Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, New Houlka, MS has a lot to offer. New Houlka is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in New Houlka, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Davis Lake Recreation Area is home to beautiful Davis Lake, Campground and Day Use Area, popular for all kinds of recreational opportunities, including swimming, fishing, boating, birding and wildlife viewing. The surrounding scenic forests make Davis Lake a picturesque place to spend quality time outdoors.
Davis Lake covers 200 acres and provides multiple recreational opportunities. A grassy swimming beach is situated on the shore, where many anglers cast for largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, crappie, catfish and bream. The campground has 14 sites on the lake, many of them with space to anchor a boat. A 2-mile trail wanders along the north edge of the lake to several earthen fishing piers. Visitors can also spend time birding, watching for a variety of geese and ducks that migrate through the area. Hawks, herons, bluebirds and doves are also plentiful, among many other species. Wildlife viewing is also available, as foxes and bobcats call the area home. The Chickasaw OHV Trail is a newly renovated 12-mile motorized trail that is within three miles of the campground. The trailhead lies between the Davis Lake recreation area and the Natchez Trace Parkway. It is within a mile of the Owl Creek Mounds archaeological interpretive site. It is open between April 1 and Oct. 31, for hunting. The trail accommodates off-road vehicles 48-inches in width or less. Cyclists and hikers will enjoy the Tanglefoot Trail. This multiple-use Rails-to-Trails path is located 5 miles west of Davis Lake. It runs 43.5 miles from Houston to New Albany, MS through Houlka, Algoma, Pontotoc, Ecru, and Ingomar.
Davis Lake covers 200 acres and provides multiple recreational opportunities. A grassy swimming beach is situated on the shore, where many anglers cast for largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, crappie, catfish and bream. The campground has 14 sites on the lake, many of them with space to anchor a boat. A 2-mile trail wanders along the north edge of the lake to several earthen fishing piers. Visitors can also spend time birding, watching for a variety of geese and ducks that migrate through the area. Hawks, herons, bluebirds and doves are also plentiful, among many other species. Wildlife viewing is also available, as foxes and bobcats call the area home. The Chickasaw OHV Trail is a newly renovated 12-mile motorized trail that is within three miles of the campground. The trailhead lies between the Davis Lake recreation area and the Natchez Trace Parkway. It is within a mile of the Owl Creek Mounds archaeological interpretive site. It is open between April 1 and Oct. 31, for hunting. The trail accommodates off-road vehicles 48-inches in width or less. Cyclists and hikers will enjoy the Tanglefoot Trail. This multiple-use Rails-to-Trails path is located 5 miles west of Davis Lake. It runs 43.5 miles from Houston to New Albany, MS through Houlka, Algoma, Pontotoc, Ecru, and Ingomar.
The campground is situated in a hilly, mixed hardwood and pine forest that stretches along the eastern shore of the lake. It is located within 4 miles of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile drive through exceptional scenery and 10,000 years of North American history.
The recreation area is located 21 miles south of Tupelo, Mississippi, and 12 miles north of Houston. The Owl Creek Mounds, an archaeological interpretive site containing Native American ruins, is about 50 miles away. The Witchdance Horsetrail is an 18-mile horseback riding trail that can be accessed from both the Payamatha Trailhead (on Highway 32, west of the Natchez Trace and east of Highway 15), or the Witchdance trailhead, that lies on the Natchez Trace Parkway (approximately 5 miles east of Houston).
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (662) 285-3264.
$20 / night
Puskus Lake Recreation Area is a fairly remote area for those who do not like the big crowds and do not need modern conveniences. The visitor will discover a pleasant and quiet environment. This recreation area surrounds a 96 acre lake stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill with occasional crappie or catfish. Facilities include 19 campsites, 13 picnic sites, boat ramp, fishing piers, and a 1-mile hiking trail. Puskus Lake Recreation Area is open year-round unless weather conditions require the area to be closed. Puskus is a fee area and the fee station is located just beyond the entrance gate. No attendant will be on duty. Therefore, users should make sure that they have correct currency before arriving at the recreation area.
