The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway creates a 234-mile navigable channel connecting the Tennessee River with the Tombigbee River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. This man-made waterway runs through eastern Mississippi and western Alabama, offering unique glamping opportunities where campers can watch working barges pass by on the commercial shipping channel. Water levels can fluctuate throughout the year, with occasional flooding reported during heavy rain seasons.
What to do
Watch barges navigate the waterway: From Dewayne Hayes Campground, you can observe commercial traffic on the Tennessee-Tombigbee. "Cool to watch the working barges going by," notes a camper who visited in October.
Paddle on calmer waters: Kayaking is popular at several locations along the waterway. "We launch and paddle from our site," reports one visitor at Dewayne Hayes who stayed in March. The same camper adds that "many sites are right on the river."
Play disc golf: Several parks in the area feature well-maintained courses. At Lake Lowndes State Park, a camper mentions, "Sites could use some work but over all very nice campground. Frisbee golf coarse is a huge plus!!"
Hike nature trails: Many glamping spots offer walking paths. "The hiking trail that loops around the water is beautiful," says one reviewer about Lake Lowndes State Park. Some trails connect directly to campsites while others require a short drive.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Deerlick Creek receives high marks for site layout. A visitor notes, "Love the large sites that are nicely separated from neighboring sites and overlook the water." This privacy is uncommon in more developed campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing: The waterway corridor attracts diverse animals. "We watched deer almost tamely walking around the campground," reports one Deerlick Creek camper. Another location known for critter sightings is Dewayne Hayes, where a visitor mentioned, "And lots of armadillos."
Clean facilities: Starkville KOA maintains high standards for restrooms. "Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean. Grounds were clean," says one reviewer who gave the location five stars. This matters for glampers who want comfort without roughing it.
Water activities: Multiple glamping options provide water access. "We tent camped in the RV park with 4 dogs. Our campsite (10) was perfect- right on the water," shares a visitor at Lake Lowndes. Fishing opportunities vary by season and lake conditions.
What you should know
Cell service varies: Coverage can be spotty throughout the waterway region. A visitor to Choctaw Lake reports, "Hardly any cell signal with ATT but better than nothing." Plan communications accordingly, especially for remote work needs.
Seasonal operations: Some campgrounds close during winter months. "Choctaw Lake is open from March 9 to November 28," confirms one reviewer. Always check operating dates before planning a Tennessee-Tombigbee glamping trip.
Ant problems: Insects can be an issue in certain locations. A Lake Lowndes camper warns, "At about 4:00 am, we awoke to find ants invading the trailer. The outside of the trailer was covered with thousands of ants."
Limited amenities at some locations: Facilities vary widely between glamping options. For example, Bama RV Station has "no firepits or picnic tables" according to a recent visitor, while more developed parks offer full recreational facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Look for water-view sites: Children enjoy watching waterway traffic. At Town Creek Campground, one visitor reports, "During the week, we enjoy watching pilots from the Columbus Air Force Base honing their skills. The barges, more frequent during the day, have the occasional after dark run."
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Several glamping locations include kid-friendly areas. A Lake Lowndes visitor mentions, "They have a nice playground for the younger kids and disc golf for the older kids. And the lake is great for fishing and kayaking."
Consider proximity to stores: Supply runs are easier from certain locations. At Starkville KOA, "All stores, Walmart, restaurants etc.. are about a 12 minute drive away if needed," according to a family that stayed there.
Scout-friendly options: Some locations welcome youth groups. A visitor to Dewayne Hayes notes, "We went in April with our scouting troop. Very busy even then. Lots of small hiking trails. Nothing too fancy. Dollar general 10 minutes down the road if you need anything."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Some glamping spots along the Tennessee-Tombigbee have challenging access. As one camper at Deerlick Creek advises, "Be sure to check your spot to make sure you can park easily- some sites are difficult for large pull trailers."
Use reservation systems: Popular sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. "One of my favorite campgrounds. Best to make reservations on line it fills up fast on weekends," reports a Lake Lowndes visitor who gave the park five stars.
Dump station access: Facilities vary between locations. At Choctaw Lake, a reviewer notes, "This is a great place to dump your tanks. Only one problem and we expect it to be resolved soon. The charge is $5.00 but there is no one to pay!"
Level site options: For easier setup, certain campgrounds offer better surfaces. A reviewer at Dewayne Hayes praised the "Level sites" along with "friendly staff" and "clean restrooms," making it ideal for RV glamping along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
