Best Tent Camping near Decatur, MS

Tent camping options near Decatur, Mississippi remain limited but include a few established sites within driving distance. Shockaloe Base Camp I in the Bienville National Forest, located near Forest, Mississippi, offers primitive tent camping from April through October. The Kosciusko Bicycle Only Camp along the Natchez Trace Parkway provides another option for tent campers, though it's specifically designated for cyclists traveling the historic route.

Most tent sites in the region feature basic amenities with few services. Shockaloe Base Camp I permits campfires and offers picnic tables for visitors, but lacks drinking water, toilets, and trash service. The campground allows pets but requires campers to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Drive-in access makes these sites relatively accessible for most vehicles, though forest roads may become difficult during or after rain events. Campers should plan accordingly by bringing ample water supplies and necessary sanitation equipment.

The tent camping experience near Decatur prioritizes seclusion and natural settings rather than conveniences. The Bienville National Forest location at Shockaloe provides quiet surroundings and forest immersion typically sought by tent campers. Areas along the Natchez Trace offer historical context and scenic landscapes for overnight stays. Many tent campers use these sites as basecamps for exploring the surrounding forest trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. As one visitor to Shockaloe Base Camp I noted, "We had a wonderful time here with absolutely no one else. The national forest sometimes offers the privacy and seclusion one wants."

Best Tent Sites Near Decatur, Mississippi (3)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Decatur, MS

2 Photos of 3 Decatur Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Decatur, MS

152 Reviews of 3 Decatur Campgrounds


  • John B.
    May. 17, 2020

    Gin Creek

    Tent camping

    Basic tent camping not far from water on Lake Okatibbee in Lauderdale Co, MS. This place is no reservations, first come first served. There are no showers but there is a pit toilet. The grounds are kept up pretty good there is a picnic grill and a fire ring. It is only 10$ and uses the honor system.

  • Gregory H.
    Jan. 6, 2022

    Dunns Falls Water Park

    Okay for one night

    Camping area is about five tables and grills scattered on edge of property. No real sites (no tent pads, no fire rings). Surprisingly little regulation: fires allowed anywhere, swimming “not recommended.” The friendly camp hosts actually encouraged me to camp in the day use/picnic area, since it is closer to the flush restrooms. Water spigots scattered around but most don’t work. Gate to park locks at 5pm (key provided at check in) which is nice for security. Clean area. Close to a highway but few cars traveling at night. I was the only person camping on a weekday.

    $15/night. Not bad considering the locking gate and restrooms with water. The historical structures are neat, as is the waterfall. The whole park can be explored in less than an hour, so I can’t imagine staying multiple nights.

  • John B.
    May. 15, 2020

    Okatibbee Lake Waterpark

    RV park

    RV campgrounds on Lake Okatibbee in Lauderdale County, MS. The pads are asphalt and have electric, water, and sewer connections. They also have picnic table in good shape and a steel picnic grill. This is not a fancy park, but it is decent. It has a bath house- restroom and showers. It also has washer and dryers. The bath house is in pretty good shape- they keep it fairly clean. The staff is very nice. Most of the pads are in the woods with a few pads overlooking the water- none are on the water. We tent camp, but there are no primitive sites here. There are a few cabins that are closer to the water. This is a place we will come back and stay.

  • Napunani
    Dec. 13, 2022

    Roosevelt State Park Campground

    Homesteaders & Toilet Facility Needs some TLC

    PROS 

    No fee to make my own on-line reservation

    Site 88 excellent view of lake 

    Pedestal BBQ grill 

    Wooden Picnic table top with concrete frame on a concrete slab 

    Nice space between MOST sites 

    Park easily accessible from I-20 

    3 bars T-MOBILE


    CONS 

    No senior discount 

    Site 88 concrete parking pad all cracked and heaved made for difficult leveling 

    5ft wide campsite fire ring…biggest we’ve ever seen! 

    Numerous HOMESTEADERS throughout CCC campground. Made campground very “junky” looking with all their “stuff ” piled around in their campsite 

    Park roadway in very poor condition, potholes connected to potholes!  Potholes keep speed at 10 mph or less

    Able to hear Interstate 20 road noise 

    Train noise about every 3 hours 

    Toilet/shower facility heavily used. Finish peeling off of toilet seats. Women’s stall doors coming apart. No soap. Insufficient TP once the weekend crowds hit.  Toilets were not cleaned Saturday

    Handicap assessable toilet only in one of the CCC campground loops 

    Trash dumpsters are in next campground loop so 30 minute walk 

    No campfire wood for sale in park, but sold at EXXON right outside park entrance

    No park WiFi

  • B
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Roosevelt State Park Campground

    Made the best of it

    I booked a site that we did not know anything about. This was the first time we stayed in the newer loop. We had tent camped in the older section about 5 year’s ago and had a wonderful time. When we arrived on Thursday evening to our site I didn’t know if it was going to be wide enough to let the steps down without fall into the 6 ft ditch. After some measuring of the slide outs and maneuvering over 6 inches from the electrical pole. We set up camp. I had to dig up the sewer tap that was running up hill. We made the best of it by setting everything up in front of the camper. The picnic table and fire pit was on the opposite side of the camper up hill with about 8 inches of pine needles going up. Not practical. So we didn’t use that area. Most of the sites were the same way with the picnic area on the opposite side of camper. The lake area was nice, did some fishing out of the canoe and kayaking when there wasn’t 30 boats out. Lake was closed for swimming. Overall we made the best of it. We will definitely not be staying at site 45 again. Staff was friendly and there were park rangers riding by all the time. There are definitely better sites, not all.

