De Soto National Forest camping options provide motorhome travelers with alternatives to the coastal RV parks located 30 miles south. The national forest encompasses over 500,000 acres of pine forests and blackwater streams in southern Mississippi, with elevations ranging from 100 to 400 feet above sea level. During summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for campers.
What to do
Fishing at nearby lakes: Several RV parks near De Soto National Forest offer fishing opportunities. At Magnolia Sands RV Park, campers can enjoy their own fishing pond on-site. "Beautiful park amongst the trees with its own pond. Concrete pads are large enough to handle most 'big rigs'," notes one visitor.
Beach access: Many coastal campgrounds provide convenient beach access within driving distance of De Soto National Forest. Gulf Beach RV Resort offers proximity to Gulf beaches. "You can walk a block to the beach, bring a wagon to haul your beach gear or drive as there is parking at the beach," one camper advises.
Go-kart racing: Several RV parks near De Soto National Forest have adjacent entertainment options. "This campground is situated just across the road from Biloxi Beach. There are several amenities that make this the perfect place to camp and is reasonably priced," shares a visitor about Cajun RV Park.
What campers like
Pool facilities: Multiple RV parks feature swimming pools for cooling off during hot Mississippi days. Majestic Oaks RV Resort receives praise for its "heated pool year round" and "big showers." One reviewer notes, "Very nice site and grounds. Nice places to walk a dog and even a place to let them run. Really nice laundry facilities."
Pet-friendly accommodations: Many campgrounds welcome pets, with some offering dedicated pet areas. "Great location for beach and casino. Grounds are well kept," mentions a camper at Cajun RV Park. Another visitor at Majestic Oaks appreciates that the resort "has its own dog park."
Quiet rural settings: For travelers seeking tranquility away from busy coastal areas, Green Wood Stable Lodge RV Park offers a peaceful alternative. "We stayed 2 nights and loved it. It is a quiet country feel just minutes from downtown Biloxi and the casinos. We went to the dock to buy fresh shrimp right off the boat," shares one reviewer.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: RV parks differ in how closely units are positioned. At Oaklawn RV Park, "spaces are narrow but gravel was recently added. Leveling was easy, electric and water hook ups are in a good location," according to one camper. Another notes, "Each site is extremely small/tight. When we put out our awning, it literally hit the RV that was next to us."
Wi-Fi reliability fluctuates: Internet connectivity differs between parks and even within the same facility. "The internet is virtually non-existent, which is an issue because they list it in the park description," reports a visitor at Oaklawn RV Park, while another camper found "decent LTE speed on my phone but my Verizon LTE router was slow."
Noise considerations: Some parks experience noise from nearby attractions or transportation. "The biggest disappointment was the close proximity to a go-cart track (next door)," mentions one camper. Another reports that at Southern Oaks Mobile Home & RV Community there was "more than normal noise activities from the interstate being close."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some parks offer activities specifically designed for children. "Nice location. Across the street from the beach. Nice pool. Clean bathhouse. Lots of activities like putt putt golf, go carts, sailing, fishing etc," reports a visitor to Cajun RV Park.
Consider proximity to attractions: Shields RV Park offers nearby recreational opportunities. "Large full hook up sites, nice laundry facility and restrooms, and the office staff was very professional and accommodating for our last minute reservations. There are two parts to the campground, one of which is by a lake," notes a reviewer.
Check bathroom facilities: Family campers often appreciate clean, accessible bathrooms. "My girlfriend was especially impressed with the showers, comparing them to luxury hotels," reports one camper. Another mentions, "Clean bathhouse with 4 separate rooms with toilets and showers."
Tips from RVers
Reserve early during peak seasons: Availability can be limited, especially at popular coastal sites. "The park was filled with friendly campers who made this place enjoyable. The price was a win. The site itself was very basic without Wi-Fi and an old fashion looking water pump," reports one RVer.
Consider pad materials: Different RV parks offer varying site surfaces. "Level concrete pads with full hookups and cable. Newish with fine laundry/bath/shower/office facilities. The real draw is the beach just across the street, and the casinos down the road," notes a visitor to Gulf Beach RV Resort.
Check for big rig accommodations: Not all parks can accommodate larger RVs. "With ample slanted and elongated parking lanes for your parking pleasure, all of the sites come equipped with the typical 30/50 amp electrical hook-ups, waste disposal and water connections," reports a reviewer at Lakeview RV Resort.
