Tent campsites near Falkner, Mississippi are primarily situated within the Holly Springs National Forest, which covers over 155,000 acres of northeastern Mississippi woodland. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most camping locations in the region sit at elevations between 400-600 feet above sea level, creating rolling terrain with mixed hardwood and pine forests.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cox Lake offers a serene fishing experience within Holly Springs National Forest. According to one visitor, it's a "Great little fishing lake" that provides a peaceful setting for anglers looking to catch bass and bream.
Paddling excursions: Puskus Lake supports kayaking adventures with calm waters suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. One camper mentioned, "Fun little quick trip to paddle around in kayak, fish & enjoy great meal over grill."
Hiking exploration: The trails around Puskus Lake Recreation Area provide woodland hiking options, though maintenance varies. A visitor noted, "There are 2 trails you can walk on around the campsite but they only equal about 5 miles and are not maintained very well in some areas although they are flat and easy to explore."
What campers like
Seclusion and quiet: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at Puskus Lake, particularly on weekdays. One reviewer shared, "This campground is in the middle of Holly Springs National Forest on Puskus Lake. The campground itself is quite small but the camping spaces have a good amount of room to them so you do not feel like you are on top of each other."
Lake views: The tent sites at Graham Lake offer pleasant water vistas with basic amenities. A camper described it as "rather nice" and noted that "This is a very small campground with about 5 spots."
Budget-friendly pricing: Camping at Puskus Lake is affordable for those seeking tent camping near Falkner. As one camper mentioned, "NF camp, so $7 for regular people, and $3.50 for those awesome folks with an interagency pass."
What you should know
Facility limitations: Cox Lake offers very primitive camping with minimal facilities. A visitor reported, "Lake area is nice enough, but lots of litter and shot gun shells."
Maintenance issues: Several campgrounds in the area show signs of declining upkeep. One Puskus Lake camper warned, "Puskus Lake campground is a nice campground and could be better but parts are starting to hurt from low use. The forest service is looking at removing the campground due to low use."
Water availability: Drinking water can be unreliable at local campsites. A recent visitor to Puskus Lake noted, "The water spout did not work on my visit," confirming the need to bring your own water supply.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose one of the larger sites at Stillwaters Farm for family tent camping within driving distance of Falkner. A visitor described it as "peaceful and well cared for. You can choose to participate in farm activities or kick your feet up and relax."
Weekend planning: Expect more crowds on weekends at Puskus Lake. One camper observed, "I camped here just one night in May 2021 on a Saturday, I got there at about 3pm and was the first there but by nightfall every site was full."
Safety considerations: Solo campers and families should be aware of after-dark arrivals. A female camper shared her experience: "People stayed quiet with the exception of a 12:30am arrival man who walked onto my site right up to my tent to I guess see if anyone was there."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Small to medium travel trailers can access Graham Lake, but larger RVs will struggle. An RVer advised, "Large rigs are a no go I would think, as access can be tight. If you're in a small to medium travel trailer or a tent, this could work out."
Boondocking preparation: No hookups are available at most tent campsites near Falkner, requiring full self-sufficiency. A Graham Lake visitor explained, "No hookups. Nothing. But, it is a free campground so what can you say. Bathrooms are there but bring your own paper."
Site availability: During peak seasons, arrive early to secure a spot as most campgrounds have limited capacity. Puskus Lake often has "never seen more than 5 or 6 different sites being used anytime" according to regular visitors, but can fill completely on weekends.