Cabin camping near Hattiesburg, Mississippi offers outdoorsy experiences amid longleaf pine forests at 200-300 feet elevation. The region experiences humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers, with campers noting that fall and early spring provide the most comfortable temperatures for enjoying lake activities and hiking trails.
What to Do
Disc golf courses: Little Black Creek Campground & Park offers two championship-level disc golf courses that host the Big Rip Classic Tournament each October. "This park is just a little off the beaten path in Lumberton Mississippi. Located about 20 minutes off of interstate 59 and situated on a great fishing lake. The park boasts 2 championship level Disc Golf courses," notes a visitor.
Kayaking and canoeing: Hattiesburg / Okatoma River KOA provides kayaking trips that can be combined with camping. "Start your day by checking in and doing one of the two kayaking trips this place has to offer and end your day by the fire right next to the river. Super beautiful place to stay!" a camper recommends.
Zip lining: Little Black Creek offers adventure activities beyond water recreation. A visitor mentions, "There is zip lining, frisbee golf and many great sites by the water. The park is well maintained with a very friendly staff! There is a large beach area and trails to hike."
What Campers Like
Lakeside sites: Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground features waterfront sites with direct lake access. "We had the good fortune of finding this gem as an overnight waypoint on a recent trip to Florida. We found an asphalt pad with full hookups overlooking Lake Geiger for our Sprinter Camper van," one camper shared.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds in the region offer peaceful settings. "Perfect location for a weekend retreat traveling from South La. Huge lake for paddling and the doggos to swim," notes a visitor to Little Black Creek Campground & Park.
Wildlife viewing: Little Black Creek Campground provides opportunities for wildlife encounters. "We did encounter coyote, deer, and lots of talkative geese, so be prepared for some wildlife interaction," mentions a camper who visited during Halloween.
What You Should Know
Off-season advantages: Winter camping offers a different but enjoyable experience. "We stayed during the middle of January of 2021 on site 29. The back of the site backs up to the lake, with plenty of beach to fish or hangout. This site would be perfect during the summer if you wanted to swim," notes a visitor to Flint Creek Waterpark.
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have varying site quality. "The best sites are the first come first serve sites. These sites are in the Mohawk area. I would avoid the Kahaka area if you want a beach area as there isn't one," advises a Flint Creek camper.
Military presence: Camp Shelby's proximity affects some camping experiences. A camper at Paul B. Johnson noted, "Camp Shelby is nearby, so you'll hear various noises from that (not overly distracting but I wish I would have known before arriving)."
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly amenities: Campgrounds feature various activities for children. "There is a splash pad, lake swimming, and several picnic areas near the visitor center that would be awesome for kids and families when the weather is warmer," notes a visitor to Paul B. Johnson State Park.
Short hiking options: Big Creek Water Park offers accessible nature experiences. "Sites are roomy. All the things you need-electricity water fire ring and concrete picnic table. Lake playground. Bath house with flush toilets," shares a camper.
Halloween festivities: For fall visits, campgrounds often host special events. "We stayed here during Halloween and it was pretty crowded. We prefer more secluded camping sites, and this campground provides plenty of space despite being so packed. There were several RV campgrounds that had decorations and trick-or-treating," explains a Flint Creek visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some campgrounds. "The only issue I had with the spots were they were all uneven, but somehow I was able to level my 37' travel trailer on the first try without any leveling aids," notes a visitor to Flint Creek.
Security features: Wiggins Campground & RV Park offers secure camping. "Nice and quit. Security cameras throw out the park. Have handicap bathrooms and Laundry room. Very clean throw out the park. Place to walk your dogs," shares a reviewer.
Last-minute availability: Some campgrounds accommodate spontaneous trips. "We were driving our van to the beach with our 5 kids, by 11pm we decided to stop for the night. A very kind human answered when we called, even last minute. Booked us over the phone," explains a Hattiesburg / Okatoma River KOA visitor.
