Chickasaw State Park offers equestrian facilities about 45 miles from Corinth, Mississippi in the rolling hills of southwestern Tennessee. The park encompasses nearly 15,000 acres of forested terrain with dedicated horse trails connecting to the larger state forest. Temperatures average 50-90°F during peak camping season from April through October, with highest rainfall typically occurring in spring months.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Big Hill Pond State Park Campground features multiple hiking trails that accommodate riders of various skill levels. "We did some backcountry hiking and camping here, hike was awesome, very peaceful and great for just getting away for a few days," notes camper Sammy C.
Lakeside recreation: Enjoy paddling and fishing on Lake Placid at Chickasaw. "This park has camping, hiking trails, horse back riding and geocaching just to name a few things to do here," shares Amanda F. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals for visitors without their own watercraft.
Wildlife observation: Visit the observation tower at Big Hill Pond for panoramic views. "Fun place...nice camping facilities. You can rent a canoe or bring your own or hike all day! Go to the tower!" recommends Chris B., highlighting one of the park's distinctive features.
What campers like
Newly renovated facilities: Big Hill Pond's recent improvements have enhanced the camping experience. "The sites at this park are beautiful and it's been one of my favorite camping spots for as long as I can remember. The new renovations make it top notch," writes Wendy C., who appreciates the primitive camping options.
Dark skies for stargazing: The area offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. "This is a dark sky area, so come during the new moon phase for views of the Milky Way!" suggests Shana D. from Big Hill Pond State Park, offering a specific timing tip for optimal stargazing.
Rural seclusion: Moon Lake Farm provides a quieter alternative with limited sites. "This is a very peaceful stop with 30 amp power and water available. Well kept and very nice host. John communicated with us perfectly. The land and lake are beautiful," reports Mike B. about this smaller camping option.
What you should know
Campsite limitations: Big Hill Pond accommodates smaller rigs only. "One of the nicest parks in West Tennessee but not for RV's over 26 feet. Great hiking," advises Thomas W., providing an important size restriction for potential visitors.
Bathhouse conditions vary: Facilities range from excellent to basic depending on campground section. "Nice level campsites with white rock. Primitive camping, no water or electric. Not big enough for RVs. Nice bathrooms, excellent showers," notes Molly W. about Big Hill Pond.
Tent pad surfaces: Prepare for rocky tent pads at some sites. "They say gravel- it was really rocky. Fire ring, standing grill and table were at the site. Ours was nicely shaded," explains one camper, describing the actual surface conditions rather than marketing descriptions.
Tips for camping with families
Boardwalk exploration: Children particularly enjoy the boardwalk areas. "The boardwalks and observation deck were really fun for the kids, but most of the trails were too long for us so we didn't see the whole park," shares Kim B. from Big Hill Pond State Park, offering perspective on trail difficulty for families.
Playground access: Look for sites near play areas. "There is a small playground close to the entrance. Lots of hiking trails and a fire tower that you can climb! We love the boardwalk trail!" recommends Shana D., highlighting multiple family-friendly attractions.
Swimming preparation: Be aware of water conditions before planning swimming activities. Bring water shoes and consider weekday visits when swimming areas are less crowded. Some visitors note water quality varies throughout the season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: Chickasaw's RV section presents unique parking situations. "The trailer/RV loop is on the side of a hill. It was amazing the way they got so many half way level sites into this area. Very, very tight," observes Gary P., suggesting the Wrangler section might be easier for larger rigs.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service and WiFi access vary throughout horse campgrounds near Corinth, Mississippi. "Only negatives were a steep incline to back into site, no cell service and pay as you go park WiFi. Overall a nice clean park!" notes Don L. about his stay at Chickasaw State Park.
Reservation requirements: Book well in advance for equestrian sites during peak seasons. Most horse campgrounds require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays when locals frequently visit the trails.
