Best Dispersed Camping near Hattiesburg, MS

Dispersed camping options near Hattiesburg, Mississippi remain limited, with only a few documented locations in surrounding forest areas. Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping and Leaf Wilderness Area provide the primary free primitive camping options in the region. Both sites exist on public land with minimal development and no amenities. These areas permit camping without reservations or fees, though campers should be prepared for truly primitive conditions with no developed facilities.

Access varies significantly between the two areas. Camp Shelby is accessible via drive-in and walk-in routes, while Leaf Wilderness Area requires hiking or walking in with no vehicle access to campsites. Neither location offers drinking water, hookups, or standard campground amenities like picnic tables or trash service. Camp Shelby does provide basic toilet facilities, which Leaf Wilderness lacks entirely. Road conditions can deteriorate during wet weather, with one visitor noting "if it's rainy or wet the ground turns to red mud you could get stuck in." Both areas permit pets and alcohol, with fires allowed at designated spots.

These primitive camping areas present challenges that require advance preparation. Campers report mixed experiences, with several noting concerning conditions at Camp Shelby. A review mentioned the area was "littered with burnt trash, animal remains and shell casings. It seems to be more of a shooting range than a camping spot." At Leaf Wilderness Area, visitors reported difficulty finding the location, with one noting "no signs" and concerns about potential trespassing on adjacent private property. Another camper mentioned hearing shooting nearby: "You just drive and see very clear campsites along the main road. Due to it being public land, we did hear shooting nearby, not fun." Despite these challenges, some visitors find solitude, with one Camp Shelby visitor reporting they "stayed in my SUV for 2 nights and didn't see or hear anyone around."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hattiesburg, Mississippi (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hattiesburg, MS

1 Photos of 3 Hattiesburg Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hattiesburg, MS

5 Reviews of 3 Hattiesburg Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Leaf Wilderness Area

    Spots are along main road

    You just drive and see very clear campsites along the main road. Due to it being public land, we did here shooting nearby, not fun.

    If it weren't for the shooting, this would be a 5 star.

  • Debbie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2025

    Leaf Wilderness Area

    Couldn’t find, no signs!

    My GPS said turn left, I looked and there was an old, overgrown, wagon trail. Next to a private residence. WITH NO SIGN. I was afraid I was trespassing! It was on the dark side of dusk and raining really hard so maybe I missed something… I won’t try again!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2023

    Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping

    not a terrible spot if in a pinch

    The road you drive on to get here has multiple signs warning that stray bullets may cross. The actual sites are littered with bullet casings and other trash. If it’s rainy or wet the ground turns to red mud you could get stuck in. But it’s free so.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2022

    Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping

    Found is by accident

    Been there once, Going again sometime soon. Stayed in my SUV for 2 nights and didn't see or hear anyone around. Did hear dogs(or coyotes) in the background but nothing happened. It's up on a little hill which is nice. You have a huge amount of space to go back off the road. I'll update again(11/22)

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping

    Very gross!!!

    The entire area was littered with burnt trash, animal remains and shell casings. It seems to be more of a shooting range than a camping spot. 30Sep23


Guide to Hattiesburg

Dispersed camping near Hattiesburg, Mississippi features mostly primitive sites situated in the region's mixed pine and hardwood forest terrain. The surrounding area receives approximately 60 inches of annual rainfall, creating seasonal conditions that affect accessibility and camping experiences. Free primitive camping opportunities in this area require substantial self-sufficiency and preparation for the region's hot, humid summers and mild winters.

What to do

Shooting sports: caution required: Areas around Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping have become informal shooting locations. One visitor notes, "The road you drive on to get here has multiple signs warning that stray bullets may cross." Safety considerations should be primary when selecting campsites here.

Wildlife observation: varied opportunities: The forests surrounding Hattiesburg contain diverse wildlife. At Leaf Wilderness Area, campers can observe native species in their natural habitat, though some wildlife may present safety concerns. As one camper at Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping observed, "Did hear dogs (or coyotes) in the background but nothing happened."

Solitude seeking: possible with planning: The remoteness of these sites can provide isolation from other campers. A Camp Shelby visitor reported, "Been there once, Going again sometime soon. Stayed in my SUV for 2 nights and didn't see or hear anyone around."

What campers like

Elevated terrain: natural drainage: Some dispersed camping areas near Hattiesburg offer topographical advantages. A camper at Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping noted, "It's up on a little hill which is nice." These elevated positions can provide better drainage during wet weather.

Spacious sites: room to spread out: The undeveloped nature of these areas means campers often have substantial space. As one Camp Shelby visitor mentioned, "You have a huge amount of space to go back off the road." This provides flexibility for setting up multiple tents or creating separate cooking areas.

Cost considerations: zero fees: The free status of these areas makes them economically accessible options. One camper acknowledged the value proposition despite drawbacks: "But it's free so."

What you should know

Sanitation concerns: substantial litter: Prepare to encounter significant amounts of debris at some locations. A camper at Camp Shelby reported, "The actual sites are littered with bullet casings and other trash." Pack cleaning supplies and extra trash bags.

Weather impacts: challenging terrain: The soil composition around Hattiesburg creates specific challenges during wet conditions. At Leaf Wilderness Area, the clay-based soil becomes problematic after rain, similar to Camp Shelby where "if it's rainy or wet the ground turns to red mud you could get stuck in."

Navigation difficulties: limited signage: Finding these primitive camping areas can be challenging. One visitor to Leaf Wilderness Area stated, "My GPS said turn left, I looked and there was an old, overgrown, wagon trail. Next to a private residence. WITH NO SIGN. I was afraid I was trespassing!"

Tips for camping with families

Noise awareness: firearm activity: Families should consider sound levels when selecting sites. At Leaf Wilderness Area, one camper reported, "You just drive and see very clear campsites along the main road. Due to it being public land, we did here shooting nearby, not fun."

Site selection: prioritize visibility: Choose camps with clear boundaries to avoid privacy or property concerns. A Leaf Wilderness visitor warned about access points that appeared to cross private property, noting they "won't try again" after uncertainty about boundaries.

Contingency planning: have alternatives: Weather and ground conditions can necessitate changes in camping plans. Bring information about developed campgrounds as backups when the primitive sites become unsuitable due to conditions.

Tips from RVers

Ground assessment: essential preparation: RV campers should thoroughly check the terrain before committing to a site. The clay soil at dispersed camping locations near Hattiesburg becomes problematic after rainfall. Prepare recovery equipment such as traction boards or a winch.

Site limitations: size constraints: Many primitive camping areas around Hattiesburg have limited space for larger vehicles. The unmarked nature of most sites means RV camping options are extremely limited and generally unsuitable for anything beyond small campervans with off-road capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hattiesburg, MS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hattiesburg, MS is Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping with a 2.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hattiesburg, MS?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Hattiesburg, MS, with real photos and reviews from campers.