Homochitto National Forest in southwestern Mississippi features several established campgrounds with Clear Springs Recreation Area serving as the primary developed camping destination. This forest area provides camping options ranging from RV sites with hookups to more primitive tent camping areas. The Clear Springs Lake Rec Area NF Campground offers electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary dump stations across two separate camping loops. Within a short drive, campers can also access Natchez State Park Campground and Percy Quin State Park, both offering additional amenities including cabins and glamping opportunities alongside traditional tent and RV camping areas.
Roads leading to camping areas in Homochitto National Forest may present challenges, particularly for larger vehicles. The Clear Springs campground has two distinct loops with varying site sizes—Loop A sites (13-22) are generally considered more scenic but Loop B sites (1-12) offer more level terrain better suited for larger campers. Most established campsites provide electric and water hookups for $20-25 per night, with federal pass holders receiving discounts. Cell service varies significantly throughout the forest, with several visitors noting weak or non-existent coverage in many areas. As one camper noted, "No AT&T & T-Mobile service at our campsite, but picked up a weak signal by the lake."
Campground facilities at Clear Springs feature recently renovated bathhouses with showers, though some visitors have reported maintenance issues including drainage problems in shower stalls. The recreation area includes a lake suitable for swimming and fishing, with a shallow sandy area for younger swimmers. Hiking opportunities abound with trails ranging from a short loop around the lake to longer forest routes extending up to 17 miles. Visitors particularly appreciate the relative seclusion of the campgrounds. One camper described it as "a great little campground nestled in the woods" where "some of the campsites border part of the lake and more are wooded." During peak times, especially weekends, the campgrounds can fill completely, though weekday availability is typically better outside summer months. The primitive camping areas once mentioned in older reviews may no longer be available, according to recent visitor reports.
$7 - $40 / night
"Clear Springs Recreation Area,located in the Homochitto National Forest near Roxie, Ms, is probably one of my favorite campgrounds within 3 hours from New Orleans."
"Our site had a great view of the creek and was a little more tucked away but right by the bathrooms."
"This is a great campsite nestled in the Homochitto National Forest right outside Bude, Mississippi. The campsite has two loops with hookups for RVs and some tent campers mixed in."
"It’s definitely off the beaten track but worth the drive. It’s a great campground nestled in the woods. Some of the campsites border part of the lake and more are wooded."
"the campgrounds are tucked back in the wooded areas. You drive in from main highway and feel like you’re in a tunnel of trees; temperature drops 5-10 degrees."
"Don’t let the condition of the road or the buildings scare you away from this state park. These people have had to clean up after 2 hurricanes this year."
"Super walking path between sites and Mississippi River. You can watch barges making their way on the river."
"There is a paved walking trail along the river. There is also a public boat ramp about 1/4 mile away for access to the Mississippi. Internet was sport."
$24 / night
"Dont think of the beach as the typical sandy beaches on coasts, instead this is a lake beach with grass. Under water though was fine. Quite clean and no debris."
"We did walk the dogs around the campground to see all of the campsites, the little chapel, and the lake. The boys did some fishing but didn’t get to do any catching on this cold November weekend."
"There is a laundry room and the bathrooms next to that are air conditioned-not sure about all of them."
"All in all this was a site to remember getting to see the sunset on the lake."
"Very peaceful get away from it all area. We camped next to the bathroom in a 21' RV."
"Its a remote location right off of Natchez Trace. No cellphone service except for a few lucky people. No stores for at least 30 mins any direction. But very interesting place riddled with history."
GuideOverall a nice campground. There was no entry gate, ranger or camp host so there wasn't much security. The restrooms were old but we'll kept up and clean. During our stay some other campers came in late at night and left very early and threw trash all over the ground around their campsite. Some better security would be good.
GuideThis campground has been neglected not by personnel but by the Government. Budget cuts apparently have hurt this site and improvements need to be made to bathrooms and additional personnel added to maintain campground. Sites are clean and some are level, Grass is maintained well, just the restrooms are run down and need updating, no host at this site, the host site was empty when we were there.
Guide10 to 15 spaces around a big loop in a wooded area. Little run down but the area was pretty. There were what appeared to be two long term "campers" also in the loop but no one else. Very quiet at night. Campfire ring, grill grate and old wooden picnic table. Mostly flat spots with a couple of pull through spots.
GuideThis campground is at MM 54.8 along the Natachez Trace Parkway in Mississippi. There are 22 sites that are good for Tents & RVs. No reservations, NO POTABLE WATER. There are Rest Rooms no showers. Camp for FREE up tp 14 days.
GuideThis campground is located in the Mississippi Homochitto National Forest. There are two camping areas the Upper Loop and the Lower Loop. My site was in the lower loop. Each site has water and electric. There is a bathhouse with hot showers. There is a beautiful picnic area. Hike around the lake for a short hike or there are other trails with longer distances.
Nov 2025: I stopped back here on my way out of Mississippi. This time very dissapointing. My Site's firepit was full of trash & food. Trash cans were overflowing and the bathhouse was not as clean as before. I did not see the campground host this visit.
GuideThe entry road is not really suited to most RVs The electric box has a wasp nest The concrete slab was partially covered in mud The picnic table area was covered in fire ants everywhere plus a huge ant hill Laundry is out of service The campground has no lawn care and you are basically camping in a mud jungle Mosquitoes were thick Leaves were deep There were two other campers 1 van, 1 motorcycle No on-site rangers or staff We never unhooked and left We will attempt to get our money back
ScoutI went to visit Cleat Springs. It is run down, roads are narrow and broken up, there are water moccasins in the lake. Nothing like the beautiful place it was.