Dewayne Hayes Campground is located on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, on Columbus Lake in Mississippi. The campground provides convenient access to the waterway. There is ample opportunity for visitors to fish, boat or spend the day sightseeing along the banks of the river. The recreation area was named in 1986 for Pfc. Loyd DeWayne Hayes, a member of the 145th Engineering Battalion of the Alabama National Guard.
With playgrounds, hiking trails, multi-use courts, picnic areas and educational programs, families have no shortage of activities to choose from at DeWayne Hayes. Anglers can fish from the shore in search of bass, walleye, crappie, catfish and sunfish. Additionally, hunters can seek out a diverse range of high quality habitats for upland game and waterfowl species along the Tenn-Tom lands.
With playgrounds, hiking trails, multi-use courts, picnic areas and educational programs, families have no shortage of activities to choose from at DeWayne Hayes. Anglers can fish from the shore in search of bass, walleye, crappie, catfish and sunfish. Additionally, hunters can seek out a diverse range of high quality habitats for upland game and waterfowl species along the Tenn-Tom lands.
The Tenn-Tom, as the waterway is known, extends 234 miles from the Tennessee River to the junction of the Tombigbee River in Alabama. The man-made waterway connects the nation's midsection of commercial water transportation with the Gulf of Mexico.
Columbus, Mississippi is right next door and offers antique stores, historic sights and other services and amenities.
$20 - $32 / night
Town Creek Campground is located on the beautiful Columbus Lake in the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. The campground has direct access to the waterway for recreational boating activities and is a great place to relax and view the scenery.
With Columbus Lake and Kennedy Lake to explore, this facility has ample water recreation opportunities. Anglers can try their luck on the fishing dock or head off-shore in search of bass, catfish and crappie. Families with children can play on the facility's three playgrounds and go hiking, biking or birding. The nature trail circling the Kennedy Lake crosses the water in a number of places by way of wooden footbridges.
With Columbus Lake and Kennedy Lake to explore, this facility has ample water recreation opportunities. Anglers can try their luck on the fishing dock or head off-shore in search of bass, catfish and crappie. Families with children can play on the facility's three playgrounds and go hiking, biking or birding. The nature trail circling the Kennedy Lake crosses the water in a number of places by way of wooden footbridges.
The thickly forested, sloping shoreline and calm water create a peaceful atmosphere. On top of the hill overlooking the Tombigbee is Kennedy Lake; on the back of the lake, water cascades down a stone waterfall and into a creek that meanders through the park. The Tenn-Tom, as the waterway is known, extends 234 miles from the Tennessee River to the junction of the Tombigbee River in Alabama. The man-made waterway connects the nation's midsection of commercial water transportation with the Gulf of Mexico.
Town Creek Campground is just minutes from the cities of Columbus and West Point, Mississippi, which offer a variety of conveniences such as shopping, restaurants and golf courses.
$32 / night
This recreation area is part of Enid Lake
This recreation area is part of Enid Lake
Plum Point Campground is located on the North side of Enid Lake. This campground is designed for individuals to camp without utilities. The campground features eight campsites with no hook-ups. A comfort station, playground, five picnic sites, a beach, natural beach and a boat ramp are located in this area. This area is popular among individuals that enjoy a quite camping experience. It is a quiet, family oriented campground situated along the banks of Enid Lake in forests of northern Mississippi.__ View a virtual tour of Enid Lake.
Enid Lake offers access to the lake for boating, fishing, and designated swimming areas.__ Enid Lake has been recognized as one of America's Top 10 Fishing Spots, with white crappie, bass and catfish available in abundance. The lake is the home of the world record white crappie, which weighed an impressive 5 pounds, 3 ounces. Fishing tournaments are held annually at the lake. Boating is a popular pastime on the lake, and boat ramps are provided at the campground.
Enid Lake offers access to the lake for boating, fishing, and designated swimming areas.__ Enid Lake has been recognized as one of America's Top 10 Fishing Spots, with white crappie, bass and catfish available in abundance. The lake is the home of the world record white crappie, which weighed an impressive 5 pounds, 3 ounces. Fishing tournaments are held annually at the lake. Boating is a popular pastime on the lake, and boat ramps are provided at the campground.
