Davis Lake, Puskus Lake, and Trace State Park offer diverse camping experiences near Houston, Mississippi. The region sits within the Tombigbee National Forest at elevations of 300-500 feet, with a subtropical climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. Winter camping temperatures range from 30-60°F, while summer highs regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Davis Lake Campground provides excellent fishing access with dedicated piers. "Many people boating and fishing. The walking path is about a quarter mile down to a spot where people fish," notes Bruce F. The 200-acre lake supports various fish species.
Hiking trails: Puskus Lake offers two trails totaling about 5 miles through Holly Springs National Forest. While "they are not maintained very well in some areas although they are flat and easy to explore," according to Kim N., they provide a pleasant nature experience for beginners.
Wildlife watching: Bird enthusiasts should bring binoculars. "Great wildlife! Came here for bird watching. Will return to bike the Tanglefoot Trail," mentions one Davis Lake visitor. Squirrels, armadillos, and various bird species are commonly spotted throughout the camping areas.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Dewayne Hayes Campground features sites directly on the Tombigbee Waterway. "Plenty of shade and many spots have a direct view of the Tenn-Tom Waterway," reports Will G. The waterfront sites offer unique views of working barges passing by.
Peace and quiet: Many campgrounds in the area remain uncrowded, especially during weekdays. At Puskus Lake, one camper noted, "I have never seen more than 5 or 6 different sites being used anytime that I have been there." This creates an ideal setting for those seeking solitude.
Clean facilities: Trace State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Clean campsites and bathrooms. Nice hiking trails," writes William M. Several campgrounds in the region provide accessible showers and restrooms, enhancing the camping experience.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer months bring high humidity and insects. "Nighttime can be quite humid and bug ridden but if you're equipped for it i'd say this spot is great for beginners or family trips," advises Maddox H. about Choctaw Lake.
Tent pad variations: Some campgrounds have limitations for tent campers. At Choctaw Lake, "tents cannot be set up on grass; only on their 'tent pads' (jagged rocks)," reports Gregory H., so bringing extra padding is advisable.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require attention. At Trace State Park, one reviewer noted, "the one downside to the park" is that "the roads in the park are terrible." Plan accordingly, especially if bringing a larger vehicle or trailer.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Town Creek Campground offers water activities for families. "We paddle in the area by the campground. Almost all motor boaters are very thoughtful in reducing their wake," reports Cyndi H. Several lakes in the region have designated swimming areas.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for younger children. "There is a playground for kids, a boat dock if you have one, or you can just fish right off your site," notes Tiffany C. about Choctaw Lake's amenities for families.
Educational opportunities: The nearby Natchez Trace Parkway offers historical stops. "Grab a map and walk around Kennedy Lake and the primitive sites," suggests one visitor, as many locations feature interpretive signage about local history and ecology.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When seeking yurt camping near Houston, Mississippi, consider RV sites that can accommodate alternative structures. "The sites are spacious, including a fire area, picnic table, electric hookup, water and sewer hook up," notes a camper about Trace State Park.
Levelness varies: Some sites require additional preparation. "The sites away from the water looked to be uneven and on a slope so beware if you take an rv," warns Nate S. about Davis Lake. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended.
Dump station access: For extended stays, note that "this is a great place to dump your tanks" at Choctaw Lake, though one visitor mentions "the charge is $5.00 but there is no one to pay!" Plan accordingly for waste management during longer trips.
