Best Tent Camping near De Soto National Forest in Mississippi

Looking for the best De Soto National Forest tent camping? Find the best information on tent camping near De Soto National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near De Soto National Forest (7)

    Camper-submitted photo at Airey Lake Recreation Area near De Soto National Forest, MS
    Camper-submitted photo at Airey Lake Recreation Area near De Soto National Forest, MS
    Camper-submitted photo at Airey Lake Recreation Area near De Soto National Forest, MS
    Camper-submitted photo at Airey Lake Recreation Area near De Soto National Forest, MS
    Camper-submitted photo at Airey Lake Recreation Area near De Soto National Forest, MS
    Camper-submitted photo at Airey Lake Recreation Area near De Soto National Forest, MS

    1. Airey Lake Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    13 Photos
    64 Saves
    De Soto National Forest, Mississippi
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo at Janice Landing near Wiggins, MS

    2. Janice Landing

    3 Reviews
    14 Saves
    Wiggins, Mississippi

    Janice Landing is located 10 miles downstream from Moody’s Landing on the Black Creek float trip. Black Creek hiking trail passes near this campground.

    • Tents
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    Ashley F.'s photo of tent camping at All You Need Institute - Yurt & Micro Cabin near Purvis, MS
    Camper-submitted photo at All You Need Institute - Yurt & Micro Cabin near Purvis, MS
    Camper-submitted photo at All You Need Institute - Yurt & Micro Cabin near Purvis, MS
    Camper-submitted photo at All You Need Institute - Yurt & Micro Cabin near Purvis, MS
    Camper-submitted photo at All You Need Institute - Yurt & Micro Cabin near Purvis, MS
    Camper-submitted photo at All You Need Institute - Yurt & Micro Cabin near Purvis, MS

    3. All You Need Institute - Yurt & Micro Cabin

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    5 Saves
    Purvis, Mississippi

    All You Need is a 111 acre paradise that is home to some VERY unique and endangered habitat. Our northern boundary is a tract of DeSoto National Forest, where we have practically exclusive access to another 90 acres of longleaf pine savannah and more bottomland creeks.

    The sandhills are home to prickly pear cactus, deer moss (7 kinds of lichen), and our mascot, the endangered Gopher Tortoise.

    We're working to develop a nature education and retreat center where we share permaculture practices, homesteading/sustainable living skills, conservation practices, and approaches to connecting more deeply to the land.

    You will have access to and be a 5 minute walk from our many walking paths and our swimming pond, as well as a 15 minute walk to Desoto National Forest, which butts up to our property line.

    We would love to have you as our guest on the land, and are especially eager to meet travelers who deeply love nature and want to live in better relationship to it!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Yurts

    $25 - $95 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Fairley Bridge Landing near Wiggins, MS

    4. Fairley Bridge Landing

    Be the first to review!
    4 Saves
    Wiggins, Mississippi

    Site serves as the end point for both the Black Creek float trip and hiking trail

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo at Bluff Creek Campgrounds near Gautier, MS
    Camper-submitted photo at All You Need Institute - Tent Camping near Purvis, MS

    6. All You Need Institute - Tent Camping

    Be the first to review!
    2 Saves
    Purvis, Mississippi

    All You Need Institute stewards 111 secluded acres of pristine habitats on occupied Chata’ (Choctaw) land in the heart of the Gulf South. We are guided by permaculture practices and the innate wisdom of the land to increase biodiversity and fulfill our responsibility to live in right relationship with mother earth.

    All You Need Institute provides experiential learning and reflection opportunities that foster the practical skills and inner perspectives necessary for balanced relationship with ourselves, each other, and the natural resources that make our lives possible.

    Facility Rentals

    Our facilities include a 706 sq ft yurt, a private micro-cabin, a shower, and fully loaded outdoor kitchen, two canvas “glamping” tents, and a luxury outhouse. The yurt is a beautiful multi-purpose space that can accommodate groups up to 30 people, 15 with social distancing. We have running well water, a picnic table, a hammock/swing area, and much more to explore with your group!

