Best Glamping near Lucedale, MS

We reserved 4 months ago, only to get there and find out there may be an issue with our dogs (2 max and we have 3...well behaved dachshunds. When we reserved, they "penciled us in". No deposit and no information, other than our name and dates. Got there for our reservation and told that we cant have three dogs there and either have to board one or leave. When i said we had nowhere to go, they were willing to let us stay one night so we could find other accomodations for the next few days, but after that warm welcome, even one night was not an option. Never were we told pets would be an issue, we never got a confirmation email that mentioned pets, and then to arrive and find out we had to find somewhere else to stay was disappointing to say the least. We were able to stay the night at Shield, so we went over there to work on our plans for the next few days. So glad we did, as the sites were much larger, much more private and the office staff was very accomadating with our last minute reservation. Apparently Keesler is adding sites, so it may be better next year, but currently the sites are close together with a fire pit in the center. For the hour we did sit in our site, we had to keep the windows closed because of the smoke. Another issue...the drive in was sketchy for a high profile 5th wheel, with low hanging trees and narrow streets. Lastly, for those lookong for the security and conveniences of staying at a famcamp, this fam camp is off base.

Blakely State Park is a very large State Park, with different choices for camping. There are larger primitive tent sites, smaller tent sites with power/water hookups, RV sites, two primitive cabins and 2 newer cabins which are very nice. There's TONS of hiking, a battleground for history buffs, a playground, a boatdock, lots of hiking, horseback riding etc.

I stayed in one of the two Squirrels Nest, which are primitive cabins. Basically open air cabins. 2 walls, a roof and 2 walls of screens. There are two wooden platforms for beds. A twin and a queen, and barstools to sit inside and look out into the woods, over the hill in which they are nestled. There's a sink (but no water) and a cabinet, and outside a large deck with bench seating. Below is a fire pit and picnic table. There is a shared porta potty outside of the two cabins. These cabins are a bit of a drive out in the woods, so make sure your vehicle is up to it. It's very peaceful out there. My cabin was inhabited by mice at night, so I kept my food in airtight plastic paint bucket containers & my belongings covered by garbage bags on one of the platforms and had my air mattress inside a pop-up mosquito tent, so the mice did not bother me. I was after all in their house. I sprinkled peppermint oil around my gear & my bed platform to keep the mice away. Next time I will have my food in a large cooler so that the wildlife is not attracted.

There are hiking trails by these sites, as well as, steps down the hill, leading off into another trail.

i would stay there again. Great place to get away.

We have heard great things about Paul B. Johnson for years, even before we began our own camping adventures. It was definitely a campground we were excited to check out, so we booked a long weekend getaway with the promise of beautiful spring weather. Unfortunately, our trip here was cut short due to a family emergency, but we were able to scope things out for future adventures.

It was a bit of a trek from our home on a work night, so we arrived after dark at site 67. This campground does not lock up at night, so this was not a major issue. We entered the campground through what we later learned was a back entrance off of Geiger Lake Road, so we didn’t check in until the next morning at the visitor center. The sites were not well marked with numbers, so we had to drive around a time or two to locate our site (with me occasionally getting out of the truck to read the site numbers painted in yellow on the road). The main entrance to the park has a much “fancier” building than the back entrance and leads you to drive over a spillway (which is TOTALLY safe, so no worries). The roads in the campground are narrow, two-lane roads but are not conducive to two RVs passing one another. We had to get off of the road for others to pass.

Our site was lakeside on a hill leading down to a pier that jutted into the lake. It also had a grill and wooden picnic table that was movable. Having full hook up was nice! However, the connections were quite spread out with the water pretty far back from the other connections at this site (we needed two water hoses). There was no dedicated fire ring but there was evidence of camp fires, so we just cleared a space and set up our chairs. However, some sites had a metal fire ring and concrete picnic tables. Lower numbered sites are older with newer sites being those in the 100s. The newer sites are more level and have concrete pads instead of asphalt pavement. However, the views aren’t nearly as nice. Site 16 is next to a pier that leads to an island (super cool but everyone can access that, so you’d lose privacy). Many sites have decks, but that really sacrifices “yard space” if that’s an important factor for you. Some sites we were interested in for our next visit included 71 and 84, but we really loved site 67 and would give it another go for a future visit.

