Best Tent Camping near Jackson, MS

Tent campers exploring the Jackson, Mississippi area find several established options along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Rocky Springs Campground at milepost 54.8 offers free tent camping in a forested setting approximately 30 miles southwest of Jackson. Shockaloe Base Camp I in Bienville National Forest provides seasonal primitive tent camping from April to October, about an hour east of Jackson. Black River Campsite and Okatoma Water Park also accommodate tent camping within reasonable driving distance.

Most tent sites feature paved or flat areas suitable for tent setup, with picnic tables and fire rings at many locations. Rocky Springs provides flush toilets but campers should note the water is often described as non-potable with a yellowish tint. Shockaloe Base Camp is more primitive with no facilities except a basic restroom, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Weather patterns vary seasonally, with summer bringing humidity and occasional thunderstorms. Cell service is extremely limited at most sites, particularly at Rocky Springs where reviews consistently mention poor or no connectivity regardless of carrier.

Areas along the Natchez Trace offer historical exploration opportunities alongside camping experiences. The Rocky Springs area includes hiking trails leading to an abandoned ghost town and cemetery, providing unique daytime activities for tent campers. Sites are generally well-spaced with moderate tree cover offering filtered sunlight and shade. A visitor to Rocky Springs noted, "Campsites seemed nice enough. Roads were paved. Sites are spread out and have decent tree cover." In the more remote Shockaloe Base Camp, campers can expect complete solitude within the national forest setting. One camper at Shockaloe described it as "nestled in the Bienville National Forest with lots of other options to camp. The national Forest some time offers the privacy and seclusion one wants."

Best Tent Sites Near Jackson, Mississippi (5)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Jackson, MS

231 Reviews of 5 Jackson Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2021

    Delta National Forest Site 45/45A

    Two is Better Than One

    0937 0940  

    Dates: Year round 

    Fee: $7.00 per night  If you want both sites double the fee  3.00 day use 

    Reservations only 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov

    Picnic table, fire ring, lantern site with pit toilet and trash, and potable water is available from the Delta Work F.C.

    Off of Highway 16 out of Rolling Fork, MS, we turned onto Fire Tower Road, you can take this road at two different places. We went to the second turn for a shorter trip and the gravel road in is not as pot holed than the first turn. Once you pass thru the open gate travel follow the GPS coordinates for directions. If you love primitive campsites you will love this and you will love this National Forest. We are very partial to primitive sites that are amazing. This is a very small campsite equipped with picnic table, fire ring and lantern pole. You will find some beautiful cypress trees and bayou's scattered through out the forest. Alcohol is NOT allowed in DNF. Food storage needs to be taken serious because of bear and wildlife in the forest. These are right off the gravel road and across from each other. I would guess that during the season you can make a meal out of the mosquitoes or I would guess they will make a meal of you. This site is so beautiful and I can't wait to go back. I know this is primitive but remember you MUST HAVE RESERVATIONS AND HAVE PAID FOR SITE. If it has rained you need to be aware that the site could be muddy. It had been bush hogged and was in great shape.

    Pack it in Pack it out.

    LNT

  • S
    Nov. 12, 2021

    Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Wonderful FREE Back to Nature Camping

    Rocky springs campground is a great place to get back to nature while traveling the South end of the historical Natchez Trace. There is almost NO cell service regardless of carrier. No electric, drinking water, or showers however the first set of bathrooms are very clean and work well. The bathroom sink water is not potable...it had a yellow tinge... literally. Nice paved pull through and back in pads, fire rings (way too tall but hey?!?), grills and picnic tables are plentiful. The large shade trees made solar power minimal but it was worth the boon docking, old time camping experience. Very peaceful get away from it all area. We camped next to the bathroom in a 21' RV.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2024

    Natchez Trace Parkway - Rocky Springs

    Peaceful Evening in the Trees

    All campsites had a picnic table, fire ring and a grill which were typical of these free NPS campsites. The bathroom facilities were clean with running non-potable water. All of the fire rings and grills were rusty and some of the wooden picnic tables were falling apart but we were one of a few campers this early in the season, so hopefully they'll be attended to before the summer rush. We picked a pull-thru site and lit a fire in the ring and used our own camp chairs and table for a lovely star filled night.

