Established Camping
Marathon Lake Campground
About
National Forest
National Forests in Mississippi
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Recreation
Marathon Lake provides various recreational oppurtunties. This includes activities such as biking, hiking, boating, picnicking, fishing, camping, swimming, wildlife viewing, and volleyball.
Facilities
34 campsites with water and electricity 14 picnick tables Sand volleyball court (no ball provided) BBQ grills 2 Pavilions (can be reserved for groups, please call local Forest Service Office at 601-469-3811) Boat Launch Swimming area with sandy beach Hiking Trail (1.7 miles in length) Water fountains Sanitation facilities with showers and flush toilets Dump station for trash
Natural Features
Marathon Lake is a 50-acre lake located in Smith County. It got its' name from Marathon Lumber Company which closed in 1929. You will enjoy the beauty and seclusion of this quiet campground located approximately 15 miles southeast of Forest, MS and 25 miles northeast of Raleigh, MS. Marathon Recreation area is equipped with 34 camping sites (with water and electric hook-ups), boat ramp, swimming area, 2 bath houses (warm showers), picnic shelters, picnic tables and a hiking trail. The lake has been stocked with catfish, bass and crappie and is open to bream fishing. A dump station is available. The area has a volunteer Campground Host on site most of the time.
contact_info
This location is staffed. Please call (601) 469-3811 to speak with local staff.
Location
Marathon Lake Campground is located in Mississippi
Directions
From Forest, go south on Hwy 35 for 8.5 miles to Homewood. Turn east on Morton-Marathon Road and go 9 miles. Turn south on Forest Service Road 520 and go __ mile to entrance.__ Another route would be to go south on Hwy 501. Turn east on Morton-Marathon Rd. and go 3 __ miles. Turn onto FS Rd 520 and go __ mile to entrance.__ From Raleigh, go north on Hwy 35 for 15 miles to Homewood and follow same directions above from Homewood.__ An alternate route is to take Hwy 18 east to Hwy 501; go north 15 miles: turn east onto Morton-Marathon to FS Rd 520.__ Physical Address: 3451 CR 520 Raleigh, MS 39153
Address
3451 County Road 520
Raleigh, MS 39153
Coordinates
32.199167 N
89.359167 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
GuidePretty decent and relaxing campground
Our site had a fire ring and grill, it was very relaxing and peaceful but not a whole bunch to do there especially for the kids. They had a designated swimming area which was alright to go do. We rode our bikes around but that got pretty boring fast bc it’s not that big of a campground. Besides that we personally enjoyed it and wouldn’t mind going back again.
- (4) View All
LegendPeaceful
Not a bad place to get away in MISSISSIPPI. Campground host was super nice. Gave us a heads up that we had a tornado warning! Just what we needed during our two day stay.
Campground is definitely not the most maintained when I compared the other national forests I have been through. Everything feels most fun down. Bathrooms are falling apart but there is a shower with hot water if you dare.
It's a cheap place to stop. $13 with an Access pass for electric, water, dump station. Lake view. There is a trail around the lake which is a little under two miles around.
Very spotty cellphone reception.
- (6) View All
TravelerGreat for an overnight
This campground is great for an overnight or quick weekend trip. My boyfriend and I brought the dogs and had a great campground spot on the lake. There is a short walking path around the lake, which was relaxing. We were able to swim in the designated area as well. Not much more to do, so it's great for a quick trip.