  • E
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Okatibbee Lake Waterpark

    Beware of 2 sewage hookups

    We had sites 3,4 and 5. We were assigned site 3. A nice shaded site with full hookups. The first night our breaker kept tripping. We called and a member of the staff fixed it right of way. All good right? No. When we arrived no one told us of the possibility of two sewage hookups and which one should be used. We automatically hooked up to the one on the side by the water and electric. After 3 days there I noticed water puddling. Once again I called the front, nice young man came out. Called his boss and found out we should have hooked up to the one in the center of the pad underneath our travel trailer. So had a hose full of water that we had to unhook and crawl under our trailer to hookup. The day we were to leave while washing dishes we lost water pressure. Called the front again, apparently something went wrong because we saw them hauling pipes to repair it. Needless to say I had to hurry and drain my black and Grey tanks before I had no water. I gave them 3 stars for the attentiveness of their staff. Great time with friends and nice shaded pads. So if you get to your spot and there are 2 sewage use the one in the center of the pad.

  • M
    May. 8, 2023

    Neshoba County Lake

    Questionable

    Can anyone tell me about the primitive camping? My husband and children are planning a camping trip for this weekend over Mother’s Day, we are new to the neshoba county area. I see that fishing has great reviews, but what other amenities are there? Are pets allowed (on leash of course), kids friendly?

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Roosevelt State Park Campground

    This is what a State Park should look like!

    Smooth paved roads, level concrete pads, picnic tables that will seat 8, fire ring and grill at each site.. This park has been completely remodeled and they did a fantastic job. Pull thru's and back in's available.

    We stopped on our return trip home for one night, so we did not check out the bathhouse/showers.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Yogi on the Lake - Jellystone Pelahatchie

    Summer 2022

    So much fun, so much to do! We stayed on the lakes edge, had visits from geese, ducks, rabbits and squirrels. Beautiful and very clean area. Pool, slides, jumping pad, playground, mini golf, tennis, basketball, planned activities each day for family fun.


Guide to Decatur

Tent camping near Decatur, Mississippi offers primitive natural settings with basic amenities in the surrounding national forest lands. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most camping areas remain open year-round with limited facilities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient with water and waste management.

What to do

Forest exploration: Bienville National Forest, surrounding Shockaloe Base Camp I Camping, provides extensive hiking opportunities through pine forests. Trails range from 1-5 miles in length with minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for casual day hikes. One camper noted, "Nestled in the Bienville National Forrest with lots of other options to camp. The ride out is a little ruff."

Cycling routes: Natchez Trace Parkway near Kosciusko Bicycle Only Camp offers dedicated cycling paths with historical markers throughout. The parkway runs 444 miles from Natchez to Nashville with multiple access points. This campground specifically caters to bicycle travelers on the historic route, with tent sites positioned for easy access from the parkway.

Fishing opportunities: Local reservoirs within 15-30 minutes of most camping areas provide freshwater fishing for bass, catfish, and bream. Fishing licenses required ($10 daily or $25 annual for residents). Pack appropriate gear as rental options are limited in this rural area.

What campers like

Privacy and seclusion: The tent camping areas near Decatur offer isolation from crowds and noise. As one visitor to Shockaloe Base Camp I observed, "If privacy and seclusion is something you seek definitely come here." Many sites are positioned with natural buffers between camping spaces.

Natural settings: Cove's Nest Marina area provides waterfront tent camping with direct water access. Sites are rustic with no developed facilities but offer direct access to fishing spots. Campers should prepare for primitive conditions with no drinking water or toilets available.

Dark skies for stargazing: The rural location of most camping areas creates minimal light pollution, allowing for excellent night sky viewing. Summer and early fall provide the clearest viewing conditions when humidity levels decrease. Bring red-filtered flashlights to preserve night vision while navigating camp.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most camping areas require complete self-sufficiency. At Shockaloe Base Camp I, a camper advised, "Pack in pack out. There is a restroom and water." This is an exception, as most sites have no facilities whatsoever.

Road conditions: Forest service roads leading to the best tent camping near Decatur, Mississippi can become challenging after rainfall. Most sites require 1-5 miles of travel on unpaved roads. High-clearance vehicles recommended during wet seasons (November-April).

Cell coverage: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the region with spotty service from major carriers. Download maps and information before arrival as online resources will likely be unavailable at most camping locations.

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife education opportunities: The diverse ecosystem provides natural learning experiences with various bird species, small mammals, and reptiles. Bring field guides specific to Mississippi wildlife for identification activities with children.

Safety precautions: Shockaloe Base Camp I and surrounding forest areas contain poison ivy and occasional venomous snakes. Teach children to identify hazardous plants and animals before arrival. One camper mentioned, "We had a wonderful time here with absolutely no one else," highlighting the isolation that requires self-reliance.

Weather preparation: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. Bring extra water (minimum 1 gallon per person per day), cooling towels, and shade structures as natural shade is inconsistent at many sites.

Tips from RVers

Alternative options: Due to limited RV accommodations directly in Decatur, most recreational vehicles must seek established campgrounds in neighboring communities 20-30 miles away. These provide full hookups unavailable at the primitive tent sites near Decatur.

Road access limitations: Forest roads leading to the primitive camping areas often have low-hanging branches and narrow passages that restrict larger vehicles. Scout ahead if attempting to bring trailers or RVs to remote sites.

Generator regulations: National Forest lands permit generator use during daytime hours only (typically 8am-8pm). However, the primitive nature of most sites means generators may disrupt the experience of other campers seeking quiet natural settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Decatur, MS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Decatur, MS is Cove's Nest Marina with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Decatur, MS?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Decatur, MS, with real photos and reviews from campers.