  • Gregory H.
    Mar. 25, 2020

    Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Unique place

    Free spot with restrooms (no showers). Just of the Natchez Trace parkway, which is nice for biking and scenic drives. A small trail takes a tour of the remains of a ghost town. Camping spots are spread out and have decent tree cover. Saw deer in the campgrounds on my last visit.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2017

    Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Nothing Fancy

    This little campground is nestled along the Natchez Trace Parkway at mile marker 54.8 (https://www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/upload/NATRmap_1_113_web.pdf).

    This is a FREE first come, first serve campground that offers 22 sites. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and flat real estate for setting up your tent. The campground is well shaded and can accommodate RVs but there are no hook ups available. There are a few bathrooms that have flush toilets and sinks but there are not showers available.

    It's a small facility that gets moderate use but appears to be well maintained. While black bears aren't prolific in the area they have been spotted. Be sure to store all food and scented items in your vehicle if possible.

  • Deborah C.
    Feb. 23, 2019

    Vicksburg Battlefield Campground

    Good location

    This was a great location if wanting to camp near the Vicksburg National military park. We walked to the park. Very few tent spots and most were in disrepair. The bathrooms were ok, they tried to keep them clean. The staff was friendly. Lots of highway noise, lots of noise from the permanent residents and their dogs. No wifi, no water.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2021

    Fish Lake Campground

    Awesome

    Dates:  year round

    Fee:  $7.00  Must have reservations site 18

              $3.00 day use 

    Accessible:  No

    You must make reservation with 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov

    Picnic table, fire ring, lantern pole.  This is dispersed camping but only in the numbered campsites.  Potable water is available from the Delta Work Force Center.  This is off Highway 16 out of Rolling Fork, MS.  We turned on the second exit for Fire Tower Road because it is shorter to the campsite and the dirt road is in better shape.  Look for the turn and follow it all the way to the dead end.  There is a beautiful, peace cypress water area with cypress stumps and wonderful trees.  The area was bush hogged so grass was very low.  If you love to boondock this is the spot.  No sun so solar will not work.  If you need power bring your generator and I would bring all the supplies needed so you don't have to drive out.

    LNT

    BTYFI

    Travel safe

  • Napunani
    Dec. 13, 2022

    Roosevelt State Park Campground

    Homesteaders & Toilet Facility Needs some TLC

    PROS 

    No fee to make my own on-line reservation

    Site 88 excellent view of lake 

    Pedestal BBQ grill 

    Wooden Picnic table top with concrete frame on a concrete slab 

    Nice space between MOST sites 

    Park easily accessible from I-20 

    3 bars T-MOBILE


    CONS 

    No senior discount 

    Site 88 concrete parking pad all cracked and heaved made for difficult leveling 

    5ft wide campsite fire ring…biggest we’ve ever seen! 

    Numerous HOMESTEADERS throughout CCC campground. Made campground very “junky” looking with all their “stuff ” piled around in their campsite 

    Park roadway in very poor condition, potholes connected to potholes!  Potholes keep speed at 10 mph or less

    Able to hear Interstate 20 road noise 

    Train noise about every 3 hours 

    Toilet/shower facility heavily used. Finish peeling off of toilet seats. Women’s stall doors coming apart. No soap. Insufficient TP once the weekend crowds hit.  Toilets were not cleaned Saturday

    Handicap assessable toilet only in one of the CCC campground loops 

    Trash dumpsters are in next campground loop so 30 minute walk 

    No campfire wood for sale in park, but sold at EXXON right outside park entrance

    No park WiFi

  • Adrienne A.
    Apr. 22, 2022

    Vicksburg Battlefield Campground

    Not impressed!!?

    Not impressed At all!!!!! Not well kept sites.  I was put in a space with no table, bent water faucet and electric box and  Stuck between two "permanent" RVs.  Property needs maintenance.For $40 you'd expect to get a better space and WiFi.  No WiFi where I was stuck.    Paid for two nights, but probably won't stay both.   So far I see no positives about this place....


