John W. Kyle State Park Campground

Fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to Sardis Lake at John W Kyle State Park, where anglers cast lines from shoreline spots and launch boats to target the lake's fish populations. The campground operates year-round on paved sites that accommodate big rigs, though campers should bring extra water hose since hookups can be positioned 50 feet or more from some sites.

The facility shows signs of deferred maintenance, with only half the campground currently open and operational. One bathhouse serves the active camping area, providing hot showers and heated facilities during cooler months. Site numbers are poorly marked, making arrival during daylight hours advisable. "No real hiking to speak of, one short trail nearby," notes Steve G., though the lake itself draws hundreds of sportsmen throughout the year.

Campers report a generally quiet atmosphere in the operational sections, with friendly neighbors and basic amenities including a dump station and trash service. Cell service reaches the campground. The northern section remains closed with overgrown sites, while the active areas receive basic upkeep. No pets are permitted on the property.

This campground suits anglers prioritizing lake access over polished facilities, particularly those comfortable with a more rustic state park experience and RV travelers needing big rig accommodation near Sleepy Bend.

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Map & DirectionsJohn W. Kyle State Park Campground is located in Mississippi near Sardis

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

34.429473 N
89.803855 W

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Connectivity

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    Verified by 1 user

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews10 Camper Reviews - John W. Kyle State Park Campground

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10 Reviews

John W Kyle State Park offers a quiet, peaceful setting popular with anglers, but numerous guests pointed out serious maintenance issues including closed facilities and poor upkeep. While staff friendliness and tranquil atmosphere receive praise, visitors should expect basic amenities to be lacking and bring extra water hoses.

Reviewed Feb. 19, 2022

Great location, not well kept

When you arrive the office is closed, just a phone number to check in. Very poor signage, sites are poorly marked. No lights for late arrivals. Branches down in the roads and sites. Roads had poor drainage and large puddles. Sites are paved and fairly level. You may need a long potable water hose, 50+ feet. The bathhouse was heated with hot showers and clean toilet stalls. This is a fishing hotspot with lots of boats and folks fishing from the shores. Sardis Lake is impressive and attracts hundreds of sportsmen. This is an inexpensive and convenient location if you have modest expectations.

Site80
Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2021

Very rough campground

While many sites have full service, this campground is badly in need of repairs and maintenance. I am not sure if any of the bathrooms are open as I went to 3, that were out of service Oddly, there was a small building with laundry. The northern part of the campground appears to only have a few sites in the upper numbers that were open. Most sites in the northern part are grown up in weeds and the concrete tables were in bad shape The staff was very nice! . We stayed one night then moved just to the south to the COE campground that is much better maintained.

Site270
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of John W. Kyle State Park Campground by William F., August 7, 2021
  • Review photo of John W. Kyle State Park Campground by William F., August 7, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2021

Oh, if only one were to mow

This is our close by getaway. Usually pretty solid, not great, but not bad. This time, we’ll, it was pretty ugly around here. Looks like it has been weeks since the grass was cut. Talking to another camper, he said this park is known for never getting mowed. The water spigot was in a several inches of water, trash littered campsites, just overall, this place needs to do better. It has so much potential.

Site97
Month of VisitJune
  • spigot in the water
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2021

Quiet and plenty of space

We’ve stayed here three times and always in the same area away from the lake. Very quiet, friendly neighbors and pretty well maintained. We did have to buy an extra hose to reach water hookup but other than that, it was good. We did not book a site with sewer hookups, but the dump station was easy to find and no one else was there so it worked out well! Especially since it was our first time dumping. Not rushed! The rinse hose at the dump station was busted but thankfully we had an extra in our bin to rinse out our tanks.

Site114
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 15, 2021

Getting better, slowly but surely

We are back this year. In the 7 or so months since we camped here, this park has made some improvements. More sites are open. The grass in the open areas is better Maintained. The areas that are still closed look like they are getting close. I spoke to the ranger and the closed areas are closed due to electrical issues. They are having the power redone so it is safe to open.

