The Kiln area features mild winters and hot, humid summers with annual rainfall of about 65 inches, creating lush coastal forests. Located in Hancock County, Mississippi, the region sits at a low elevation near sea level with the Jourdan River flowing through it. Camping sites typically remain accessible year-round, though summer mosquito activity requires preparation.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Buccaneer State Park Campground features a complete disc golf course suitable for various skill levels. "We came to play disc golf. It was a very nice course. Loved our campsite. It backed up to some woods & had a lot of space," shares Brie M.
Explore nature trails: The region offers walking paths with varying difficulty levels. "We walked the nature trail and enjoyed the river views from our campsite," notes Tiffany M. from her October stay at McLeod Park, adding that children will appreciate the playground and splash pad facilities.
Water activities: Most campgrounds offer water access for fishing, kayaking or swimming. "Beautiful campground, boat launch and water access are nice," reports Brandi L. about the facilities at McLeod Park Campground.
Coastal exploration: Local campgrounds serve as good base locations for beach visits. "Close proximity to a beautiful beach," mentions a Buccaneer State Park visitor, while others note the short drive to Gulf Coast beaches for day trips.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate well-spaced camping areas. "Sites around the water and a lot of trees for shade," mentions Sue M. about her experience at McLeod Park. The concrete pads at many sites provide stable foundations for equipment.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts various wildlife. "This quiet campground is spacious. They limit the number of campers so this really does feel like primitive camping in the woods," explains Alicia L. about her experience at Creekside Farm Co.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards receive positive mentions. "The park is clean. They have a splash pad and playground for the kids. The bathhouse only has two showers. There isn't alot of water pressure. It is hot water though," reports Ann H. about McLeod Park.
Access to amenities: Many campgrounds balance natural settings with practical facilities. "Nearly every site has a level concrete pad and many have full hookups. Lots of trees," notes Jeffrey Z. about the convenience of camping at McLeod Park while still enjoying nature.
What you should know
Reservation systems: Some parks have transitioned to online booking which affects availability. "Great camping spot but to get in almost impossible now. Full hook up water 50 amp service and sewage. Bath house are clean," explains keith about the challenging reservation process at McLeod Park.
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings increased insects and humidity. "The roaches THE ROACHES WERE HORRIBLE. Especially at night as soon as you'd open up the door they were flying EVERYWHERE, we camped in August," warns Ashlyn B. about her summer experience at McLeod Park.
Cell service variability: Coverage can be inconsistent depending on provider and location. "Cell service: Verizon service with 2 bars and AT&T one bar sometimes none. We were able to stream the LSU Tigers beat Arkansas on our Verizon hot spot," reports Tiffany M. about connectivity at Bay Hide Away RV Park And Campground.
Trail conditions: Natural paths may present challenges. "We had to be extra careful bc of the roots and huge holes in the ground," cautions Ashlyn B. regarding the nature trail at McLeod Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Great playground and splash pad for the children," mentions Tiffany M. about the family-friendly amenities at McLeod Park.
Pet-friendly options: Most area campgrounds welcome dogs with proper restrictions. Silver Slipper Beachfront RV Park provides waterfront camping where pets are permitted. "We were backed up to the gulf of Mexico. We ended up staying an extra 3 days," notes Tony G. about his enjoyable stay with adequate space for pets.
Water features: Splash pads and water access provide relief during hot months. "They have a pool and water park," explains J B. about the facilities at Buccaneer State Park, adding, "Everything was rebuilt after Katrina in 2005 and it was done very nicely."
Weekend crowds: Expect more activity during weekends with potential noise. "We didn't really like the drinking and people riding on their boats blaring obnoxious music, but that's just our personal preference and only happened during the weekend," shares Ashlyn B. about the weekend atmosphere at McLeod Park.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Some parks have tighter arrangements than others. "Beautiful campground, boat launch and water access are nice, but the most crowded park we have been to! You're VERY close to your neighbors and there is little room for parking," cautions Brandi L. about the density at McLeod Park.
Hookup availability: Most RV sites offer full connections, but specifics vary. Fontainebleau State Park Campground offers comprehensive facilities within driving distance. "Be careful booking a pull thru site if your unit is over 25', they're horseshoe shaped. We could not fit on a pull thru site," advises Martha S. about navigating the campground layout.
Campground capacity: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Kiln limit capacity to maintain quality. "The sites were very roomy and level. Utilities were near each other for easy set up," shares a reviewer from Bay Hide Away RV Park, which features a dedicated off-leash area for pets.
Off-season advantages: Consider visiting during shoulder seasons for a quieter experience. "We enjoyed our mid October stay," mentions Tiffany M. about McLeod Park, noting "This park packs them in during the summer months but was pretty quiet this time."
