Small day use area at Arkabutla Lake to reopen

June 3, 2025 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at Arkabutla Lake will open a small day use area adjacent to the northern end of Arkabutla Dam as early as June 5. Renovations were recently completed in the area, including a basketball court, a restroom, and picnic tables.

Access to the remainder of the recreation areas below the dam, as well as the road along the bottom of the dam, will remain closed to the public due to the ongoing structural issues with Arkabutla Dam.

Phase II of Intermediate Risk Reduction Measures (IRRM’s) for Arkabutla Dam will be underway this summer. This next phase includes the immediate installation of foundation grouting in the outlet structure to further mitigate risk. Phase I and II interim measures are designed to enhance the safety of the dam while long-term corrective actions are being developed, vetted, and constructed.

Safety remains a top priority to the USACE Vicksburg District. Lake Staff and additional personnel are vigilantly monitoring the situation at Arkabutla Dam for any changes. Highway 51 Landing provides boating access into the Coldwater River above Arkabutla Dam and will remain the only open boat ramp at Arkabutla Lake. Camping and other recreational use of Arkabutla Lake area remain open, except for day use and fee use areas directly downstream of the dam.

For more information, you may contact the Arkabutla Lake Field Office at 662-562-6261 or 662-292-1992.

USACE Vicksburg District news release