Site97
Month of VisitMay
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  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2020

Finally fixing this one up

This is an old campground. The sites are not well marked, so make sure you get there during daylight. We have camped here a few times, as it is relatively close to home. They are finally beginning to work on the other side of the campground to get it opened back up. This has the potential to be a great spot. Most of the sites on the edges are in the sun most of the day, so be aware of that. The park is nice and peaceful, with plenty of fishing and boating opportunities. No real hiking to speak of, one short trail nearby.

Site90
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of John W. Kyle State Park Campground by Steve G., October 18, 2020
  • Review photo of John W. Kyle State Park Campground by Steve G., October 18, 2020
  • Review photo of John W. Kyle State Park Campground by Steve G., October 18, 2020
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2020

Awful

It’s really hard for me to give 1 star for anything, but this place is a dump. This is the 3rd MS State Park (North MS) we have been to and it is clear that MS does not take care of its state parks. Only half of the park is open, the grass was overgrown, trash/garbage is littered every where (especially near the open dumpsters that are randomly placed throughout camp), the ranger only came around to collect fees and then disappeared. The bathroom does not have AC or a fan, so it was a total sweat box. The toilet paper was not replenished, there is no hand soap, there was broken glass on the ground in one of the stalls. The shower portion wasn’t that bad, but again, no AC. The water hook ups are at least 100 foot away from most camp sites, so bring lots of extra hose if you do end up staying here. The site #’s are not clearly marked and they do not post if a site is reserved. No designated fire pits, so people have been just burning where ever they want. The fee is $22 a night, but they will charge you another $16 if you put up a tent. Overall, I paid $39 to stay in the worst campground we have ever gone to. Get it together Mississippi!

Site62
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of John W. Kyle State Park Campground by Shana D., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of John W. Kyle State Park Campground by Shana D., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of John W. Kyle State Park Campground by Shana D., August 11, 2020
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2019

Quiet stay

Had a comfortable night in a cabin. Cabin was warm & had everything we needed. Will stay here again if we’re in the area.

Month of VisitJanuary
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2019

This place is a ghost town. Half

Half of the park is abandoned/closed down and only one bath house is up and running. The few spots they do have are taken up by gigantic big rigs that don’t need the bathrooms so it’s terribly set up. The Ranger will try to bamboozle you into staying there when you are looking for the park next door (Hernando Point-Oak Grove).

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitors say in their reviews of John W. Kyle State Park?

Visitor experiences at John W. Kyle State Park are mixed. Many appreciate the quiet location and good fishing opportunities on the lake. The park has been undergoing gradual improvements, with more campsites reopening over time. Some campers mention issues with maintenance including overgrown grass, unmarked sites, and closed facilities. Campers generally find the sites level and appreciate the full hookup options, though some note needing extra-long water hoses. The dump station is reported as easily accessible. Visitors typically mention the park as a decent local getaway option, though expectations should be managed regarding facility conditions.

What are the cabin accommodations like at John W. Kyle State Park?

The cabins at John W. Kyle State Park offer comfortable accommodations with heating and all necessary amenities for a pleasant stay. They're well-equipped for visitors, providing basic essentials and a cozy atmosphere. Guests have reported positive experiences with the cabins, finding them warm and suitable for their needs. They make a good option for those who prefer not to tent camp or use RVs. For specific cabin amenities, layout details, and current pricing, it's best to contact the park directly before your visit.

How do I make camping reservations at John W. Kyle State Park?

To make camping reservations at John W. Kyle State Park, you can book through the Mississippi State Parks reservation system online or by phone. The park office may not always be staffed upon arrival, so advance reservations are recommended. When you arrive, there's typically a phone number posted for check-in assistance if the office is closed. Be aware that site markings can be unclear, so arriving during daylight hours is advisable for easier navigation. Sites include both partial and full hookup options, with varying distances to water connections. Contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks for the most current reservation policies and fees.

Where can I find photos of John W. Kyle State Park?

Photos of John W. Kyle State Park can be found on several platforms. The Mississippi State Parks official website features official images of the park's amenities, cabins, and lake views. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook contain visitor-shared photos with location tags. The Dyrt app and website host user-submitted camping photos that show actual campsites and facilities. Additionally, Google Maps has visitor-uploaded images that provide realistic perspectives of the park's current condition and layout.