Wallace Creek Campground

For those of us in Mississippi who cherish the tranquility of lakeside living and the joy of outdoor recreation, Wallace Creek Campground near Pope stands out as a true gem. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this campground embodies the quality and meticulous upkeep that COE parks are renowned for. Nestled along the banks of the expansive Enid Lake, Wallace Creek offers a peaceful, family-oriented environment that caters to a wide array of camping preferences, from spacious RV sites to comfortable tent setups. This article is crafted for local Mississippians, offering a detailed and engaging look at why Wallace Creek Campground is an exceptional choice for your next escape into nature.

Wallace Creek Campground is consistently praised by visitors for being a "Beautiful well manicured campground," with "Plenty of space between sites." These testimonials highlight the commitment to providing a superior camping experience. It's a place where "Every lot I’ve stayed in my family has enjoyed," speaking volumes about its consistent quality and family-friendly atmosphere. As part of the Enid Lake recreation area, recognized as "one of America's Top 10 Fishing Spots," Wallace Creek offers not just a place to stay, but a gateway to world-class fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It truly is a "great campground," offering modern amenities, helpful staff, and an abundance of recreational opportunities that make it a cherished destination for anyone seeking to reconnect with the natural beauty of northern Mississippi.

Wallace Creek Campground is conveniently located in Pope, MS 38658, USA. This address places it directly on the shores of Enid Lake, a significant body of water in northern Mississippi created by a dam project on the Yocona River. The lake itself spans nearly 16,000 acres, surrounded by an additional 44,000 acres of lush forests, offering a vast natural playground.

For Mississippians, Wallace Creek Campground is easily accessible. It's located within a reasonable driving distance from major population centers like Memphis, TN (approximately 60 miles to the north), and Jackson, MS, to the south. From U.S. Interstate 55, visitors can take exit 233 and head east on County Road 36, following signs directly to the campground. This straightforward access ensures that you can spend less time traveling and more time enjoying the serene environment. The nearby towns of Water Valley and Batesville offer convenient options for shopping, dining, and emergency services, providing a perfect balance of secluded natural beauty and necessary amenities, making it an ideal local retreat.

Wallace Creek Campground, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides a robust array of services and modern amenities designed for comfort and convenience, upholding the high standards of COE parks:

• Campsites: The campground boasts 101 campsites, offering diverse options for various needs:
  • Full Hookup Sites: The majority of sites offer full hookups, including electric (20/30/50 amp), water, and sewer connections. Many are spacious, level, paved, or concrete pads, suitable for large RVs and trailers (accommodating up to 141 feet in some cases).
  • Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires.
  • Tent Pads: Many sites have designated tent pads for traditional tent camping.
  • Water Views: Numerous sites offer direct or decent views of Enid Lake.
  • Reservations: All sites are reservable up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov, though some might be available for walk-ups.
• Restroom & Shower Facilities: Modern, "very very clean" flush toilets and hot showers are available in multiple bathhouses spread throughout the campground. While some shower heads might need angling, the facilities are well-maintained.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient dump station is provided for RV campers.
• Group Picnic Shelter: A large group picnic shelter is available near the boat ramp, perfect for family gatherings and events.
• Playgrounds: Multiple playgrounds are on-site, providing entertainment for children, though some reviewers note they could use upgrades.
• Boat Ramps: Direct access to Enid Lake via on-site boat ramps, facilitating boating, kayaking, and canoeing.
• Interpretive Trail: An interpretive trail offers educational opportunities about the local flora and fauna.
• On-site Hosts/Rangers: "Excellent" and "very helpful and friendly" campground hosts and rangers are present, contributing to a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is readily available throughout the campground.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed at campsites, provided they are on a leash and under control.
• Annual Day Use Passes: Available for purchase, providing access to boat ramps and swimming areas (though swimming in the lake might be restricted to designated areas like swim beaches, if available).

Wallace Creek Campground's appeal is significantly enhanced by its distinctive features and highlights, offering a rich outdoor experience:

• Enid Lake Access & World-Class Fishing: The paramount highlight is its location on Enid Lake, renowned as "one of America's Top 10 Fishing Spots." The lake is home to abundant white crappie (including the world-record 5 lb, 3 oz catch), bass, and catfish, making it a dream destination for anglers. Fishing tournaments are held annually.
• Spacious & Well-Maintained Sites: Visitors consistently praise the "spacious sites" with "plenty of space between sites" and "paved driveways and patios." The campground is described as "beautiful well manicured" and "very clean."
• Corps of Engineers Quality: As a COE campground, it benefits from excellent management and maintenance standards, often providing "really nice campsites" in "great waterfront settings."
• Family-Oriented Atmosphere: Described as a "quiet, family-oriented campground," it provides a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages, with playgrounds and plenty of room for kids to play.
• Abundant Recreational Activities: Beyond fishing and boating, the surrounding 44,000 acres of forests offer extensive hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities on winding trails along the lakeshore.
• Natural Beauty: The thick, green forests surrounding Enid Lake provide beautiful views and a serene natural setting for relaxation and wildlife viewing.
• Full Hookups & Modern Facilities: The prevalence of full hookups (water, electric, sewer) on sites, along with clean and modern flush restrooms and showers, adds significant comfort and convenience, particularly for RV campers.
• Friendly Staff and Hosts: The "excellent" and "very friendly" camp hosts and rangers are consistently highlighted for their helpfulness and positive attitude, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
• Value: Many reviewers note the excellent value, with full hookup sites often available at competitive rates, particularly with America the Beautiful passes.

For more information, reservations, or direct inquiries about Wallace Creek Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Pope, MS 38658, USA (Note: physical address for the Enid Lake Field Office is 34 County Road 192, Enid MS 38927, which oversees Wallace Creek)

Phone: (662) 563-4571 (This number is for the Enid Lake Field Office, which manages Wallace Creek Campground and can assist with inquiries and reservations).

Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov, the official booking platform for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season, as Wallace Creek is a popular destination and sites can fill up quickly. Always check the Recreation.gov website or call the Enid Lake Field Office for the most current information on site availability, fees, and any seasonal operating changes.

For Mississippians, Wallace Creek Campground on Enid Lake is not just another camping spot; it's a prime example of the exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities available right here in our state. Its meticulous maintenance by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ensures a high-quality experience, from the "beautiful well manicured" grounds to the "very clean" facilities. The spacious, well-appointed sites with full hookups provide comfort and convenience, making it suitable for all types of campers, especially those with RVs.

The campground’s greatest asset is its direct access to Enid Lake, a veritable paradise for anglers and boating enthusiasts, renowned for its crappie, bass, and catfish. Beyond the water, the surrounding forests offer extensive trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, catering to a wide range of outdoor interests. The "family-oriented" atmosphere, complete with playgrounds and friendly staff, makes it an ideal destination for creating cherished memories with loved ones. Wallace Creek Campground truly offers a peaceful and engaging escape, allowing locals to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and abundant recreational activities of northern Mississippi, making it a top-tier choice for any outdoor adventure.