Airey Lake Recreation Area, near Perkinston, Mississippi, is a laid-back spot perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This campground offers a few designated sites with picnic tables and fire rings, making it a cozy place to gather around the fire and enjoy some quality time outdoors.

Visitors appreciate the free drinking water and the vault toilet facilities, though it's wise to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. The area is known for its peaceful vibe, with plenty of space between campsites, allowing for a more private experience. As one camper noted, “It was quiet and peaceful with lots of space in between each group.”

For those who enjoy hiking, the Tuxachanie Trail runs nearby, providing a great opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the De Soto National Forest. The lake itself is a lovely spot for fishing or just soaking in the scenery, especially at sunset when the reflections on the water are stunning.

While weekends can get a bit crowded, arriving early can help you snag a more secluded spot. Whether you're pitching a tent for a night or two or just passing through, Airey Lake offers a nice escape into nature without the frills.

Airey Lake Recreation Area

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, De Soto National Forest, MS has a lot to offer. De Soto National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your De Soto National Forest camping trip.

De Soto National Forest

The Best Camping Near De Soto National Forest, Mississippi

There are a handful of campsites with fire pits.  Nice clean restrooms and running water. Love to go do nighttime photography here as it is away from towns and the skies are pretty dark.  In the spring it can get a bit busy on the weekends (10 boys with a boy scout troop were there) But they quieted down pretty early.  The campsites are spaced out throughout the campground, with plenty of room at each one.  There is a lake which gives a beautiful reflection of the night sky.  Also, on the east side of the pond the Tuxachanie trail passes thru. So if hiking it, this can be a nice place for your overnight stay if doing a multi day hike.

Beautiful campgrounds

Drove in a night so wasn't able to appreciate the beauty until the next morning. Decent sized lake with hiking trails and fishing.. picnic tables which makes for easy cooking when your used to nation Forrest with no amenities. Pet friendly and quiet. The 2nd night we were there met an awesome group of hikers that where on a multi day hike can't remember the name of the trail. Would recommend staying here.

Nice little escape..kudos missippi

Nice, quiet, free campground. This campground has no security &amp; is not locked at night. Campsites with firepits available on a first come, first serve basis. Running water available from a spigot. The bathroom was a single toilet and sink. While relatively clean, this is definitely a bring your own TP bathroom. The area is beautiful with lots of trails and a lake. Overall, nice campground that felt pretty safe.

Nice, quiet campground

Campground is first-come, first-serve, but when we went there were plenty of spaces available. It was quiet and peaceful with lots of space in between each group. There is no campground host or check-in service. There is a toilet and sink, but I would bring your own toilet paper, handsoap/sanitizer, etc. We only had time to briefly walk one of the trails around the lake but it was very nice.

Peaceful campground

I have been here many times. This campground is a stop halfway through the Tuxachanie trail. It is a quaint park with 4 designated campsites with tables and fire rings. However, it is very common to see tents all around the lake and other spots including secluded spots that are permissible. The campground is free of charge with no showers and a water pump by the one stall bathroom. 

I love Airey Lake!

It’s pretty close to the road and the drive in loop has cars making noise and lights all night. 

Good because I was only one of 2 people there.. I imagine more people would be not as great a place. 

A decent spot, not really “disperse”. 

Free spot with drinking water. Vault toilet. A few actual spots with fire pits and tables, but lots of make shift spots around the lake. Gets really crowded during weekends but if you get there early, you can find a secluded spot. 

Great Free Spot

It's closed, most are. This one says due to hurricane damage and public safety. They can't get around to fixing it but sure can show up to tell you to leave. It looks like its just as nice as the other reviews state but doesn't matter, for now.

Closed due to "hurricane damage"

We were there for 12 days, really enjoyed it.  Then the WLM. made us leave.  Said it was coming reasons. Then they followed us to Big Foot and made us leave again. Seems to me we are safer out there than amongst people that could have covid.

Photos of Airey Lake Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers