Camping options near Homochitto National Forest include sites with varying terrain and accessibility throughout the 191,000-acre forest. Located in southwestern Mississippi, the forest features pine-hardwood ecosystems with rolling hills and sandy creek bottoms. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity while winter overnight lows can drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails: Clear Springs Recreation Area offers numerous hiking options including a trail around the lake. "We preferred the ridge loop. Clean bathrooms with shower. Good access to trails nearby. Electricity and water at site. Sites feel private," according to a visitor at Clear Springs Recreation Area.
Fishing opportunities: Natchez State Park provides bass and catfish fishing from both shore and boat. "Great Lake for kayaking. Nice big fishing pier. Great fishing for big bass and catfish along the levy," notes one camper at Natchez State Park Campground.
Water activities: Hidden Springs RV Resort offers creek and river access for swimming and tubing. A visitor mentioned, "Nice quiet family campground. Two pools both fed by on site natural springs. Bogue Chitto river runs right alongside. Fishing, tubing, swimming. All easily accessible."
What campers like
Natural wildlife viewing: Paradise Ranch RV Resort allows close encounters with animals. "This place is very kid and family friendly! Upon first arriving in our RV, we checked in and rented a golf cart. This ranch is huge so you need some form of wheels, even if you just bring a bike. We were at site 16 and it is towards the back of the camp. Driving in, the kids could not stay seated as there were likely HUNDREDS of deer and a few pigs roaming," shares a visitor at Paradise Ranch RV Resort.
Waterfront locations: Many sites at River View RV Park & Resort offer Mississippi River views. A camper noted, "We spent a few days at River View RV Park in January, visiting Natchez and enjoying the view of the Mississippi River. The sites were pretty spacious and many have an unobstructed view of the river. There is even a nice paved trail on top of the levee."
Spacious campsites: Lake Lincoln State Park provides generous site spacing at many locations. "We enjoyed fishing and kayaking on the lake. The campground is very scenic with lake views. My one and only complaint is we had a street light right above our camper so we couldn't see the stars well at night while sitting around our campfire," reports a visitor at Lake Lincoln State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: River View RV Park & Resort offers reduced rates during less busy periods. "Clean and friendly. Looks to be off season in Sept and was quiet. Would highly recommend. Rates were very reasonable this time of year," mentions one reviewer.
Site selection recommendations: At Clear Springs Lake Rec Area, sites vary in size and location. "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 camper at Clear Springs Lake Rec Area NF Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds may present challenges after weather events. "Currently, the main entrance to the park is under construction, so we were detoured about 7 miles around very bumpy backroads to an alternate entrance. We enjoyed our stay but won't visit again until the roads are fixed."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Paradise Ranch offers unique wildlife interactions for children. "We parked and went to find some deer; which is extremely easy as there are so many. My kids fed the deer some corn and they will eat it right from your hands."
Swimming areas: Multiple campgrounds offer designated swimming spots. "It 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."
Playground access: River View RV Park & Resort includes amenities for children of different ages. "There is a playground, a dog park, pool and hot tub. Showers and bathrooms are nice. Laundry room, small grocery/gift shop. And a guest lounge. There is a paved walking trail along the river."
Tips from RVers
RV site specifics: Clear Springs can accommodate medium-sized rigs with some limitations. "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."
Hookup availability: Plantation RV Park offers full connections despite mixed reviews. "As of 08/2018 this Campground is under New Management. Many renovations have taken place and Many more are in progress. We have Large, Level Tree Shaded lots. Pads are concrete and easily accessible. Full Hook Ups and Great WiFi."
Internet connectivity: Access varies widely among rv sites near Homochitto National Forest. "Internet was sport. With this many Class A motorhomes and people streaming media the server can't keep up."
