Corps of Engineers campgrounds line the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway near Columbus, Mississippi, with elevation ranging from 250 to 350 feet. Most camping areas sit directly on the waterway with concrete pads averaging 25-35 feet long. Winter temperatures typically range from 35-55°F with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and high humidity levels from June through September.
What to do
Walking trails year-round: At Blue Bluff Campground, the path from campground to picnic area offers a quiet 2-mile round trip with views of the lock and dam. "The walk from the campground to the picnic area offers a quiet (~ 2 mi round trip) and views of the lock and dam," notes camper Cyndi H.
Fishing from campsites: Fish directly from waterfront sites without needing a boat. "We stayed one night (4/25/21) at site 78. Our site was on the water and we were able to catch quite a few bream directly in front of us," reports Allie T. about her Blue Bluff experience.
Barge watching: The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway functions as a working river with regular barge traffic. "We rode bikes down and there was a barge coming up river so we hung around to watch. Once barge was in lock and closed, you can't see anything until the water starts to rise (you see the barge rising)," shares a reviewer from Blue Bluff Campground.
Paddling opportunities: Launch kayaks and canoes directly from some campsites. "We launch and paddle from our site," mentions a camper at Dewayne Hayes Campground. Water levels in certain areas can be shallow, requiring caution as noted by another camper: "The water along this stretch of the Tombigbee Waterway is very shallow and even kayaks can run aground in the mud."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between sites. "Nice spacing between sites and a nice dispersion of FHU sites with electric & water sites. Gave people the option of choosing either and allowed us to still group camp," shares Rick G. about Dewayne Hayes Campground.
Waterway views: Many sites directly face the water. "Busy campground but enough space so it doesn't feel like your neighbors are right on top of you. Plenty of shade and many spots have a direct view of the Tenn-Tom Waterway," notes Will G. from Dewayne Hayes.
Wildlife sightings: Natural habitats support various wildlife. At Pickensville Campground, "The owls were loud - which was great. Pretty sure we heard barge traffic foghorns, but they didn't bother our sleep," reports Neil T., who also mentioned the "wonderful wooden bridges" allowing exploration of swampy areas.
Small trail systems: Several campgrounds feature internal trail networks. "There is a trail in the campground that leads to a cypress slough and it is beautiful," says Mary about Dewayne Hayes Campground. Another camper mentioned: "If you enjoy hiking make sure to grab a map and walk around Kennedy Lake (more like a pond) and the primitive sites."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer brings heat, humidity and insects. "I'd imagine the bugs are thick in summer. But that's nature!" says Neil T. about Pickensville. "Mosquito protection proves essential during warmer months for both humans and pets."
Cell service variability: Signal strength fluctuates throughout the area. "Verizon signal not great, but good," notes Rick G. at Dewayne Hayes, while another camper reports: "Verizon service was flaky and bounced between no service to slow."
Water quality issues: Some sites may have temporary water discoloration. "The water ran brown for a while. I'm guessing it just hadn't been used at our site over winter. It cleared up after a minute and I flushed it for another 5," reports a Pickensville camper.
Reservation requirements: Many Corps of Engineers sites require advance booking. "Due to covid they have a limit and you now have to book online at recreation.gov, they do not take cash or card at the gate," mentions Bruce F. about Town Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain playground equipment for children. "There's also a nice playground," mentions a camper at Blue Bluff Campground. Facilities typically remain open year-round except during maintenance periods.
Scout-friendly activities: Local campgrounds accommodate group activities. "We went in April with our scouting troop. Very busy even then. Lots of small hiking trails. Nothing too fancy. Dollar general 10 minutes down the road if you need anything. Several primitive sites. Our troop made friends with some other kids nearby as well. Great for families or alone," shares Marissa G. about Dewayne Hayes.
Seasonal celebrations: Holiday periods feature special activities. "The campground was full for the fall holiday. However, the energy was great," notes a camper at Blue Bluff. Local stores within 10-15 minutes of most campgrounds provide supplies for family stays.
Educational opportunities: Columbus and surrounding areas offer learning experiences. "Indian Mound Campground is tucked away off a side road from highway! It's a pretty low key campground with more permanent homes. The spots are close together and not a lot of privacy but we were just passing through for the night so it was fine for us! Close to the town where MSU is!" reports Tris W.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Waterfront sites provide views but may lack shade. "The best views are located on the water in the lots 80-85. Level spaces and easy to back in," advises Vince B. about Blue Bluff Campground.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Columbus: Most campgrounds welcome pets with standard leashing requirements. "This is a GREAT campground. We camped in a tent on site 88. Right on the tombigbee," mentions a reviewer about pet-friendly Dewayne Hayes. Similarly, The Oaks RV Park offers both RV sites and cabins that welcome pets. "This is great little campground. The Cabins were recently added and is a nice feature. Always quiet and owners are very accommodating," notes Jason R.
Tent camping on RV sites: Some designated RV sites accommodate tents with limitations. "It seems like the sites which aren't waterfront are a little more tent friendly, but our tent fit just fine in the gravel area by the picnic table," notes a Blue Bluff camper. Another tent camper reported: "The 'pad' was pea gravel, impossible to stake my tent. And, the super nice man running the place informed me I was to set up on the pad."