Enid Lake is part of a dam project on the Yocona River. The dam creates almost 16,000 acres of water for millions of annual visitors to enjoy. An additional 44,000 acres of thick, green forests surrounding the lake offer countless recreational opportunities for campers, equestrians, hikers and more.____ Some sites ofter a view of the lake. The surrounding woods provide habitat for squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, deer, butterflies, and variety of birds. Visitors will find numerous locations for viewing the local plants and animal species found in this northern Mississippi Hill County.
The nearby towns of Water Valley and Batesville, Mississippi offers shopping, hotels, restaurants and emergency care facilities if needed. Memphis, Tennessee, approximately 60 miles, offers tours of Graceland, Elvis Presley home. His birthplace is located in nearby Tupelo, Mississippi.
$10 / night
Campsite was great. Beautiful lake and not crowded. Night time was quiet. Really enjoyed the views and relaxing environment. This is a great location to disconnect, but do not expect the amenities other sites offer (bathrooms, electricity, water, etc.).
Hardly any other people around. Very run down and lots of bugs. Stopped over here for a quick camp spot on a road trip, and it was fine for this. Wouldn’t go out of the way to come back
Busy campground but enough space so it doesn’t feel like your neighbors are right on top of you. Plenty of shade and many spots have a direct view of the Tenn-Tom Waterway.
I love camping spending time with my family
COOL CAMP
Really like the area. It’s got campsites right on the lake, a day area, boat ramp. It is falling into disuse and disrepair. The Forrest service has signs that it is going to be decommissioned. It is a Fee area. It’s 1$ for day use and 7$ for camp use. Bring cash.
Some sites are over grown and not maintained. One bathroom away from the sites in the "day use" area. Mostly fisherman. The lake has motor oil/ fuel running on the surface. The docks nice, wide with bench seating. Time has been alright to the paths and roads. Lantern poles are available at all the sites. Possibly ring worms in the water, not sure about all that, however there is a drainage site that turns into a stream with a nice little "hole" to swim or fish in. One site has a short cylinder fire ring with a height adjustable griddle. One site has a dock right in front of it, could park kayaks and or a boat, not sure how deep the water is in terms of what boats. Wonderful sunset, most sites are around 100-50 feet from the water.
NF camp, so $7 for regular people, and $3.50 for those awesome folks with an interagency pass. Concrete boat launch.
Enjoy, busy on the weekend/end of week...
stayed for 5 days in late april. wonderful experience and would go back in heart beat. off the beaten path, which we love. well kept, wonderful camp host. we didn't use the shower house / restrooms, but everything we saw was nice. definitely would go back. do your research on the campsites. some are pretty short and will not accommodate long rigs.
This campground is 5 miles west of the Natchez Trace, and we stayed one weeknight as we were heading south. Some of the sites are reservable and others are first come. I don't think there is a bad site there. The shower and bathroom areas were clean. I suspect it fills up in season, so best to make reservations.
Coming home to Dallas from Alabama and found this oasis…clean and quiet. In and out no problems.
We loved this campground. There is a trail in the campground that leads to a cypress slough and it is beautiful. Some campsites are reserveable and some are first come first serve. There is really not a bad campsite in the campground. We got half price with America the Beautiful national park pass. This is a Corp of Engineers park. The campground hosts were all very friendly and helpful. People camping in the park were also friendly. Columbus, MS is just a few miles away and has anything you may need to buy.
It’s a basic KOA with clean showers, laundry, and full hookups. The lake that was a an attraction including water slides and fishing docks is dry and has been for a couple of years.
Puskus Lake campground is a nice campground and could be better but parts are starting to hurt from low use. The forest service is looking at removing the campground due to low use. On my visit I was the only one their with the exception of two others fishing out on the lake. Only one of the three outhouses where open and that was the one by the boat launch. All the campsites have picnic tables, metal fire rings and metal poles for hanging your lantern. The campground sit in a nicely forested area just above the lake. While this might be considered somewhat isolated in the area, if this campground was in Montana it would be packed. This is a very nice campground in need of a little TLC and more visitors. Get away from the crowds at those corp of engineer sites and come here for some solitude while you can.
