Tent camping near Coldwater, Mississippi offers several options for outdoor enthusiasts within Mississippi's northern region, where the terrain transitions from the Delta flatlands to more varied topography with scattered lakes. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 300-400 feet above sea level, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and high humidity that tapers in fall and winter. Local campgrounds typically operate year-round but experience reduced services during winter months.
What to do
Fishing access points: At Cox Lake within Holly Springs National Forest, visitors can enjoy bank fishing without needing to launch boats. "Great little fishing lake," notes one camper, though they caution about site maintenance issues.
Trail exploration: The trails at Maple Flat Group Campground provide hiking opportunities through wooded terrain. A visitor described the area as having "large trees, lots of moss and no overgrowth make this a beautiful place to explore for an hour or so."
Boat launch options: Several sites offer water access for small watercraft. At Beach Point on Sardis Lake, "There's a boat launch. You can see out across the lake. There is plenty of space to hike and explore," according to reviewers who appreciate the water access despite limited facilities.
Wildlife observation: During quieter seasons, campers might spot deer, various bird species, and occasional small mammals. The naturalist staff at Delta Heritage Trail State Park even invite visitors to educational experiences, with one camper noting, "We were invited to watch them feed the pet snake that was caught in the area."
What campers like
Solitude and space: Hays Crossing earns appreciation for its openness: "The view is great. You can see out across the lake. There is plenty of space to hike and explore. It is a free campground, so really, one can't complain."
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the low costs. At Beach Point, campers mention, "For $8 you could do worse," and another notes, "We went in the off season so it was free!"
Natural shade: Puskus Lake offers well-shaded sites that campers appreciate, particularly during hot summer months. One reviewer observed that "The campground sit in a nicely forested area just above the lake."
Evening atmosphere: Quiet nights are frequently mentioned as a positive feature. A Hunter H. at Puskus Lake reported, "Night time was quiet. Really enjoyed the views and relaxing environment."
What you should know
Facility maintenance varies: At Pleasant Hill Campground, campers have found "The campsites are overgrown or sunken. Looks like no one has camped here or taken care of the property in years."
Bathroom limitations: Delta Heritage Trail State Park Campground offers limited facilities: "They have one bathroom at the visitor center with a cold water fountain inside!"
Insect activity: Mosquitoes present a significant challenge, especially near water. At Delta Heritage, one camper advises, "Bring bug spray...mosquitoes were bad other than that it was great." Another camper at Beach Point reported, "The flies!! They were so so bad! And bighty!! My poor dogs were covered in flies, as were we."
Water quality concerns: Some lakes in the region may have water quality issues. At Puskus Lake, a camper observed, "The lake has motor oil/fuel running on the surface."
Seasonal crowd patterns: Weekends see increased activity, with one Puskus Lake visitor noting, "I camped here just one night in May 2021 on a Saturday, I got there at about 3pm and was the first there but by nightfall every site was full."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose larger, more established campgrounds for family camping. At Kellys Crossing Campground, a camper notes it's "technically a boat ramp that accesses Arkabutla Lake with picnic and camping areas nearby," making it suitable for families who want to combine camping with water activities.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have limited supervision. A solo female camper at Puskus Lake reported, "People stayed quiet with the exception of a 12:30am arrival man who walked onto my site right up to my tent to I guess see if anyone was there?? I'm a solo camping woman so that was a little scary."
Activity planning: For families with children, sites with defined recreation areas work best. Beach Point offers specific activities: "There are restrooms at the entrance, all sites have a table, trash can and grill."
Weather preparation: Summer heat and humidity can be challenging for younger campers. Bring additional water, cooling items, and sun protection from May through September.
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: Graham Lake presents challenges for larger vehicles: "Large rigs are a no go I would think, as access can be tight. If you're in a small to medium travel trailer or a tent, this could work out."
Boondocking readiness: Most sites near Coldwater offer limited or no hookups. A Graham Lake visitor advises, "No hookups. Nothing. But, it is a free campground so what can you say. It's rather nice there."
Parking considerations: Walk-in tent sites require planning for gear transport. At Beach Point, "Cars stay in the parking lot, and you walk up to your site. Pretty basic. Running water, flushable toilets, no showers."
