## Overview

 Turkey Fork Recreation Area is the most popular recreation area on the DeSoto National Forest and one of the most visited outdoor recreation areas in south Mississippi, offering three bathhouses, a picnic area, two swim areas, a boat ramp, a floating pier, 20 RV campsites, and 8 primitive camping sites, which surround a 240-acre lake The lake is stocked with catfish, bass, and bluegill. Recreational opportunities at Turkey Fork include fishing, water sports, camping, picnicking, and hiking. With all these opportunites, a visit to Turkey Fork Recreation Area will provide its visitors with an enjoyable outdoor experience and memories to take home. 
## Recreation

 Turkey Fork is a popular recreation destination offering premier fishing, camping, picnicking and watersports activities, such as swimming and skiing. \_It has a boat ramp, floating dock, two swim areas, and three bathhouses. The 240 acre lake stocked with bass, crappie, and bluegill. Day use visitors will find secluded picnicking sites located near the beach. A mile hiking trail connects the day use area to the camping area. 
## Facilities

 The campground has six RV campsites available for reservation. Additional RV campsites are available on a first-come, first served basis. Each campsite has water and electric hookups, picnic table, and fire-ring with grill. Flush toilets, and showers is available at the campground bathhouse. A campground host is on-site. 
## Natural Features

 Turkey Fork Recreation Area is built around the 240-acre Turkey Fork Reservoir.

Turkey Fork Rec Area

We ventured to this campground not knowing what to expect. It did not disappoint! The sites were spaced further apart than many of the other campgrounds we've been. It was quite and peaceful. There were only a few other folks camping at the same time as us but we spoke to a Park Ranger who mentioned it does fill up sometimes on peak weekends. We camp in a pop-up so we rely on the bath houses - these were clean and the showers were hot! Each site had a picnic table and fire ring which also seconds as a grill. I didn't scout out every site but ours was in excellent condition.  They don't "over-manicure" the space between the lake and campsites so it feels more natural and tucked into nature than other places we've been (which we prefer). Better for the environment.  Each RV site had a decent sized parking pad, water hook up, electric hook up; no greywater drain so make sure you take a basin. The sewer dump/trash are located just as you exit the campground like most places. There's also a primitive section where you park in a lot and walk to your site (those were $7/night). We were there during the 2020 Covid debacle so payment was made to the honor box. I assume it's always like that but that may not be true when there isn't a pandemic.  There are two different swimming areas and a boat dock just across the lake from the camp. Highly recommend!

Quiet, Clean and Spacious 

**This is a nice little fishing-focused area within the northern part of large national forest. The large lake has swimming, fishing, and boating so plan to be on the water all day. There is a nice shady area along the lake with picnic tables and grills. The hiking trail is very short. We spent half a day here relaxing while on a road trip and the mellow atmosphere was just perfect. Convenient to and from Hattiesburg/rt 59 as well as from Mobile.**

**Yay: Campground is nice and shady and all the sites are close to the water. Clean with basic facilities. Simple but nice nature setting. Close to trails in the national forest.**

**Nay: No complaints, but if you don’t have a boat there’s not much to do on site.**

**Surprise: They stock the lake with fish. Loved walking out onto the pier.**

De Soto National Forest 

Very clean and quiet. Rangers were present at all times but not bugging anyone. I will be back here. There wasn’t a lot of fish biting. Still a great relaxing place. 

Awesome spot 

This place is a local favorite. Nice and friendly atmosphere. I used to enjoy visiting as a child. Brought my husband and kids for the weekend for their first time. It was so quiet and peaceful. We enjoyed the recreational area all to ourselves. The children enjoyed playing with the perch that would swim up to them. The bathrooms were clean. Forestry service was friendly. I love the honor system. Shady camping that overlooks the reservoir. 

Peaceful and Quiet

Arrived here today. By the time I got camp set up, the host stopped by welcomed me and said if there are issues to get with them. Very friendly!