RIPLEY — Visitors can once again camp at Tippah County Lake after the campground reopened July 1 following months of cleanup from Winter Storm Fern.
The campground had been temporarily closed while crews removed storm debris and completed cleanup efforts after the January storm. The lake itself reopened to fishing and boating on May 30, and the reopening of the campground restores full access to the popular state lake just in time for the Independence Day holiday weekend.
Located about 2½ miles north of Ripley on Highway 15, Tippah County Lake is a 145-acre lake known for its fishing opportunities and scenic views. Opened in 1974, the lake is home to largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish.
The lake currently holds Mississippi’s state record redear sunfish at 3.33 pounds and once produced the state-record largemouth bass weighing 14.75 pounds.
Overlooking the lake is Wicker Mountain, the second-highest peak in Mississippi.
According to the latest fishing report, bass and bream fishing have been fair, with anglers finding success around shoreline cover, creek channels and bedding areas. Catfish anglers have reported catches along creek channels, while crappie are typically found around deeper cover and the fishing pier.
The lake offers 22 developed campsites with water and electrical hookups, as well as primitive camping. Other amenities include a boat ramp, ADA-accessible fishing piers, restrooms with showers, picnic tables, barbecue grills and a pavilion available for rental.
Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are encouraged to contact the Tippah County Lake office for additional information before arriving.