    Priority for rentals will always be given to grassroots organizations and organizers who are working on ways to restore relationship with the land and each other. We are interested in collaborating on events and love to hear your ideas regarding what inspires you about being on the land and how we can work together to create something special. To inquire about the specifics of your vision, email info@allyouneedinstitute.com.

    Add-Ons & OFFERINGS

    At All You Need, we want to help you make your time here special. We have a variety of healing and adventure options which you can add on to your stay. These include:

    **Wildflower Bouquets & Decor for Special Events **

    From The Garden / Foraged Breakfasts or Packed Lunches

    **Native & Edible Plant ID & Tour of the Ecosystem **

    Consultation / Q&A About Homesteading / Ecological Land Management & Conservation

    **Natural Dreamwork Session or Dream Circle **

    Land Based Wellness Rituals & Energy Healing

    Kayaking/River Adventure Rides or Guided Paddles

    Guided Hikes and Tours of DeSoto National Forest

    Just email info@allyouneedinstitute.com and we will be happy to explore how to make your trip special!

    Also - We do not wish to turn anyone away from the land for lack of funds. Send an email to info@allyouneedinstitute.com and let us know what your needs are and what you feel you can contribute. This is especially true of those who are marginalized in our society. Please let us know how we can make this place more welcoming, whether through a monetary discount or other means.

    We are especially happy to do what we can to serve the needs of grassroots organizations who in turn serve the direct needs of frontline communities and ecosystems. We are happy to offer discounts on programs and facilities to serve your non-profit or mutual aid group. Let us know what we can do to help, be it a discount or other form of support.

    To learn more about why we have these policies, please click here. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at info@allyouneedinstitute.com

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Market
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets

    $12 - $144 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Escatawpa Hollow Campground near Wilmer, AL

    7. Escatawpa Hollow Campground

    Be the first to review!
    7 Saves
    Wilmer, Alabama
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • WiFi
Show More
Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near De Soto National Forest

313 Reviews of 7 De Soto National Forest Campgrounds


  • Sheep S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Perry Campground
    Mar. 15, 2021

    Lake Perry Campground

    Pleasant Surpise

    Started out the day looking for a different place in De Soto National Forest, but got lost and found this campground. Was very surprised at how clean and neat the areas were. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The trail was a short .5 mile nature walk, but beautiful and relaxing. All around, a hidden gem.

  • Whitney S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Biloxi Recreation Area
    Oct. 7, 2018

    Big Biloxi Recreation Area

    Spacious Lots & Easy Locaion

    This is a campsite of 25 lots (4 accessible) with a bathhouse and friendly camp host. Located in the De Soto National Forest just north of Gulfport, MS, it’s an easily accessible campground whether you’re here to visit the Gulf or do some hiking on the many miles of trails through the park.

    Dog-friendly and clean, there is a 1/2 mile nature hike within the campground.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from White’s Bayou RV Park
    Jun. 27, 2019

    White’s Bayou RV Park

    Absolutely the most charming hidden gem on the Gulf Coast. On the water with access to the Gulf, Pearl River and wildlife refuges.

    Friendly, kind and helpful owners offer a kid’s playground, swimming pool and large RV campsites. Full hookups at most sites. Tent camping accommodated as well.

  • Jennifer G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore
    Jun. 17, 2018

    Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Nice Quiet Comfortable

    This is a small but very nice campground. It has One bathroom and shower building. We have tent camped here twice. Both times was awesome. My parents have stayed in a camper twice. Cruising the coast is a great time to stay. It books early for that time of the year.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Creekside Farm Co.
    Sep. 1, 2022

    Creekside Farm Co.

    Just lovely.

