largest lakes offer a deep dive into the heritage of the Deep South.
The Man-Made Giant: Sardis Lake
By total surface area, Sardis Lake is the largest body of water in Mississippi. Created as part of a massive flood-control project following the Great Flood of 1927, it is impounded by the Sardis Dam, which, at the time of its completion, was the largest earth-fill dam in the world.
- Surface Area: Approximately 98,520 acres (total project area), with a typical "recreation pool" of 32,500 acres.
- Shoreline: Hundreds of miles of varied terrain.
- Location: Northwestern Mississippi, spanning Panola, Lafayette, and Marshall counties.
Sardis Lake is a premier destination for anglers and is frequently cited as one of the best crappie fishing spots in the United States. Its sandy beaches and clear waters make it a favorite for swimming and motorized boating. Much of the lake is surrounded by the lush forests of the Holly Springs National Forest and John W. Kyle State Park, providing a scenic, wooded backdrop for campers and hikers.
The "Rez": Ross Barnett Reservoir
While Sardis is the largest by acreage, the Ross Barnett Reservoir (locally known as "The Rez") is perhaps the State most culturally significant lake. It serves as the primary water source for the city of Jackson and is the most-visited recreational water in the state.
- Surface Area: Approximately 33,000 acres.
- Location: Central Mississippi, just northeast of Jackson.
Completed in the 1960s by damming the Pearl River, the reservoir is a social hub. Its southern end is a bustling center for sailing, yacht clubs, and waterfront dining. At the same time, the northern reaches transition into the Pearl River marshlands, offering a quieter environment for kayakers and wildlife photographers.
The Natural Legend: Lake Washington
Mississippi has very few large natural lakes not tied to the river's path, but the largest and most famous is Lake Washington. Like many natural lakes in the Mississippi Delta, it is an oxbow lake—a loop of the Mississippi River that was cut off centuries ago.
- Surface Area: Approximately 3,000 to 5,000 acres.
- Location: Washington County, near Glen Allan.
Lake Washington is a quintessential Southern scene, framed by ancient, moss-draped Bald Cypress trees. Because it is a natural basin, it supports a rich ecosystem of migratory birds and is considered one of the most productive fisheries in the Delta. It provides a peaceful, primeval atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the massive, engineered reservoirs found elsewhere in the state.
Mississippi's waters are led by Sardis Lake, a 98,000-acre artificial giant in the north that stands as a historic monument to flood control and a paradise for crappie fishing. The Ross Barnett Reservoir serves as the State high-energy recreational heart near the capital. At the same time, Lake Washington remains the State largest natural treasure, offering a serene, cypress-lined glimpse into the Delta's ancient natural history.
