Davis Lake
Near Coleville, Mississippi · on Davis Lake · Tombigbee National Forest
Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $5
- SEASON
- Varies by conditions
About Davis Lake
Davis Lake is a 200-acre U.S. Forest Service recreation area on a lake of the same name within Tombigbee National Forest in northeast Mississippi, about 21 miles south of Tupelo and 4 miles off the Natchez Trace Parkway. As a swimming hole it is fully developed: the site has an official, designated grassy swimming beach alongside a campground, boat ramp, and fishing piers, a convenient lake to swim in just off the Parkway.
The recreation area sits on the eastern shore of Davis Lake within a hilly, mixed hardwood-and-pine section of Tombigbee National Forest in northeast Mississippi, near the small communities of Houlka and Hickory Flat and within 4 miles of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Swimming at Davis Lake
Swimming takes place at a designated grassy beach on the lake, an official Forest Service swim area rather than an informal or hidden spot. The lake is shared with motorized recreation: waterskiing is permitted during set 'no wake except skiing hours' (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, noon to sunset), so swimmers should be mindful of boat traffic during those windows.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Tupelo, drive 17 miles south on the Natchez Trace Parkway to milepost 243, then continue about 4 miles on Davis Lake Road to the recreation area (859 CR 124, Houlka, MS 38850). It is roughly 21 miles south of Tupelo and 12 miles north of Houston, MS.
The hike in
A separate ~2-mile trail wanders along the lake's north edge to the fishing piers, per Recreation.gov's campground description, but this is not the route to the swim beach.
The grassy swim beach is part of the developed day-use area (with picnic tables and group shelter) and is reached directly from the recreation area's parking, not via a hiking trail; no source describes a walk distance from parking to the beach itself.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
The USFS grassy beach is a designated swim area, but the lake is shared with waterskiing/motorboat traffic during set 'no-wake except skiing' hours (Fri, Sat, Sun, and holidays, noon to sunset), so families should watch for boat traffic during those windows and supervise kids closely; no lifeguard presence is documented at any source.
Parking
Paid, $5 day-use fee ($2.50 with an interagency/discount pass), paid via Recreation.gov day pass
No dedicated parking-lot description was found beyond the day-use fee structure; the swim beach sits within the developed day-use area (picnic tables, group shelter) so a vehicle-accessible lot is implied but not explicitly documented in any source found this pass.
Restrooms
Yes
Accessible flush-toilet facilities plus a bathhouse with showers located in the campground; Recreation.gov's activity-pass listing cites '2 toilet facilities with showers' serving the recreation area.
Hours
Open year-round unless weather forces a closure; day-use area closes during quiet hours, 10pm-6am (per Recreation.gov).
On the water
Restrictions: Boats may only be launched at the designated boat ramp (not from the swim beach). No-wake rules apply on the lake except during set waterskiing hours (Fri, Sat, Sun, and holidays, noon to sunset).
Recreation.gov lists boating, fishing, and skiing as official lake activities alongside swimming; paddleboard use is not specifically confirmed by any source found.
Davis Lake: FAQ
Does Davis Lake charge a fee?
Day-use fee of $5 (discounted to $2.50 with an interagency/discount pass) via a Recreation.gov day pass; camping is $20/night ($14 site fee plus $6 hookup fee, discounted to $13/night with pass); group shelter reservation is an additional $40/day.
Is Davis Lake kid friendly?
The USFS grassy beach is a designated swim area, but the lake is shared with waterskiing/motorboat traffic during set 'no-wake except skiing' hours (Fri, Sat, Sun, and holidays, noon to sunset), so families should watch for boat traffic during those windows and supervise kids closely; no lifeguard presence is documented at any source.
Do I need to hike to reach Davis Lake?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Davis Lake?
No dedicated parking-lot description was found beyond the day-use fee structure; the swim beach sits within the developed day-use area (picnic tables, group shelter) so a vehicle-accessible lot is implied but not explicitly documented in any source found this pass.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Davis Lake?
Recreation.gov lists boating, fishing, and skiing as official lake activities alongside swimming; paddleboard use is not specifically confirmed by any source found.
What are the rules at Davis Lake?
Pets must be leashed and are not allowed on the swimming beach. No drugs or alcohol permitted. Firewood must be sourced locally (no transporting firewood in). ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts are prohibited. Boats may only launch at the designated boat ramp. Day-use area closes during quiet hours, 10pm-6am. Waterskiing/no-wake rules apply on the lake during set hours on weekends and holidays.
What water body is Davis Lake on?
Davis Lake is on Davis Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
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