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Best Tent Camping near Clinton, MS

227 Reviews

Rocky Springs Campground offers tent campers a free, first-come, first-serve camping experience along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway near Clinton, Mississippi. Located at milepost 54.8, this established campground features 22 sites accommodating tent camping with paved parking pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Other tent camping options in the region include Shockaloe Base Camp I Camping in the Bienville National Forest and Blue Lake in the Delta National Forest area, both providing more primitive tent camping experiences.

Most tent sites at Rocky Springs Campground have good shade coverage and relatively flat terrain for tent setup. The campground has flush toilets but limited or inconsistent water service, with some reviews noting issues with water quality. A recent review noted, "There are flush toilets but no potable water. But you get to cruise on the trace!" Tent campers should bring all necessary drinking water and supplies as there are no stores within 30 minutes of the campground. No reservations are accepted, and the campground can fill up during peak periods, particularly on holiday weekends.

Tent campers at Rocky Springs enjoy access to several hiking trails and historic sites, including the abandoned town of Rocky Springs and an old church. The area offers wildlife viewing opportunities with campers frequently spotting deer within the campground. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Campsites are fairly spread out with decent shade in most spots" and provide a peaceful setting for tent camping. Cell service is extremely limited or non-existent at this location, making it ideal for backcountry tent campers seeking to disconnect. The surrounding area includes other historic sites along the Natchez Trace Parkway that tent campers can explore as day trips, including ancient burial mounds and plantation ruins.

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Best Tent Sites Near Clinton, Mississippi (6)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Clinton, MS

6 Photos of 6 Clinton Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Clinton, MS

227 Reviews of 6 Clinton Campgrounds

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2021

    Delta National Forest Site 45/45A

    Two is Better Than One

    0937 0940  

    Dates: Year round 

    Fee: $7.00 per night  If you want both sites double the fee  3.00 day use 

    Reservations only 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov

    Picnic table, fire ring, lantern site with pit toilet and trash, and potable water is available from the Delta Work F.C.

    Off of Highway 16 out of Rolling Fork, MS, we turned onto Fire Tower Road, you can take this road at two different places. We went to the second turn for a shorter trip and the gravel road in is not as pot holed than the first turn. Once you pass thru the open gate travel follow the GPS coordinates for directions. If you love primitive campsites you will love this and you will love this National Forest. We are very partial to primitive sites that are amazing. This is a very small campsite equipped with picnic table, fire ring and lantern pole. You will find some beautiful cypress trees and bayou's scattered through out the forest. Alcohol is NOT allowed in DNF. Food storage needs to be taken serious because of bear and wildlife in the forest. These are right off the gravel road and across from each other. I would guess that during the season you can make a meal out of the mosquitoes or I would guess they will make a meal of you. This site is so beautiful and I can't wait to go back. I know this is primitive but remember you MUST HAVE RESERVATIONS AND HAVE PAID FOR SITE. If it has rained you need to be aware that the site could be muddy. It had been bush hogged and was in great shape.

    Pack it in Pack it out.

    LNT

  • S
    Nov. 12, 2021

    Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Wonderful FREE Back to Nature Camping

    Rocky springs campground is a great place to get back to nature while traveling the South end of the historical Natchez Trace. There is almost NO cell service regardless of carrier. No electric, drinking water, or showers however the first set of bathrooms are very clean and work well. The bathroom sink water is not potable...it had a yellow tinge... literally. Nice paved pull through and back in pads, fire rings (way too tall but hey?!?), grills and picnic tables are plentiful. The large shade trees made solar power minimal but it was worth the boon docking, old time camping experience. Very peaceful get away from it all area. We camped next to the bathroom in a 21' RV.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2024

    Natchez Trace Parkway - Rocky Springs

    Peaceful Evening in the Trees

    All campsites had a picnic table, fire ring and a grill which were typical of these free NPS campsites. The bathroom facilities were clean with running non-potable water. All of the fire rings and grills were rusty and some of the wooden picnic tables were falling apart but we were one of a few campers this early in the season, so hopefully they'll be attended to before the summer rush. We picked a pull-thru site and lit a fire in the ring and used our own camp chairs and table for a lovely star filled night.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 22, 2022

    Grand Gulf Military Park

    Good Stay When Traveling Natchez Trace

    PRO

    Senior discount- saved $10 for 2 nights

    No prepayment required when phone reservations made 154 days prior to arriving 

    7 miles off of US61 

    Good jumping off spot for Natchez Trace and Vicksburg Battlefield 

    Friendly and helpful staff 

    Firewood delivered to campsite by staff for $5 

    Very quiet 

    Moveable metal frame wooden picnic table 

    Metal fire ring (only in upper loop) without cooking grate 

    Some shade 

    Level site #12 

    Entrance gate locked overnight 

    Upper loop 3/4 occupied; lower loop no occupants Thursday or Friday night 

    CONS 

    Street lights in campground 

    Campsite is selected from whatever is available upon your arrival, so you have to drive around and look for your site

    Gate locked earlier than 5pm as we were told it would be locked at 5pm, but upon arriving at 445pm and it was locked! 

