Tent campsites near Pontotoc, Mississippi can be found within Holly Springs National Forest, which encompasses over 156,000 acres of mixed pine and hardwood forest. Most primitive camping options sit at elevations between 300-500 feet above sea level, providing moderately hilly terrain for hiking. Campers should prepare for seasonal temperature fluctuations typical of north Mississippi, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter overnight lows occasionally dropping below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Puskus Lake provides multiple fishing docks with bench seating for anglers. "Fun little quick trip to paddle around in kayak, fish & enjoy great meal over grill," notes one visitor. Some parts of the lake have concrete boat launches for small watercraft.
Hiking options: Short trail systems around Puskus Lake total approximately 5 miles through forested areas. "There are 2 trails you can walk on around the campsite but they only equal about 5 miles and are not maintained very well in some areas although they are flat and easy to explore," explains a camper. Trails generally receive limited maintenance but remain accessible for casual hiking.
Wildlife viewing: The national forest surroundings support diverse wildlife observation opportunities. Visitors should scan the shorelines at dawn and dusk for increased animal activity. The relative isolation of most camping areas creates natural wildlife corridors around campsites.
What campers like
Solitude and quietness: Cox Lake attracts campers seeking minimal crowds. "Great little fishing lake," mentions one visitor. Many sites receive limited use, especially during weekdays, providing opportunities for peaceful camping experiences away from noise.
Affordability: The camping areas near Pontotoc offer budget-friendly options. At Puskus Lake, "It is a Fee area. It's 1$ for day use and 7$ for camp use. Bring cash," advises a camper. National Forest passes provide additional discounts at designated sites.
Lake access: Beach Point at Sardis Lake features tent sites with direct water views. "The view and proximity to the water is truly what makes this spot. All sites are tent sites so you have to be parked in the parking lot but we were the only ones there in early January so was easy to park as close as possible to a spot," reports one winter visitor.
What you should know
Facility limitations: Most campgrounds have minimal amenities and inconsistent maintenance. "Campsite was great. Beautiful lake and not crowded. Night time was quiet. Really enjoyed the views and relaxing environment. This is a great location to disconnect, but do not expect the amenities other sites offer (bathrooms, electricity, water, etc.)," explains a Puskus Lake camper.
Cash requirements: Elmers Hill and other area campgrounds operate on self-registration systems requiring exact cash payment. Visitors should bring small bills for payment boxes at entrances. Cell service can be unreliable for electronic payment options.
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate on inconsistent schedules. "This place is a gem if you're a tent camper. We have camped here once, but most of the time it is closed. I am not sure why," notes a visitor about Elmers Hill. Calling ahead or checking online resources for current operational status is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection considerations: Choose sites with adequate space between neighbors. At Puskus Lake, "The campground itself is quite small but the camping spaces have a good amount of room to them so you do not feel like you are on top of each other," reports a visitor. Sites farther from boat launches typically provide more buffer space.
Walk-in requirements: Hays Crossing and some other locations require equipment to be carried from parking areas. "The websites states you can bring a small camper here, but in wouldn't try it," advises a visitor. Families should pack accordingly with easily portable gear.
Bug protection: Insect activity varies seasonally but can be significant. "The flies!! They were so so bad! And bighty!! My poor dogs were covered in flies, as were we," warns a Beach Point camper. Families should bring adequate insect repellent, particularly during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Graham Lake at Sardis Lake provides basic no-hookup options for smaller RVs only. "No hookups. Nothing. But, it is a free campground so what can you say. It's rather nice there. This is a very small campground with about 5 spots. Large rigs are a no go I would think, as access can be tight," cautions a visitor.
Road condition awareness: Access roads to primitive camping areas often present challenges. "The roads in are horrible," notes a Hays Crossing reviewer. RVers should research current road conditions and consider high-clearance vehicles for reaching more remote campgrounds.
Alternative options: Most tent camping sites near Pontotoc cannot accommodate larger recreational vehicles. RVers requiring hookups should consider developed campgrounds farther from Pontotoc. Self-contained units with onboard systems will have more flexibility at primitive sites.
