ACKERMAN, Miss. - The National Forests in Mississippi is thrilled to announce that the Choctaw Lake Recreation Area located on the Tombigbee National Forest will remain open year-round to provide extended opportunities for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors. Starting November 24, Choctaw Lake will no longer close for the winter season.
The decision to keep this popular destination accessible is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s commitment to increase recreational usage and promote outdoor activities.
“Traditionally, Choctaw Lake was open seasonally, but a lot of our patrons have expressed interest in using the recreation area year-round,” said Recreation Program Manager Katie Hanson-Dorr. “We are always looking for ways to connect our guests with nature and provide a break for visitors to enjoy time with their loved ones outdoors.”
National Forests in Mississippi aims to encourage families, visitors and nature lovers to spend quality time at Lake Choctaw and foster a strong connection with nature and the community.
Choctaw Lake Recreation Area offers a range of outdoor opportunities such as camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and bicycling. Facilities include 18 campsites with utility hookups, 35 picnic sites, three picnic pavilions, a swimming area, two boat ramps, an accessible fishing pier and a 3-mile hiking trail. Swimming area bath houses will remain close during winter months. Fishing hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Hunting boundaries are established around the Choctaw Lake Recreation Area. Law enforcement personnel, including officers from Forest Service Law Enforcement and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks will actively monitor the area to ensure the safety and compliance of all visitors.
Camping opportunities are available. The campground quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Reservations can be made on the https://www.recreation.gov website.
Choctaw Lake is a fee area. The fee station is located just beyond the entrance gate. No attendant will be on duty. Therefore, users should make sure that they have correct currency before arriving at the recreation area. Visitors can also pay by scanning the QR code located on the fee tube using a smart phone. For fees and other information, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/mississippi.
Point of contact for this news release is: Reilly Simpson, forestry technician, 662-285-3264