GuideIt has 2 separate areas, both have electric and water at the sites. $25. Smaller RVs and tents only. Dump site at the entrance. There are trials, large picnic areas, and an older bath house with hot showers. Big pond for fishing and swimming.
GuideRV and primitive are separated. $25 for RV. $20 for primitive. There is a older bath house. Quiet and clean. Good bluegill fishing.
Homochitto National Forest campsites stretch across southwestern Mississippi's rolling hills, with elevations ranging from 200 to 500 feet above sea level. The forest's 192,000 acres feature pine-hardwood mix terrain with sandy loam soils that provide well-drained camping surfaces after typical southern rainstorms. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter camping offers mild 50-60°F daytime conditions.
Hiking on Richardson Creek Trail: Visit Rocky Springs Campground where several trails provide nature immersion options. "I went for a walk up to the old church and remains of the town of Rocky Springs. Being a Nevada Barr fan I was delighted to see the cemetery she mentioned in one of her books 'Deep South'," notes one camper.
Swimming in designated areas: The lake at Percy Quin State Park Campground offers a popular swimming spot. "The park offers a boat launch, marina and a fish cleaning area," reports a visitor who explored the extensive facilities.
Historical exploration: Venture beyond the forest boundaries to nearby Natchez, where you can use River View RV Park & Resort as a convenient base. "There is a paved walking path along the river," mentions a camper, noting the easy access to historical attractions just minutes away.
Privacy between sites: At Natchez State Park Campground, campers appreciate the natural spacing. "Nice campground with decent showers and bathrooms. Electric and water at every site. There was decent shade at half of the sites on the loop," reports one visitor who stayed for multiple days.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forested settings throughout Homochitto camping areas provide habitat for diverse wildlife. "We saw deer in the campgrounds on my last visit," mentions a Rocky Springs camper who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
Affordable camping rates: Cost-conscious campers note reasonable fees across most Homochitto Forest campsites. "At $20 a night this place is a steal! Water and electricity at all the sites. Amazing views, lake playground hiking biking plenty of things to keep busy," reports a Clear Springs visitor.
Weather impacts on facilities: Seasonal storms can affect campground conditions. "We went at the end of season so the site was empty except for us. They were working on the trails so there were only a couple different options but there was 1 or 2 longer hikes that we completed," notes a visitor to Rocky Springs.
Road condition challenges: Access to several Homochitto camping areas requires navigating unpaved roads. "Dirt roads can be hard for some vehicles, but if you have a 4x4 or horses they would be great for exploring," explains a camper who stayed at Clear Springs.
Varying campsite layouts: At Clear Springs Lake Rec Area NF Campground, campers find distinctly different camping areas. "2 separate camping areas. The area up the hill away from the lake has smaller rv pads," notes one reviewer who compared the options.
Swimming safety: Look for designated swimming spots with gradual entry. "The park includes an 18-hole golf course, a motel, cabins for rent, both camper and primitive camping. There is an area for day use that includes picnic pavilions, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and hiking trail," reports a Percy Quin visitor.
Biking opportunities: Paved paths provide safe cycling for younger riders. "Great place for the kids to go out and play. Ride bikes etc," notes a family that visited Percy Quin State Park with children.
Wildlife education: Use wildlife sightings as learning opportunities. "There are banana spiders set up along the way so keep an eye out," mentions a camper who spotted interesting forest inhabitants during their stay.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose appropriate loops and sites based on RV size. "If you are in an RV or trailer go for sites 13-22. If you are with kids and/or in a tent then sites 1-12 are perfect. Also… not every site can handle a large rig," advises a Clear Springs Recreation Area camper with RV experience.
Leveling challenges: Many sites have slight slopes requiring leveling equipment. "The sites were pretty spacious and many have an unobstructed view of the river," notes a River View RV Park visitor who appreciated the generous site dimensions.
Utility considerations: Not all sites offer the same hookup options. "The sites include sewer hookup, a picnic table, a grill, and an asphalt pad. There were no designated fire rings, so we made our own," reports a Percy Quin camper who adjusted to available amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the designated camping areas in Homochitto National Forest?
The primary designated camping area in Homochitto National Forest is Clear Springs Lake Rec Area NF Campground, located near Bude, Mississippi. This campground features two loops with hookups for RVs and tent camping sites. Additionally, primitive tent-only sites are available at Clear Springs Recreation Area. For those seeking a no-fee option, primitive camping is available just outside the main entrance to Clear Springs. The forest offers classical Mississippi beauty with peaceful surroundings and access to outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and fishing.
What permits or fees are required for camping in Homochitto National Forest?
Camping fees in Homochitto National Forest vary by location and amenities. The developed campground loops at Natchez State Park Campground require payment for sites with hookups. However, primitive camping areas outside the main entrance to Clear Springs offer no-fee camping options. For those looking for more amenities, River View RV Park & Resort in nearby Vidalia charges fees for their full-hookup sites. Reservations are recommended for developed sites, especially during peak seasons. Check with the Forest Service office for the most current fee information and any seasonal fire restrictions or permits.
What amenities are available at Homochitto National Forest campgrounds?
Homochitto National Forest campgrounds offer a range of amenities depending on the site. Grand Gulf Military Park provides basic facilities in a historic setting, while Percy Quin State Park Campground offers more developed options nearby. At Clear Springs, amenities include picnic tables, water fill stations, and access to hiking trails, a lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. The developed loops feature RV hookups, while primitive sites offer a more rustic experience. The campgrounds are nestled in wooded areas providing natural shade and scenic surroundings. Facilities are simple but well-maintained, perfect for those seeking a peaceful forest camping experience without extensive resort-style amenities.
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