Campsites near Falkner, Mississippi offer campers unique access to the northern foothills of the Appalachian range with elevations ranging from 400-600 feet. The region contains numerous small lakes and streams carved from ancient rock formations. Fall camping season typically extends from mid-September through early November when temperatures moderate to 65-75°F daytime highs and overnight lows in the 50s, creating ideal conditions for exploring the area's mix of hardwood and pine forests.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Wall Doxey State Park features a popular disc golf course winding through wooded areas. One visitor noted, "The highlight for us is the disc golf course that winds through the pine forest," making it ideal for players seeking natural obstacles and terrain variation.
Boardwalk exploration: Big Hill Pond State Park Campground offers unique boardwalk trails. "The boardwalks and observation deck were really fun for the kids," reports one camper, adding a different perspective on hiking with children. The park also contains a fire tower that campers can climb.
Geocaching opportunities: Several parks in the area maintain official geocaching locations. According to a visitor at Tishomingo State Park Campground, the park has "everything we expect in a state park. Good roads, good day use area, great bathrooms, good spacing between campsites, beautiful views and camp store."
Canoe rental: Seasonal canoe and kayak rentals available at several parks let visitors explore the small lakes. At Tishomingo, a reviewer mentioned they were "hoping to kayak here this summer," though they cautioned about water conditions during their visit.
What campers like
Level campsites: Cross City RV Park provides "perfectly level" sites according to one reviewer who appreciated that "utilities all work great." This park focuses on basic functionality rather than amenities.
Affordable pricing: State parks in the region maintain lower pricing compared to private campgrounds. A Tishomingo visitor highlighted, "I showed up without a reservation and got two nights with water and electric service for real cheap compared to everywhere else we camped for the last 7 months."
Swimming areas: Chewalla Lake Recreation Area includes a designated swimming beach. "The park/recreation area is rustic and not overcrowded. There is a boat ramp and fishing pier for the fishermen/water lovers," notes one camper who enjoyed the less developed nature of the facility.
Island access: Chewalla Lake features a unique island accessible by a "partially covered bridge that crosses over to an island with a picnic table," creating a popular spot for day visitors and campers alike.
What you should know
Campsite reservation details: Most state parks require reservations during peak seasons. At Chickasaw State Park Campground, a camper explained, "Your name & date will be on the post" for reserved sites, simplifying the check-in process.
Maintenance varies: Some facilities require updates. A Chewalla camper mentioned, "Bathrooms need improvement," while another noted that "roads inside the campground were atrocious, required dodging tree limbs and holes."
Tick precautions: Pine forests in the region harbor ticks during warmer months. One Wall Doxey visitor warned, "If you are camping here anytime during the warmer months, be ready to pick ticks off of everyone!"
Site selection importance: Choosing the right site matters significantly. A Tishomingo camper advised, "The downfall to this park is the camper pads. There are a few that are perfect. Most of them once you step out of your camper has a huge drop off. Just remember to park as close to the hookup side as possible."
Tips for camping with families
Best campsites for kids: Sites with direct access to playgrounds provide convenient entertainment. At Chickasaw State Park, families can enjoy "hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, swimming, and much more," as highlighted by a regular visitor.
Dark sky viewing: Thousand Trails Cherokee Landing provides excellent stargazing. "Emerald green lake, plenty of room between campsites," reports one visitor, highlighting the spaciousness that allows for unobstructed sky views.
Cabin options: For families not equipped for tent camping, several parks offer cabin rentals. At Cherokee Landing, a visitor who stayed in the cabins noted, "They were very nice (bring your own sheets, towels, and food, they had basic cookware and dining ware)."
Halloween events: Wall Doxey hosts special seasonal activities. One visitor explained, "We were invited to the halloween get together at the park. And we had no idea it was such a big deal... Every camp site had wonderful decorations and the kids had such a blast."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area require leveling equipment. At Chickasaw State Park, an RV camper advised, "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."
Size restrictions: RV length limitations apply at several parks. A Big Hill Pond reviewer cautioned, "Not for large RV's over 26 feet," though they still rated it highly for other amenities.
Primitive camping opportunities: For RVers seeking less developed options, Big Hill Pond offers suitable sites. "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," reported one RVer who enjoyed the more rustic experience.
Winter accessibility: Year-round campgrounds remain accessible during Mississippi's mild winters, though occasional freezing temperatures occur. When planning winter camping, check for any seasonal facility closures.
