Bienville National Forest is home to Marathon Lake Campground, a US Forest Service site in Raleigh, Mississippi, where forested terrain meets an open lakeside setting. Sites have fire rings and grills, and electric hookups are available. Cell service is notably spotty, so plan accordingly.
Water access is central to the experience here. Campers can swim in a designated area, fish along the lake's edge, or walk a trail that loops around the water for just under two miles. The campground draws a modest crowd, though at least one visitor found it busier than expected during peak summer months. For those exploring camping near Bienville National Forest, this site sits within easy reach of Tallahala Wildlife Management Area, where Mudline Road in Tallahala Wildlife Management Area and Cedar Creek in Tallahala Wildlife Management Area offer nearby alternatives.
Fees run $13 or less with an America the Beautiful Access Pass, covering electric, water, and dump station use. Maintenance is a known issue. As Kristi D. puts it, "bathrooms are falling apart but there is a shower with hot water if you dare." The campground works well as a short overnight stop or weekend base rather than a longer stay. Note that pets are not permitted.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMarathon Lake Campground is located in Mississippi near Forest
Public CampgroundDirections
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 9/12/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 9/12/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Jackson, MS
- 1 hr 31 min from Hattiesburg, MS
- 2 hrs 31 min from Gulfport, MS
- 2 hrs 49 min from Mobile, AL