Camp Shelby is nearby, so you’ll hear various noises from that (not overly distracting but I wish I would have known before arriving). There is a splash pad, lake swimming, and several picnic areas near the visitor center that would be awesome for kids and families when the weather is warmer. There are so many species of birds if you enjoy bird watching like we do. We enjoyed watching geese and ducks on Geiger Lake in the morning. There’s also a nature trail that we didn’t get to check out. The views from our camper were beautiful at Paul B, and we would love to visit this campground again soon!

This park is in the middle of the delta, giving easy access to the water and lovely views. Trails are short but the boardwalk connecting the two parts of the park is incredible. Plan to spend your time on the water.

About a quarter of the sites are right next to the water. There are have a few furnished cabins on the water as well. The sites are shady and sparsely wooded.

Yay: Great simple little sites, clean, good wildlife, nice little park, fishing from the pier if you don’t have a boat.

Nay: The park is between two highways, but we didn’t notice the noise.

Surprise: The people camping next to us caught so many fish they invited us to their BBQ and on a sunset cruise.

Reserved a nice spot next to the Bay. Well kept campground. We arrived at 10 pm; site closed at 7, but we thought we would have access since we had a reservation. Upon arrival, the gate was closed but there was a entry code system to input a special code to automatically open the gate. However, we didn’t receive a code to get into the gate. We drive around looking forward another entrance and came back around to the main entrance. Tried to put in our confirmation number as the code, but that didn’t work. Called main number as well as camp host number but didn’t have success. Luckily we were able to piggy back onto another guest’s arrival! Site had full hook ups and level concrete pad. (Didn’t use the bath house.) Nice neighbors! We had a full moon…so great light for evening yoga before bed! Best advice: don’t make same day reservations OR arrive before closing! Otherwise was a great campsite!

Blakeley State Park could be described as being "frozen in time". There's a lot of cool Civil War history to witness, as well as a beautiful walking path/deck along the bay. We were not expecting the $5/person charge to enter the park, so be sure to come prepared for that. No sign of trash on the ground anywhere throughout the park, so I at least know the money is actually being used for good. Map/trails are a little confusing. We had a hard time navigating the park, but the accidental detour allowed for us to watch a turtle lay eggs in the ground. We also managed to run into someone's pet rabbit-- which you can see in the picture provided. The only other thing you need to know is that there are yellow flies and they do bite hard (and can cause an allergic reaction in some people.) Definitely bring bug spray and sunscreen!

Best campground!

This is the best campground we have ever been in (camping for over 15 years). Customer service is hands down the best we have ever experienced. It started when we made our reservation. Angela was very friendly and helpful. By the end of the call, we felt we had made a new friend. This customer service continues throughout your stay. This is the only campground we have been in that the staff greet you as you pull in and take you right to your site. They direct you into your site which you are greeted with a welcome sign with all family members’ names (even the four legged family members). Once you are set up, you then go register. A welcoming way to start your stay. Throughout our staff, Jimmy, Angela and their staff did everything to make sure we had a wonderful three weeks. They care about the campers and the experience you have. During a severe storm, the owner talked to us to insure we were aware of which building to use for safety along with written instructions.

Clean, safe, convenient, friendly, fun place, cool pool, great gathering areas, great patios and great dog park. The sites are level and hook-ups are convenient. Nice landscaping exists between each site. The park is very quiet, peaceful and relaxing. Trash pick-up is at your site every morning. Bathhouse has 4 guest bathrooms like you would find in a house. Each has a sink, vanity, toilet and very large shower. By far the nicest I have ever seen at any campground.

The park is immaculately maintained and is a most "relaxing" place to stay for a few days, a week or more. But the thing that makes this park a clear "ten" is the attention paid to the guests by the owners. They are both the most helpful and accommodating RV park owners we have ever had the pleasure to know. We are definitely going to return for a long stay at this park.