    Country, beginning of a bayou (like a creek), pups, chickens, ducks, outdoor shower and loo (both with privacy), and each tent site has fire pit/picnic table, cleared ground for setup. Outdoor dinner areas with tables, grill, fairy lights and plants galore. I had a LOVELY time here! Sorry I don’t have more photos, so busy enjoying my time there that I forgot to record it.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Southern Oaks Mobile Home & RV Community
    Dec. 9, 2021

    Southern Oaks Mobile Home & RV Community

    Nice but beware if you have pets.

    This is an RV Park and Living community. No tent camping. A sign out front says its under new management and ownership. I found the folks to be helpful and friendly. We have two issues which may not bother everyone but it did us. Dog poop everywhere! So watch where you walk. As well, a couple of folks that live there let their pets out without a leash. We were greeted by a pit bull without a leash while walking our little dogs.

  • Matt M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore
    Jun. 22, 2016

    Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Camping in Mississippi

    My girlfriend and I were super excited to camp here because of the name; National Seashore. We expected kind of beach camping and couldn't find too many pictures of the park that would indicate otherwise. When we got there we quickly realized that we were mistaken and it was more of a swampy marshland, which we should have expected given it is Mississippi. So it took some time to find a place to pitch our small tent where we felt safe. The hardest part was how miserably hot and humid it was. All in all though the camp ground was nice and well kept, the bathrooms and showers were great, the staff and fellow campers were nice, and I had an overall good experience. Also, the park had a nice welcome center and map that made it easy to find our way around. But I would not recommend tent camping in the summer months because of the heat.

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from Buccaneer State Park Campground
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Buccaneer State Park Campground

    Lots of gnats!!

    The campground was nice. Plenty to do to keep us busy. Between the nature walk, fishing and time on the beach our days were packed. I do not recommend the “premium” tent sites. They are nothing more than a stop of grass next to a parking lot backed up to trees. The gnats were terrible, made worse by the wind screen provided by the tow of trees. Plan ahead as it seems this park stays full. Very good location for a day trip into New Orleans too!!

  • J K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Flint Creek Waterpark
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Flint Creek Waterpark

    Tons of sites and something for everyone!

    Flint creek has TONS of sites with full hook ups in 30 and/or 50 amp and even a primitive (water only) tent sites. Different sections allow folks to feel like they are away from the crowds.  Price is absolutely reasonable and there is night security by staff and local law enforcement.

    The water park has a ton of slides and will keep kids young and old entertained sliding down the hill into the lake.

    Several swimming holes and boat ramps lets you enjoy the lake however you want.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buccaneer State Park Campground
    Apr. 22, 2022

    Buccaneer State Park Campground

    Nice 3 Day Stay

    Enjoyed spending 3 nights in this large, family oriented state park campground. Camped in a camper van, but most sites appear to be big rig friendly. About a half-dozen freight trains pass close by the campground; noisy, especially where we camped in the Treaure Cove loop. There is also some vehicle noise on a nearby road as well. Didn't bother us, though. Stayed in site 106. Nicely wooded with some, but not much, privacy. Probably not a good spot if charging with solar panels. Restroom/shower houses appear to be we maintained. Sites have water, electric & sewer hookups. Sites are also suitable for tent camping. Can't say anything about the staff since I did not interact with them much. Long walk to the edge of the gulf; not much of a beach near the campground entrance, but nice beaches, with places to park, a short drive east & west of the park. Good AT&T & T-mobile data service. No Wifi.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground

    Nice lake soso park

    Ok so I just tent camped here this past weekend in June. When I got to my campsite there was still trash everywhere. Mainly charcoal coals dumped next to the picnic table loaded with cigarettes. There was no fire ring so you could basically start a fire anywhere which I thought was strange. My neighbors were fine but there are no rules on what people can do. Trucks with boat trails were all over the place and most halfway on the road. I was fine driving around but I couldn’t imagine pulling a trailer through it. No camp store so that was a bummer. The registration office was so old and smelly I didn’t want to be in there. Not that there was much to it. The bathrooms were ok. Not dirty but old and hot. What I did like was the night sky. I saw lots of stars. Riding my bike around. Lots of roads for cruising. If you have a boat air Jets skis you would like this better. It just wasn’t for me.

