Glamping close to Ludlow, Mississippi offers visitors access to sites along the Ross Barnett Reservoir and other nearby waterways where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September. Winter camping remains viable with average lows rarely dropping below freezing. The region's mixed pine and hardwood forests create varied camping landscapes with sites ranging from lakeside locations to wooded retreats within 30 miles of Ludlow.
What to do
Disc golf at Timberlake: A free course accessible to campers with no additional fee. "I love disc golf. It would be great for a family looking to camp but almost have to comfort of hotel like settings," noted a visitor to Timberlake Campground.
Reservoir fishing: Cast for bass from shorelines or piers at multiple locations. "The lake water is clean for the most part. There is a park right next to the campgrounds with different things to do such as disc golf and soccer goals," reports a camper at Timberlake.
Mountain biking: Access easy trails near Turkey Creek. "There is mountain biking and hiking (all easy trails), a sandy beach, and just a nice relaxing atmosphere. The campgrounds are simple but modernized," explains a camper at Turkey Creek Water Park.
Boat rentals: Turkey Creek offers on-site boat rentals for water recreation. "Enjoy fishing and especially water skiing with your own boat or a boat rented on site. That you can rent boats on site makes it so much easier!"
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Morning coffee with nature sightings. "Had my morning coffee and watched a 7ft gator swimming and paying us no mind. Most amazing thing I've seen. I'm a city dweller that loves nature so this was a first for me with the gator sighting in the wild," shares a visitor to LeFleur's Bluff State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and laundry areas. "I was very impressed with the amenities such as the laundry room, pool and bath house. The bath house was very clean and has private showers," mentions a Timberlake camper.
Heated water activities: Available during cooler seasons at some sites. "Water park is heated which I didn't know and wished we brought swim suits," notes a visitor to Yogi on the Lake - Jellystone Pelahatchie.
Seasonal events: Special weekend activities throughout the year. "We spent a weekend in October here and absolutely loved it. The trick or treating is the best. Start right when you can because there are so many sites offering candy or haunted areas. The spook trail is top tier!"
What you should know
Gate access codes: Check email confirmations before arrival. "Remember to check your email for your gate access code the gentleman ahead of us did not and it took awhile to get in after a long day of driving," advises a camper at LeFleur's Bluff.
Insects: Prepare for seasonal bug activity in the region. "There are gnats...and more gnats...and more gnats so be prepared for that. We got to see alligators and a beaver though while there."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between sites. "Bathhouse needs some attention. Only one of 3 stalls works in womens side. There are 2 shower stalls. One small and the larger handicap access one has stained floor," reports a LeFleur's Bluff camper.
Late-night arrivals: Some parks offer after-hours check-in options. "We got in late so we registered at the closed office door by putting our $27 payment in an envelope in the door slot. How convenient!" shares a visitor to Movietown RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water park clarification: Understand facility descriptions before promising kids. "By 'water park' they mean 'park with recreation activities on the water' not a man made park with slides and rides. This was devastating news for our friend's young daughter!" warns a Turkey Creek visitor.
Activity planning: Utilize scheduled events at family-focused parks. "So much fun, so much to do! Pool, slides, jumping pad, playground, mini golf, tennis, basketball, planned activities each day for family fun," reports a camper at Yogi on the Lake.
Museum access: Take advantage of nearby educational attractions. "One fork leads you to the museum of natural science! My children loved that!!!" shares a LeFleur's Bluff camper about the trail system.
Fishing preparation: Secure licenses in advance to avoid multiple stops. "To get a fishing license can be tricky though. Took us 3 stops to get to the right place. It's the fish and wildlife facility kind of tucked back off a road."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request newer sections at larger campgrounds. "Parts of it is very well cared for & maintained, but a large area needs serious attention. Our site was in that area. The concrete pads were badly broken & uneven," cautions a Timberlake visitor.
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven surfaces at some locations. "The rv gravel pads were extremely un-level, even after waiting 2 hours, watching them add 7 tractor buckets of gravel the pad was still un-level," shares one camper's experience.
Pull-through access: Consider site spacing during busy periods. "Our site was a very tight pull thru site. We definitely wouldn't of been able to pull out if the park was full," notes a visitor to Yogi on the Lake.
Urban convenience: Some parks offer surprising access to services despite natural settings. "This campground is right off of the interstate but feels like you are in the country. Very quiet and I'd stay here again and again. Love that it was close to town because one night we decided to just go out for dinner."
