Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Grenada Lake, located in Grenada County, north-central Mississippi, is a 13,600-hectare (33,000-acre / 33 mi² / 85 km²) reservoir on the Yalobusha River. Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Vicksburg District) and completed in 1954, it serves as a cornerstone of the Yazoo Basin flood control system while providing major recreational resources.
Primary mission: Flood risk reduction for the Yazoo Basin (Delta region). The lake's **flood control pool** (215 ft NGVD) provides 330,000 acre-feet of storage — capturing runoff that would otherwise inundate downstream agricultural and urban areas.
Conservation pool: 193 ft NGVD (summer recreation level) — 14,000 acres.
Dam: Earthfill, 4,700 m (15,400 ft) long, 73 m (240 ft) high. Spillway: gated, 1,200 m³/s (42,000 cfs) capacity.
Fishing: Renowned for crappie (white & black) — "Crappie Capital of the World" claim. Also largemouth bass, catfish, bream, white bass. 25+ fish attractor sites mapped.
Boating: 6+ launch ramps, marina, no horsepower limit (unlike many Corps lakes).
Camping: 300+ sites across 5 campgrounds (Class A–D), cabins, group areas.
Wildlife: Grenada Wildlife Management Area (30,000+ acres) — deer, turkey, waterfowl, small game. Designated hunting seasons.
Trails: Hiking, biking, equestrian trails. Visitor center with exhibits.
Water level fluctuation: Annual drawdown (winter) to flood pool — exposes vast mudflats, affects shoreline access. Managed for migratory birds.
Water quality: Eutrophication challenges (agricultural runoff). Corps monitors; stakeholders collaborate on watershed BMPs.
Sedimentation: ~1% capacity loss/decade. Long-term sustainability planning ongoing.
Location: 3 mi NE of Grenada, MS off I-55 (Exit 206). Free day use; camping fees $18–$45/night. MS fishing license required. USACE Vicksburg District manages. One of 4 Yazoo Basin "Flood Control Reservoirs" (with Arkabutla, Sardis, Enid).