    No campfires permitted in lower loop and that’s where the sites have the most shade Site#12 got covered with about 2 inches of mud upon a rain storm 

    Tiny grocery store in Port Gibson; otherwise it’s a trip to Vicksburg for the closest Walmart 

    Port Gibson had a McDonalds, Sonic and Pizza Hut(take out only) 

    1 bar Verizon 

    No WiFi

  • Gregory H.
    Mar. 25, 2020

    Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Unique place

    Free spot with restrooms (no showers). Just of the Natchez Trace parkway, which is nice for biking and scenic drives. A small trail takes a tour of the remains of a ghost town. Camping spots are spread out and have decent tree cover. Saw deer in the campgrounds on my last visit.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2017

    Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Nothing Fancy

    This little campground is nestled along the Natchez Trace Parkway at mile marker 54.8 (https://www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/upload/NATRmap_1_113_web.pdf).

    This is a FREE first come, first serve campground that offers 22 sites. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and flat real estate for setting up your tent. The campground is well shaded and can accommodate RVs but there are no hook ups available. There are a few bathrooms that have flush toilets and sinks but there are not showers available.

    It's a small facility that gets moderate use but appears to be well maintained. While black bears aren't prolific in the area they have been spotted. Be sure to store all food and scented items in your vehicle if possible.

  • Deborah C.
    Feb. 23, 2019

    Vicksburg Battlefield Campground

    Good location

    This was a great location if wanting to camp near the Vicksburg National military park. We walked to the park. Very few tent spots and most were in disrepair. The bathrooms were ok, they tried to keep them clean. The staff was friendly. Lots of highway noise, lots of noise from the permanent residents and their dogs. No wifi, no water.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2021

    Fish Lake Campground

    Awesome

    Dates:  year round

    Fee:  $7.00  Must have reservations site 18

              $3.00 day use 

    Accessible:  No

    You must make reservation with 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov

    Picnic table, fire ring, lantern pole.  This is dispersed camping but only in the numbered campsites.  Potable water is available from the Delta Work Force Center.  This is off Highway 16 out of Rolling Fork, MS.  We turned on the second exit for Fire Tower Road because it is shorter to the campsite and the dirt road is in better shape.  Look for the turn and follow it all the way to the dead end.  There is a beautiful, peace cypress water area with cypress stumps and wonderful trees.  The area was bush hogged so grass was very low.  If you love to boondock this is the spot.  No sun so solar will not work.  If you need power bring your generator and I would bring all the supplies needed so you don't have to drive out.

    LNT

    BTYFI

    Travel safe

  • Napunani
    Dec. 13, 2022

    Roosevelt State Park Campground

    Homesteaders & Toilet Facility Needs some TLC

    PROS 

    No fee to make my own on-line reservation

    Site 88 excellent view of lake 

    Pedestal BBQ grill 

    Wooden Picnic table top with concrete frame on a concrete slab 

    Nice space between MOST sites 

    Park easily accessible from I-20 

    3 bars T-MOBILE


    CONS 

    No senior discount 

    Site 88 concrete parking pad all cracked and heaved made for difficult leveling 

    5ft wide campsite fire ring…biggest we’ve ever seen! 

    Numerous HOMESTEADERS throughout CCC campground. Made campground very “junky” looking with all their “stuff ” piled around in their campsite 

    Park roadway in very poor condition, potholes connected to potholes!  Potholes keep speed at 10 mph or less

    Able to hear Interstate 20 road noise 

    Train noise about every 3 hours 

    Toilet/shower facility heavily used. Finish peeling off of toilet seats. Women’s stall doors coming apart. No soap. Insufficient TP once the weekend crowds hit.  Toilets were not cleaned Saturday

    Handicap assessable toilet only in one of the CCC campground loops 

    Trash dumpsters are in next campground loop so 30 minute walk 

    No campfire wood for sale in park, but sold at EXXON right outside park entrance

    No park WiFi

Guide to Clinton

Tent camping near Clinton, Mississippi offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Enjoy the convenience of electric hookups and showers at Black River Campsite, making your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
  • At Blue Lake, you can find picnic tables and toilets, ideal for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Shockaloe Base Camp I Camping offers a secluded experience in the Bienville National Forest, perfect for those seeking privacy and tranquility.

Explore local attractions

  • The picturesque setting of Blue Lake features a small, beautiful lake, perfect for fishing or simply enjoying nature.
  • Black River Campsite is a great spot for those who enjoy campfires under the stars, with firewood available for purchase.
  • Experience the serene environment of Shockaloe Base Camp I Camping, where you can immerse yourself in the sounds of nature and spot local wildlife.

Engage in outdoor activities

  • Kayaking and fishing are popular at Blue Lake, providing a fun way to explore the water.
  • Hike through the scenic trails surrounding Shockaloe Base Camp I Camping for a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the fresh air.
  • At Black River Campsite, you can set up camp and enjoy a variety of outdoor games and activities with friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clinton, MS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clinton, MS is Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway with a 4.1-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Clinton, MS?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Clinton, MS, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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