Dispersed camping options exist near Forest, Mississippi along Forest Service Road 526, located approximately 15 miles south of town in the Bienville National Forest. This area provides primitive camping with no amenities for those seeking solitude. The forest covers over 178,000 acres of pine-dominated woodlands with terrain ranging from flat areas to gently rolling hills.
What to do
Fishing in Forest: At Roosevelt State Park Campground, fishing is popular among visitors. As one camper notes, "Good bass fishing" can be found in the park's lake. The park also offers hiking trails marked with paint on trees for navigation.
Boating access: Turkey Creek Water Park provides boat rentals for those without their own watercraft. "Enjoy fishing and especially water skiing with your own boat or a boat rented on site," mentions a visitor. The reservoir supports multiple water activities within 20 miles of Forest.
Disc golf course: Timberlake Campground features a disc golf course for camping visitors. One guest highlighted this amenity: "Disc golf course was a huge plus since I love disc golf." The course is accessible to campers at no additional cost.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the site layout at Roosevelt State Park Campground. A visitor observed, "There is a reasonable separation between the sites, with some trees." This spacing creates a more secluded camping experience than more crowded facilities.
Water park facilities: For families with children, Yogi on the Lake offers water recreation options. One camper mentioned, "Kiddos were obsessed with jumping pillow. Nice place!" The water activities provide cooling relief during hot Mississippi summers.
Primitive camping solitude: Those seeking a true wilderness experience can find it at Shockaloe Base Camp I Camping where one visitor reported, "We had a wonderful time here with absolutely no one else. Nestled in the Bienville National Forrest with lost of other options to camp."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, making early morning or evening activities preferable. Afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently in summer months.
Limited cell service: Parts of Bienville National Forest have spotty cellular coverage. Download maps or directions before heading to remote camping areas.
Gate access requirements: Some campgrounds use coded entry systems. At LeFleur's Bluff State Park Campground, a camper advised, "Remember to check your email for your gate access code the gentleman ahead of us did not and it took awhile to get in after a long day of driving."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Roosevelt State Park offers multiple options for family water recreation. One visitor noted, "The pool is there for an extra fee with a water slide. They are well maintained." Swimming areas provide relief during hot weather months.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. LeFleur's Bluff State Park Campground has "a nice playground" according to a recent visitor.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Forest: Forest Service Road 526 provides a free dispersed camping option where pets have more freedom. The site is described as "Big site no fire ring no other camp sites that I have seen," offering isolation for families with pets that need space.
Tips from RVers
Pad levelness varies: At Roosevelt State Park, one camper observed, "Some spots are very narrow and drop off as soon as you leave the pad. Spots in the 'older' area seem more spaced out." RVers should check site descriptions carefully when booking.
Monthly rates available: For longer stays, Timberlake Campground offers extended-stay options. The campground is "right on the reservoir, but immediately near any restaurant, grocery, event space you want," making it convenient for longer-term camping with pets.
Concrete pads: Many sites at pet-friendly campgrounds near Forest feature concrete pads. One visitor to Roosevelt State Park noted, "Smooth paved roads, level concrete pads, picnic tables that will seat 8, fire ring and grill at each site."
