Camping areas near Carthage, Mississippi cluster around several watershed features, with most public camping concentrated along the Pearl River and various reservoirs in the region. Carthage sits at approximately 400 feet elevation in the central part of the state, where the climate remains mild enough for camping nearly year-round. Most camping options lie within a 30-40 mile radius of Carthage, with highest concentration toward the southwest.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can access multiple fishing spots at Roosevelt State Park Campground where visitors report "good bass fishing." Turkey Creek Water Park offers a different experience with "lilly pads and bass" according to campers, and the reservoir provides alternative fishing environments.
Water recreation: Timberlake Campground provides direct access to Ross Barnett Reservoir with one visitor noting it's "right on the reservoir, but immediately near any restaurant, grocery, event space you want." The lake offers swimming, boating, and shoreline activities throughout warmer months.
Hiking and nature trails: LeFleur's Bluff State Park Campground features "trails [that] are lovely, easy walks through cypress swamps and dry forest. One way the trail leads to a dam with old structures and great fishing opportunities, the other fork leads you to the museum of natural science!" Several paths connect camping areas to water features and wildlife viewing spots.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: LeFleur's Bluff State Park Campground consistently receives positive reviews for wildlife sightings with one camper noting, "We got to see alligators and a beaver while there. It's a very fun park in the middle of town. You would Never know it though!"
Spacious sites: Goshen Springs Campground receives praise for site dimensions with one reviewer mentioning, "Sites are spacious and level. Has easy access to the Pearl River and Ross Barnett Reservoir. Plenty of boat parking and nice boat launch." Another camper specifically noted the "nice large pads and yard with grill."
Convenient amenities: Roosevelt State Park Campground features "smooth paved roads, level concrete pads, picnic tables that will seat 8, fire ring and grill at each site." Campers also appreciate the variety of recreational facilities with one noting "Lot's to do here. Hiking, boating, pool, water slides."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Although most campgrounds operate year-round, water-based amenities like pools and water slides typically close during cooler months. One camper at Roosevelt State Park mentioned "Pool and slide was closed (probably COVID related??) as were the bath houses."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons (March-October). Sites with water views fill quickly at all locations. Walk-up camping may be available at select locations but isn't guaranteed.
Facility maintenance varies: Quality and upkeep differ between campgrounds and even within the same facility. At Timberlake Campground, one camper observed, "Parts of it is very well cared for & maintained, but a large area needs serious attention. Our site was in that area. The concrete pads were badly broken & uneven, garbage littered the whole area..."
Tips for camping with families
Museum access: LeFleur's Bluff provides educational opportunities with proximity to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. A camper noted "My children loved that!!!" regarding the museum access directly from the trail system.
Swimming options: Turkey Creek Water Park offers swimming facilities with "a sandy beach, and just a nice relaxing atmosphere" according to one review. Several campgrounds maintain pools during summer months as alternatives to lake swimming.
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment for younger visitors. A review of Turkey Creek mentions "clean with nice bunk houses. Fishing was good and sunsets amazing," providing multiple activities for different age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking at Goshen Springs, one RVer advised seeking the newer sections: "In fact, most sites are really level with minimal effort needed to finish leveling. Electric and water were easily accessible."
Long-term stays: Several campgrounds accommodate extended stays, but some RVers note this affects the camping experience. At Coal Bluff Campground, a visitor observed, "Actually a lot bigger then I had expected. The grounds were clean and looked nice. That being said, there are a lot of people who call this home. They have pay monthly spots but it looked like so many more are living there."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with 50-amp electric, water and sewer connections are available at most developed campgrounds. One RVer at Low Head Dam Campground noted it provides "all the basic amenities. Well maintained" though options may be more limited than at larger facilities.