Guide to Jackson

Tent camping near Jackson, Mississippi offers multiple options along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway corridor. The area sits at approximately 300 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate and average annual rainfall of 54 inches. Fall camping from October through November provides milder temperatures ranging from 55-75°F, with significantly reduced humidity compared to summer months.

What to do

Ghost town exploration: The abandoned town at Rocky Springs Campground features historic ruins and informational plaques detailing its past. "We explored the old church and what's left of the city. There is a lot to do for such a small campground," writes Zack K., who tent camped there with family. Access is via a moderate hiking trail suitable for most ability levels.

Creek wading: Several campsites at Rocky Springs provide access to a small creek system for cooling off during warmer months. "We love the trails, walking in the creek, and exploring the old town site of Rocky Springs, especially the cemetery," notes Michael L., highlighting the combination of water activities and historical exploration.

Kayaking excursions: Okatoma Water Park offers organized kayaking trips with transportation included. "They took us by bus and we kayaked down to a pickup point and they brought us back to camp. It was $80 for two of us to kayak and primitive camp," reports Luis V., who enjoyed the convenience despite variable weather conditions.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Tent campers frequently mention the spaciousness at Rocky Springs. "You can easily set two or three tents without having to worry about disturbing other campers," according to Garrett H., who visited for primitive camping. Most sites feature natural buffers that maintain seclusion while remaining accessible.

Historic cemetery access: The cemetery at Rocky Springs dates back to the 1800s and contains numerous marked graves. "Being a Nevada Barr fan I was delighted to see the cemetery she mentioned in one of her books 'Deep South,'" writes Cheri H., connecting the physical location to popular literature.

Complete solitude: Shockaloe Base Camp I offers genuinely remote camping for those seeking isolation. "We had a wonderful time here with absolutely no one else," shares Daniel S., who appreciated the private experience within Bienville National Forest.

What you should know

Water availability concerns: Rocky Springs has inconsistent water quality and availability. "Have your fresh water tank full when you arrive. There is no water available other than the sinks and flush toilets in the bathrooms," advises Cheri H., highlighting infrastructure limitations.

Limited communications: Cell service varies dramatically between sites. "1 bar Verizon, not enough to load any GPS or internet but you can squeeze a message out," reports Twan M. about Rocky Springs, suggesting campers should download maps and information before arrival.

Weather-dependent facilities: Seasonal storms affect facility operations at Black River Campsite. During high water periods, restrooms and shower facilities may become temporarily unusable, requiring flexibility from campers.

Tips for camping with families

First-timer friendly: Rocky Springs provides an accessible introduction to tent camping. "Took my two sons on our first camping trip here. There are quite a few hiking trails and none are too difficult even for my 4 y.o.," shares Ben M., emphasizing the family-appropriate terrain.

Arrive early for holiday weekends: Competition for sites intensifies during peak periods. "I believe it is first come first serve, so get there early on holiday weekends," advises Ruth E. about Rocky Springs, reflecting the unpredictable availability without reservations.

Bathroom facilities vary: Okatoma offers newer facilities away from the immediate camping area. "Close bathroom is a bit of a dump, full of spiderwebs, and unclean, but if you walk to the new trading post across the street, there are nice bathrooms," notes Keeley F., providing practical advice for families with children.

Tips from RVers

Waste management planning: RVers staying at Rocky Springs need to arrive with empty holding tanks. "Don't show up with a full tank of grey and black water because there isn't a dump station," warns Cheri H., highlighting the absence of sanitary dump facilities.

Site sizing varies: Most Rocky Springs sites accommodate standard recreational vehicles. "There are probably 20-25 sites, most if not all are large enough for RVs or pull-behind rigs," observes Twan M., though noting that amenities remain basic with "above ground fire pits, BBQ grills and picnic tables at most sites."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jackson, MS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jackson, MS is Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway with a 4.1-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Jackson, MS?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Jackson, MS, with real photos and reviews from campers.