Tishomingo State Park Campground and Piney Grove offer camping options in northeast Mississippi, where the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains create a distinctive landscape with elevations reaching up to 660 feet. Campsites sit at various elevations throughout the area, with temperatures averaging 72°F during spring and fall camping seasons. Both locations offer sites along lake shorelines and wooded areas, with camping options ranging from $20-48 per night depending on amenities and season.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Tishomingo State Park offers multiple disc golf courses for enthusiasts. "Love this little place. Great for families with many hiking trails and 3 disc golf courses," notes a visitor to Tishomingo State Park Campground.
Paddle the waterways: Launch kayaks directly from waterfront sites at Piney Grove. "It was a delight to be able to put in my kayaks right at my campsite and not have to drive to a boat ramp," shares one camper at Piney Grove. The area offers both calm lake waters and flowing river sections.
Observe wildlife: The campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. "We see a variety of waterfowl and a few bass fishing boats. It is a working waterway and we observe barges each day," mentions a Piney Grove visitor who stayed in March.
Explore hiking options: Numerous trails accommodate different skill levels. A camper at Trace State Park Campground states, "Beautiful place to camp and relax. Clean campsites and bathrooms. Nice hiking trails."
What campers like
Affordable pricing: Campsites offer good value compared to other regions. "The best part was the price. 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," reports a Tishomingo visitor.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent bathhouses. "Showers were very hot and the bathrooms were very clean!" notes a camper at Tishomingo State Park. Another adds, "Bathrooms could be a little better and they do not provide soap to wash your hands. So be sure to take some."
Lake views: Waterfront sites offer direct water access and scenic views. A visitor to J.P. Coleman State Park Campground shares, "We stayed on campsite #55. It was back away from the water but we had a clear view to the water."
Yurt accommodations: For those seeking yurt camping near Fulton, Mississippi, Tishomingo offers comfortable yurt options with full amenities. These round, tent-like structures provide a glamping experience with solid floors, real beds, and electricity while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.
What you should know
Site levelness varies: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. At Davis Lake, "The sites away from the water looked to be uneven and on a slope so beware if you take an RV," cautions a reviewer at Davis Lake Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate year-round, but amenities may change seasonally. "The pool has long been out of service and swimming isn't allowed in the lake. The river probably has some swimming holes but was flooded and brown when we were there," notes a Tishomingo visitor in June.
Campsite positioning: Pay attention to site orientation when booking. "Many sites (43&44) are paired and close together," mentions a Piney Grove camper. At Tishomingo, another visitor advises, "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."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region. "Cell service was spotty with both Verizon and AT&T having two bars. We could text but not receive phone calls and often the internet wouldn't connect or was too slow to be useful," reports a Piney Grove camper.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple recreational options: Look for campgrounds with diverse activities. "Tishomingo has disc golf, large pavilions, and historic sites to visit," shares a camper. These multi-activity parks work best for families with varied interests.
Beach access: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas for children. "The campground featured a lovely lake beach. The star of the camp is the beautiful lake," notes a visitor to Dewayne Hayes Campground. Water access provides natural entertainment for kids.
Playground availability: Some parks include playground equipment for children. "They also have small playground at entrance and small area of mini golf," mentions a J.P. Coleman visitor, making these parks suitable for families with younger children.
Educational opportunities: The area offers learning experiences alongside recreation. "We went in April with our scouting troop. Very busy even then. Lots of small hiking trails. Nothing too fancy. Dollar general 10 minutes down the road if you need anything," explains a Dewayne Hayes visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Research specific sites before booking. "Spots We Like --- 19, 31, 30, 32 (waterside), 38 (private), 44, 48," recommends a Tishomingo camper. This pre-planning ensures a better experience, especially for larger rigs.
Hookup positions: Pay attention to utility placement when parking. "We had no problems with utilities that were towards the back of the pad as we could back in a good distance," notes a visitor to Cross City RV Park. Proper positioning prevents issues with hookups.
Road conditions: Some campground roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "The loops here are a little tight and there are lots of trees so coming in late on a popular weekend could be challenging with trucks, cars, and boats parked about," warns a Piney Grove camper. Arriving early can help avoid these difficulties.
Leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven sites at certain campgrounds. "Site 45 not level," mentions a J.P. Coleman visitor, highlighting the importance of bringing leveling blocks or other equipment when RV camping in this region.
