We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.

Ross Barnett Reservoir, Mississippi, USA

Also known as:  The Rez

Ross Barnett Reservoir, known locally as The Rez, has found its way into the hearts of the Capital River region of Mississippi. The 33,000-acre reservoir was formed in 1965 when the Pearl River was dammed to create a water supply for the City of Jackson. Located less than 20 miles from downtown Jackson, Ross Barnett Reservoir plays a part in the recreational plans of generations of Mississippians….
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Ross Barnett Reservoir! Article topics include:

Looking for Ross Barnett Reservoir cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About Ross Barnett Reservoir, MS

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Mississippi - Capital-River Region, MS -

    Ross Barnett Reservoir, known locally as The Rez, has found its way into the hearts of the Capital River region of Mississippi. The 33,000-acre reservoir was formed in 1965 when the Pearl River was dammed to create a water supply for the City of Jackson. Located less than 20 miles from downtown Jackson, Ross Barnett Reservoir plays a part in the recreational plans of generations of Mississippians. Well over two million people visit the reservoir each year in search of watersport venues, camping, swimming and fishing. With five campgrounds, 16 parks, 22 boat launches, three handicapped-accessible trails, two multi-purpose trails, and a mountain bike trail, there is something here for everyone.

    Ross Barnett Reservoir is relatively shallow with an average depth of about 12 feet. Visitors enjoy sailing, power boating, water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, pontooning and leisurely cruises. A handful of marinas along the 100 miles of irregular shoreline offer fuel, bait and tackle, convenience items, full-service restaurants and docking space. Rentals are available for pontoons, personal watercraft, skis, wakeboards, water toys and life preservers. Maps are available showing no-wake areas. Some of the marinas are conveniently located near campgrounds along the shoreline. Those bringing their own boats will find a number of public boat ramps available for launching and a water patrol in case they encounter problems.

    Swimming areas are located in some of the public parks, although many also provide swimming pools as the water is sometimes muddy after heavy rain. A local yacht club located on the lakefront offers sailing and boating lessons to members and non-members alike for a fee. Sailboat races and regattas are held here regularly. The many coves and bays are ideal for canoeing and kayaking, with even better paddle venues upstream along the Pearl River. The public lands upstream along the Pearl River are particularly good for wildlife watching and stream fishing.

    Ross Barnett Reservoir is known as prime catfish water to anglers, with channel catfish, blue catfish and flathead catfish all caught. Some of the ‘cats’ can reach nearly a hundred pounds. Crappies are also abundant and have provided many a meal for anglers wishing some fresh-caught table fare. But it is largemouth bass that attract the most attention. Striped bass and hybrid bass are also caught along with panfish. The lake has many stumps and pockets of standing timber-great fishing for those who can read the water. Fishing tournaments are held here regularly. Children’s access to the smaller fish from fishing piers makes this lake particularly memorable. The campgrounds and parks offer dock fishing along with boat launches, 24 hour security, charcoal grills, picnic tables, paved RV sites with patios, volleyball and tennis courts, pavilion rental, playgrounds, rest rooms and showers with some having swimming pools.

    All facilities in the parks are controlled by the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District, the state agency that owns the dam and reservoir. The agency also operates the campgrounds upstream along the Pearl River. Conveniently, the reservoir lies next to the Natchez Trace Parkway which is bordered by a swathe of public land, preventing intrusive development. Between the Trace and Ross Barnett Reservoir, almost 7000 acres is leased by the water district to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area. Nearly 1500 acres on the southwest corner of the WMA is designated the Pearl River Waterfowl Refuge with viewing platforms and a variety of trails. Much of this area is designed to be accessible to the disabled. Birding brochures are available. The area is rich in water-loving birds, including eagles, egrets, a variety of herons and migrating birds of all kinds. Numerous trails within the area are available for exploration. All visitors must obtain a Daily User Permit. The WMA is available for hunting in season with appropriate license as long as all regulations are followed.

    A number of walking and nature trails radiate from the parks along the shoreline of Ross Barnett Reservoir, some of which are available for bicycling and horseback riding. Because the area is such an attractive landscape, the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District has leased areas along the southwest shoreline to developers to build condos and private homes with water access. The new housing is hugely popular; nearly 4000 homes are now located in off-water neighborhoods in these development parcels. A new condo project is planning its own marina, complete with houseboat slips. Homeowner associations are becoming involved in lake-based activities, and a community-wide effort produces the annual Waterfest at Old Trace Park. The festivities include kayak racing, children’s activities, free music, food and educational activities.

    Grocery stores, services and fast food can be found in the City of Madison off the northwest shore. Family Circle magazine recently named Madison as one of the Best Ten Towns in America for raising a family. Children’s activities and services are plentiful and convenient. Jackson’s big-city attractions are only a few minutes’ drive away, with a number of other small cities nearby.

    Few private vacation rentals are available near Ross Barnett Reservoir, but there are several hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfast inns within a short distance. One golf resort with lodging is located near the southwest shore. Real estate can be found, both as existing homes or in brand-new developments. With excellent fishing, boating and services, Ross Barnett Reservoir is the perfect place to spend a few days engaging in waterfront living, even if the accommodations are a tent or RV. So come enjoy some leisure time on the Pearl River and Ross Barnett Reservoir. The fishing is great-and so is the hospitality.

    Things to Do at Ross Barnett Reservoir

    These are some activities in the Ross Barnett Reservoir, MS area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Fishing Tournaments
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Swimming Pool
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Water Skiing
    • Wakeboarding
    • Tubing
    • Golf
    • Tennis
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • Playground

    What Kind of Fish Are in Ross Barnett Reservoir?

    Ross Barnett Reservoir has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Blue Catfish
    • Catfish
    • Channel Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Flathead Catfish
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Striped Bass
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at Ross Barnett Reservoir

    If you’re considering a Ross Barnett Reservoir lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Ross Barnett Reservoir Vacation

    Our interactive Ross Barnett Reservoir lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    Ross Barnett Reservoir Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Pearl River Valley Water Supply District

    Surface Area: 33,280 acres

    Shoreline Length: 105 miles

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 286 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 298 feet

    Average Depth: 12 feet

    Maximum Depth: 35 feet

    Completion Year: 1965

    Ross Barnett Reservoir Map
    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop Ross Barnett Reservoir Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Captain / First Mate Custom 20 oz Tumbler

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    On Lake Time Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    SHOP NOW
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More Ross Barnett Reservoir news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The Ross Barnett Reservoir forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New Ross Barnett Reservoir photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this Ross Barnett Reservoir article with your fellow LakeLubbers: