By Chris Hannaford
Enid Lake Park Ranger

Winter Recreations

As winter quickly approaches the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Enid Lake would like to remind all outdoor enthusiasts about the many winter time recreational opportunities offered at Enid Lake. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, hunting, nature trail walks, wildlife viewing, and more.

Throughout the winter Enid Lake maintains three (3) Class A campgrounds Wallace Creek, Persimmon Hill, and Chickasaw Hill, and two (2) Class C campgrounds Long Branch, and Plum Point.

Camping Rates are $10 and $12 at Wallace Creek and Persimmon Hill Campgrounds, $10 at Chickasaw Hill Campground, and $5 at Plum Point and Long Branch Campgrounds. Class A Campgrounds offer a tent and RV pad per site.

Each site has water and electrical hook ups to accommodate 50 amp service, and a dump station is located at the entrance of each campground. Class A campgrounds also have heated shower houses and comfort stations. Class C campgrounds are primitive areas, but offer potable water and comfort stations.

Anglers can test their fishing skills throughout the winter for bass, crappie, catfish, etc. Anglers are reminded that lake access is limited during the winter months due to most ramps being out of the water because of low water conditions. However, anglers can access the lake all winter from McCurdy Boat Ramp, which is located on the north end of Enid Dam.

Anglers can also enjoy bank fishing at the outlet channel located below the dam. A pier is located at the outlet channel that is accessible to the physically challenged, and for those who don’t enjoy climbing up and down the rip rap rock along the outlet channel.

With over 17, 000 acres of managed forest hunters can enjoy hunting the many game species including: squirrel, rabbit, ducks, and deer. Corps property provides hunters many types of hunting environments including: upland and lowland hardwoods, pine stands, sloughs, and old river runs. Hunters are reminded that hunting is restricted in developed recreation areas, Springdale Wildlife Management Area, and areas marked “NO HUNTING” by signs.     

Wildlife and hiking enthusiast can enjoy walking and viewing wildlife species on six different trails located throughout the project. Enid Lake’s trail system offer visitor’s opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, obtain knowledge of the common plant and tree species of the area, as well as view wildlife species that inhabit the area.

The trails also provide visitors with opportunities to relax, unwind and enjoy nature. A wildlife observation deck is also located at the Springdale Wildlife Management Area located off Highway 7 North of Water Valley. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoying viewing waterfowl, deer, and other species which inhabit the area.

Enid Lake Personnel would also like to remind all visitors to keep safety in mind this winter while enjoying all recreational opportunities and natural resources found at Enid Lake. A few safety tips to keep in mind include: always wear hunters orange while hunting and hiking, wear a life jacket whenever participating in activities near or on the water, and always let someone know where you are going and an expected return time.

For more information on winter recreational activities, hunting maps/literature, and water safety please contact the Enid Lake Field Office at 662-563-4571 or visit our website at http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Lakes/ms/enid/.

The staff at Enid Lake would like to wish everyone a Safe and Merry Christmas.