Top Lakes to Explore in Alabama and Mississippi

Guntersville Lake | Credit: Nathan Anderson

From sandy beaches to thick forests and rushing waterfalls, Alabama and Mississippi have diverse landscapes with much to offer. Not to be overlooked are their stunning lakes. Let’s explore the top lakes in Alabama and Mississippi that serve as prime outdoor recreational hubs.

Lake Martin, AL

Lake Martin is a sparkling blue lake surrounded by a wooded shoreline. Encompassing almost 40,000 acres, this lake is a popular outdoor recreation destination. While alligators and snakes are known to swim in these waters, they are a limited concern for those who visit to fish or boat.

Lewis Smith Lake, AL

Lewis Smith Lake, both peaceful and scenic, is the deepest lake in Alabama. Surrounded by forested areas and campgrounds, this massive lake is a top destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Walter F. George Lake, AL

Walter F. George Lake is a slender lake along the border between Alabama and Georgia. It is an angler’s paradise, with plenty of catfish, bass, and crappie in the water. Boaters and sailors frequent the lake, and there is plenty to explore along its shoreline, which stretches for more than 640 miles. 

Guntersville Lake, AL

Guntersville Lake is Alabama’s largest lake, spanning more than 69,000 acres in Lake Guntersville State Park. Lake Guntersville State Park’s boat launch points, campgrounds, and beaches make it the perfect setting for enjoying the lake and its surroundings. 

Guntersville Lake | Credit: Uwe Conrad

Grenada Lake, MS

Grenada Lake is an expansive reservoir with a rocky shoreline in the north-central region of Mississippi. It is popular among anglers as one of the best places in Mississippi for crappie fishing. The lake is known to have huge crappies, along with other impressive fish. 

Enid Lake, MS

Enid Lake, a pleasant lake surrounded by forests, is populated with campgrounds and RV sites popular among families. Hunters and anglers also enjoy visiting the area; record-sized fish have been caught from the lake. 

Aberdeen Lake, MS

Aberdeen Lake is a haven for boating, fishing, and water skiing. This 4,120-acre lake is a popular recreational getaway spot, with boat launches, fishing piers, and restaurants on the coast. It is a pleasant place for a family picnic by the water or for catching large bass residing in the water. 

Sardis Lake, MS

Sardis Lake is a reservoir that stretches for almost 100,000 acres. Many tourists go to experience its sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and many restaurants and lodges along the shores. Anglers from across the country also have Sardis Lake circled on their list of places to visit thanks to its huge bass, crappie, and catfish populations.

Sardis Lake | Credit: Joshua J. Cotten