For many families in our part of the South, Pickwick Lake is where summer happens. It’s where you take the boat out on a Saturday and watch the sun go down from the dock. Maybe you want a full-time lake house, a weekend cabin, or a lot to build on someday. The Franklin Agency can help you find the right spot. We’re based in Corinth, roughly 20 to 30 miles from the water depending on which shore you’re headed to, and our broker, Emily McGrath, is licensed in Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. Pickwick touches all three states, so that matters more here than almost anywhere else.
About Pickwick Lake
Pickwick Lake is a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) reservoir formed by Pickwick Landing Dam at Counce, Tennessee. It stretches up the Tennessee River to Wilson Dam at Florence, Alabama, covers about 43,100 acres, and is one of the few lakes in the country that sits in three states. It’s also the northern end of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, which connects to the Gulf of Mexico. Anglers know Pickwick for smallmouth bass and catfish, and boaters love its many coves, including Yellow Creek.
Where People Buy Around the Lake
- Mississippi side (Iuka and Tishomingo County): Waterfront and water-view homes, condos and lots along the county roads north of Iuka, near J.P. Coleman State Park and the Eastport and Bear Creek areas. Mississippi buyers often like the shorter drive to Corinth and Tupelo.
- Tennessee side (Counce and Hardin County): Neighborhoods near Pickwick Landing State Park and the dam, plus subdivisions toward Savannah, ranging from cozy cottages to large lake homes.
- Alabama side (Colbert County): Quieter shoreline and acreage near Cherokee, Riverton and the Natchez Trace Parkway’s Colbert Ferry crossing.
Waterfront vs. water-view vs. lake access: These terms affect price and how you’ll use the property. Before you fall for a view, we’ll help you sort out dock eligibility, TVA shoreline rules, water depth and whether a slip comes with the home.
Things to Do at Pickwick
- J.P. Coleman State Park (MS): A marina, boat launch, cabins, camping and a swimming pool on the Mississippi shore north of Iuka.
- Pickwick Landing State Park (TN): A full-service marina, boat ramps, a lakeside lodge and a campground near the dam.
- Fishing, boating and paddling: Everything from the Wilson Dam tailwater to the quiet coves of Yellow Creek.
- Nearby history: Shiloh National Military Park and Corinth’s Civil War sites make an easy day trip.
Buying a Lake Home: What’s Different
- Insurance and flood zones: Get insurance quotes early. Costs for waterfront homes can vary widely.
- Docks and shoreline: Ask whether there’s an existing TVA-permitted dock, a boat lift or a covered slip, and how deep the water is at winter pool. New docks and most shoreline changes need a TVA Section 26a permit.
- Short-term rental plans: If you plan to rent the home part-time, check subdivision covenants and local rules before you buy.
- More than one MLS: Pickwick listings can be spread across more than one MLS because the lake crosses state lines. Ask us and we’ll help you track down homes on every shore.
Pickwick Lake Homes for Sale
Below are current MLS listings in the Iuka area (Mississippi side) and Counce (Tennessee side). Not every listing is on the water, so ask us for a waterfront-only list.
Mississippi Side: Iuka Area
Selling Your Pickwick Property
Lake buyers often shop from out of town, so strong online marketing is essential. We use professional photos and detailed descriptions of the water frontage, dock and lake features, so buyers from Memphis, Huntsville, Birmingham, Jackson and beyond can see what makes your place special.
Pickwick Lake FAQ
What states is Pickwick Lake in?
Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. Pickwick Landing Dam is at Counce, Tennessee, and the lake runs up the Tennessee River to Wilson Dam at Florence, Alabama.
How big is Pickwick Lake?
About 43,100 acres.
Can you help me buy on the Tennessee or Alabama side?
Yes. Our broker, Emily McGrath, is licensed in Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama, so we can help you on any shore of the lake.
Are there state parks on Pickwick Lake?
Yes, two: J.P. Coleman State Park in Mississippi and Pickwick Landing State Park in Tennessee. Both have marinas.
Can I put a dock on my lot?
Sometimes. Docks and most other shoreline work on TVA lakes require a TVA Section 26a permit, and not every waterfront lot has the land rights needed to qualify for one. We’ll help you check a property’s dock status before you buy.
Nearby Areas We Serve
Pickwick buyers often look in these nearby towns too:
You can also meet our agents or send us a message.
Let’s Find Your Place on the Water
Talk with an agent who knows Pickwick Lake. Tell us your budget and your must-haves, like a dock, a view or a short drive to the marina, and we’ll put together a short list for you. Call (662) 331-2695 or stop by our office at 2010 E. Shiloh Rd, Corinth, MS 38834. Prefer email? Contact us here.
