Trace State Park near Belden sits at an elevation of around 400 feet in northeastern Mississippi's gently rolling hills. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional frost. The surrounding terrain features mixed hardwood forests interspersed with pine stands, creating diverse ecosystems for wildlife observation during camping trips.
What to Do
Hiking trails: Whitten Park Campground offers easy access to walking paths throughout the property. One camper noted, "There are several fishing piers as well as gazebos and water access, this park offers a lot!" The trail system provides multiple routes for different ability levels.
Disc golf: Tombigbee State Park Campground features an 18-hole disc golf course winding through wooded areas. A visitor shared, "Disc golf course is very fun. It has an interesting layout in the woods so it is much like a hike." The course combines outdoor exercise with recreational competition.
Fishing opportunities: Davis Lake Campground provides excellent shoreline fishing access with 14 lakefront sites. As one reviewer described, "14 sites are right on the lake front offering spectacular sun rises and evening sun sets. The lake is known to anglers, and wildlife and birds are a given." Fish species include bass, catfish and bream.
What Campers Like
Peaceful environment: Moon Lake Farm offers a quiet retreat with minimal facilities but maximum tranquility. A camper mentioned, "This is a very peaceful stop with 30 amp power and water available. Well kept and very nice host. The land and lake are beautiful." The property includes a short walking trail circling the grounds.
Clean facilities: Tishomingo State Park maintains well-kept shower facilities even in off-season periods. A visitor commented, "Showers were very hot and the bathrooms were very clean!" Sites are adequately spaced with concrete pads, though some have elevation changes to consider.
Water views: Howard Stafford Park Campground provides lakeside camping with scenic sunset views. One reviewer noted, "Clean grounds with friendly host. Photo from our site #7 overlooking the lake. Non campers kicked out at 8pm and gates are locked." Sites include concrete pads with full hookups.
What You Should Know
Road conditions: Several campgrounds in the area have deteriorating access roads. At Trace State Park, multiple campers mentioned road issues: "The roads in the park are terrible! That's the one downside to the park." Another visitor added, "The only issue was the poor road maintenance in getting to our campsite."
Campsite privacy: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. Tombigbee State Park offers some separation between sites, but as one camper observed, "Inside loop spots are mostly close together, very little privacy." Consider requesting outer loop sites for more seclusion.
Limited swimming: Despite many lakes in the region, designated swimming areas are limited. At Tishomingo State Park, "The only disappointment for us was the lack of swimming opportunities. The pool has long been out of service and swimming isn't allowed in the lake."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Tombigbee State Park Campground includes multiple updated playgrounds for children. A reviewer mentioned, "Very walkable. Small campground with access to amenities by foot. Multiple updated playgrounds." The playground areas lack shade, however, so bring sunscreen.
Kid-friendly trails: Davis Lake Campground features short, manageable trails suitable for children. "The walking path is about a quarter mile down to a spot where people fish," noted one visitor. These paths provide easy wildlife viewing opportunities for younger campers.
Safety features: Howard Stafford Park gates close at 8pm with keys provided to registered campers. A visitor explained, "All campers get a key for after hours entry/exit. Beautiful little spot." This provides additional security for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Serenity RV Park, concrete pull-through sites offer advantages for larger rigs. A camper shared, "Site 26 with FHUs is 1 of 6 pull through cement sites in the CG. The 4 back-in sites are cement pads. The pad was spacious, providing ample room for our 40' fifth wheel and F-450 truck."
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Belden: Many local campgrounds welcome pets but with varying amenities. Campground at Barnes Crossing is centrally located with designated pet areas. One reviewer commented, "Short nice walk and area for dogs. Not far from freeway."
Hookup positioning: At Tishomingo State Park, campers should park strategically to avoid dropoffs. "The downfall to this park is the camper pads. There are a few that are perfect. Most of them once you step out of your camper has a huge drop off. Just remember to park as close to the hookup side as possible."