  • Dan D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Buccaneer State Park Campground
    Oct. 12, 2019

    Buccaneer State Park Campground

    Huge Park with Tons of Amenities

    This park is giant! There are probably over 200 sites for camping in this park with beachfront sites and even primitive drive up sites for tent camping back in the woods. The park has 2 shower areas and 4 bathrooms on site as well as multiple playgrounds for the kiddos and even a water park! It is located directly across the street from the Gulf of Mexico and has its own private beach. I stayed in the primitive camping sites for 2 nights because all other sites were reserved for the weekend and it was great. No electric hookup or water but the sites are privately tucked away in the woods and only cost 15$ per night. If you want, you can stay beachfront for 48$ and I believe the regular sites with hookups and water are around $30 per night. The park itself is very well maintained and has ice and drinks for sale in the front office. The employees are extremely nice and helpful and will even tell you about fun things to do in town while you’re there. Definitely the biggest and one of the nicest campgrounds/state parks I’ve stayed in. Worth the trip!

  • Ron L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground
    Jun. 12, 2022

    Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground

    Clean and beautiful camp ground

    I did my first overnight camp to test out my gear and setup on my own. Hwy 49, the main road leading to the State Park is under construction, but I was still able to enter the park without issues. On the day I went you had to use the honor system and paid $17.00 for primitive tent camping. As I rode through the park, I took note of how clean it was and had restrooms sprinkled about along with dumpsters. I explored the primitive area before deciding on a spot. I picked a spot that had a clear view of the lake to take advantage of the wind coming off the lake. I cooked up dinner and collected some wood laying on the ground and made a campfire, in the fire ring that was made by the Boy Scouts, it was marked with their troop number. After the fire died down, I went inside the tent to dose off. I was awoken to some banging noise and men talking. I assumed that they were setting up their camp a few spots from me. They finally calmed down and I went back to sleep. In the morning I tore down camp and packed it up on my bike but before riding off I went to see what the deal was with the banging last night, to find that the men were actually striping wire and left a huge mess. On the way out I spotted a grounds worker and told them about the incident. It must have been a big deal, because I saw 3 Law enforcement vehicles headed that way on the way out of the park.

  • F
    Camper-submitted photo from Toc - O - Leen Campground
    Nov. 11, 2019

    Toc - O - Leen Campground

    long term only and rough

    This is a long term only trailer park, short term camping or tents are not allowed as per manager. Everything I saw had not moved in a long time and had "structures" added on to it.

  • Brian A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Black Creek Waterpark
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Little Black Creek Waterpark

    Great place

    Great place for the weekend or the week. Tent spots. Camper spots with hookups or cabins to rent 640 acre stocked lake and you won’t find a more friendly and helpful staff

  • Steve S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buccaneer State Park Campground
    Jun. 13, 2022

    Buccaneer State Park Campground

    beach

    Great place ,pretty busy great bathrooms, lots of drunk loud people but that was ok until our drunk neighbors stole our tent stakes but we had fun as well as the grandchildren we would go back

  • Jason R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore
    May. 7, 2021

    Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Quiet and close to town

    There is not a lot to do in the campground, but it is close to a lot of things.  We had nice shade for our tent.  The park was full but really quiet.  There were mostly older people there when we went.  It was a nice place to relax.  Not far from the beach and entertainment.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Airey Lake Recreation Area
    Sep. 22, 2018

    Airey Lake Recreation Area

    I love Airey Lake!