Fun little quick trip to paddle around in kayak, fish & enjoy great meal over grill
Great spot. Good fishing on enid lake
All basic amenities including shower
Goodspot surrounded by rednecks
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. Several primitive sites. Our troop made friends with some other kids nearby as well. Great for families or alone.
The customer service was absolutely outstanding! 4 stars only because of lack of amenities for kids, however, they do have games to rent from office. Unfortunately the lake has mostly dried up and no longer hits the shoreline of the campground (apparently been this way for 6 years). They used to have what looked like an awesome beach area, water slides, boat ramps etc... but it has all fallen into disrepair which makes sense now that the water has receded. Our son and his buddy still had fun relaxing, throwing the ball around and playing a few games. WiFi was not great except for AT&T which means there must be an AT&T tower nearby. All stores, Walmart, restaurants etc.. are about a 12 minute drive away if needed. All in all, it was very relaxing. If they added a huge pool, I think it’d be a big hit.
I camped here just one night in May 2021 on a Saturday, I got there at about 3pm and was the first there but by nightfall every site was full. People stayed quiet with the exception of a 12:30am arrival man who walked onto my site right up to my tent to I guess see if anyone was there?? I’m a solo camping woman so that was a little scary. Beautiful place that seemed to be primarily locals, bathrooms are what you can expect from a small campground, bring your own TP. The water spout did not work on my visit.
We’ve frequented this small space since childhood. It’s very well remote off of HWY 30 in the Holly Springs National Forest.
It’s fairly well patrolled by game wardens and the camping spots are well maintained.
Self check in is handled at the permit box upon turning off the highway. Be mindful of snakes and you’re usual pests.
This is a nice older campground with full hookups including sewer, which makes it nice. Not far from I-55 if you needed some place to stop for the night. Restrooms/Shower house was clean and nice. Washer and dryers available, but somewhat unkept. Putt putt golf course and disc golf on premises. Noticed some grills were broken and fire pits were not on all sites. Definitely, stay only in Yocona Ridge as the other section is in complete disrepair. MS really needs to fund their state parks better so they can get the maintenance needed. They will begin charging $10 a day extra for golf carts beginning May 1, 2021. Lakeside sites would allow for boat pull-up within view.
This is very near my home. It's a decent enough area for a day or two but not enough for an extended stay for me personally. Facilities are really only maintained during peak season and even then I've been greeted by dirty showers and restrooms more than once. The swimming area steps are quite slippery as well and muscle shells are ever present so i would recommend aquatic footwear if you plan on using this area.
Our stay at site 82 from 3/12/21-3/14/21 is filled with the sounds of people working and playing. Sites are nicely spaced. During the week, we enjoy watching pilots from the Columbus Air Force Base honing their skills. The barges, more frequent during the day, have the occasional after dark run. They are fascinating to watch and quite pretty at night.
We paddle in the area by the campground. Almost all motor boaters are very thoughtful in reducing their wake. Many people are fishing, some are catching and some families are out in pleasure boats cruising on the waterway.
If you enjoy hiking make sure to grab a map and walk around Kennedy Lake (more like a pond) and the primitive sites.
This is a GREAT campground. We camped in a tent on site 88. Right on the tombigbee.
We enjoyed campsite 89 from 3/9/21-3/12/21. We launch and paddle from our site. The walking path is about 3 miles round trip from the the day-use boat ramp and playground to the campground end. Camp hosts are friendly and campsites are well maintained.
This is the first campground we have stopped at this week that had more than one other camper. I’d guess they were 70% full.
Most of the folks we met were local, here for a weekend away and outdoors. Lots of families with kids. Everyone was super friendly and welcoming.
The camp host came by just to say hi and see if we had questions.
We had decent phone service, but slow at times.
Some spots had good shade, some didn’t. Many backed up to the water and none were a far walk from water access either bank or dock.
Only 4 miles from the Natchez Trace. Not sure what amenities are available in nearby Houston, but Pontotoc had plenty of provisions. Not super close, but doable.
The lake itself - muddy brown water and not too much to look at it. But in fairness, it still is winter.
Looked like primarily a fishing lake, but I don’t hold a MS fishing license, so I didn’t try any.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near New Houlka, MS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near New Houlka, MS is Davis Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near New Houlka, MS?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 glamping camping locations near New Houlka, MS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