    I have been here many times. This campground is a stop halfway through the Tuxachanie trail. It is a quaint park with 4 designated campsites with tables and fire rings. However, it is very common to see tents all around the lake and other spots including secluded spots that are permissible. The campground is free of charge with no showers and a water pump by the one stall bathroom.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Perry Campground
    May. 2, 2024

    Lake Perry Campground

    Older campground/lakeside camping

    We just drove in hoping that there was a suitable site for a 30’ motorhome available. There were 3. The campground is more suitable for tents and small trailers. The cost for a site with electric was $15.00 for a senior. $22.00 normally. Joey, the attendant, was so helpful and very knowledgeable. There is a dump. Will come back.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Worth a visit

    We escaped an early winter cold spell in Michigan and made the thousand mile trip to the Mississippi coast. It was worth the drive. The campground includes 52 spaces most of which can accommodate an RV and a vehicle. The spaces are quite small and close to one another. Water and electric are included. There is a campground host on site. We saw a park Ranger just once during our visit. There is a railroad nearby and it is quite loud in the evening. There was no issue for us as we are accustomed to train noises. There is also a group campground nearby, which was very noisy late into the night. I got the sense that this was not customary. The campground is located in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, which is next to Biloxi. Outside the campground, the golf beaches are beautiful, white sand. The bathrooms and showers are adequate. There is a dump station in the campground. We definitely recommend and will come back.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Pearl River WMA - Crawford Landing
    Feb. 8, 2021

    Pearl River WMA - Crawford Landing

    Nice stop for a night

    No bathrooms or water but close to a few stores and gas stations. Lots of room and flat ground. I camped in my car but others were in tents or rvs. Must have permit and sign in and out, all of it can be done online. Good service

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground
    Jan. 1, 2021

    Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground

    Merry Christmas

    We spent Christmas Holiday in this Beautiful Mississippi State Park,  we have family in the area so instead of Hotels we bring the motorhome down and spend the week here! The park is clean the lake is wonderful and the folks that manage the property are Great look forward to next year!!

    Keith and Barbara

  • April D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Magic River Campground
    Oct. 27, 2022

    Magic River Campground

    Practically perfect in every way!

    Magic river is a small quiet campground that has all the amenities. Full.hook ups, pool, large sites. It is a passport America campground which saves you a lot. Only.$12 a night. Everyone is kind and respectful. We are using it as home-base for visiting new Orleans, mississippi and louisanna. We will.def8nately be back!! Love the pond, campground fires and coffee in the morning!!

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Pearl River WMA - Crawford Landing
    Dec. 23, 2020

    Pearl River WMA - Crawford Landing

    Simple & free

    This campground is a small open field by a road and river. There were some other rvs and tents even I arrived. I felt safe & it was quiet. No bathrooms or water available. You must have a (free) permit on Louisiana’s app LDWF WMA & sign in & out. I def recommend & I’ll be coming back if I need to camp out near NOLA!!


Guide to De Soto National Forest

Tent camping near De Soto National Forest in Mississippi offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Airey Lake Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy free camping with drinking water, picnic tables, and fire pits, ideal for a cozy night under the stars.
  • Janice Landing provides a clean toilet facility and access to water, making it a convenient spot for those looking to float down Black Creek.
  • For a more rustic experience, Fairley Bridge Landing offers a simple tent camping experience without the frills, perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature.

Tent campers should check out local activities

  • The scenic trails around Airey Lake Recreation Area are popular for hiking and exploring, providing a great way to experience the local flora and fauna.
  • Janice Landing serves as a launching point for float trips, making it an excellent choice for water enthusiasts looking to paddle along the creek.
  • Campers at All You Need Institute - Tent Camping can participate in workshops and enjoy the expansive property, perfect for those seeking a unique camping experience.

Unique features of the campgrounds

  • Airey Lake Recreation Area is known for its peaceful environment, with secluded spots around the lake that are perfect for a quiet retreat.
  • At All You Need Institute - Yurt & Micro Cabin, guests can enjoy a blend of traditional camping and glamping, with unique accommodations set in a beautiful natural landscape.
  • Janice Landing offers a less crowded experience, especially if you choose a site away from the busy boat launch area, allowing for a more tranquil camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near De Soto National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near De Soto National Forest is Airey Lake Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near De Soto National Forest?

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near De Soto National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.