Campsites near Horn Lake, Mississippi provide convenient access to both urban attractions and natural lake settings within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 290 feet above sea level in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, experiencing hot, humid summers and mild winters. Fall camping brings temperatures that typically range from 60-80°F during the day, making it the most comfortable season for outdoor activities at Horn Lake camping spots.
What to do
Water activities on Arkabutla Lake: Dub Patton Campground offers direct lake access for kayaking and paddleboarding. "Sunrise over the river was perfect. Watching the tug boats moving up and down the river all day and night was relaxing," notes one visitor at Tom Sawyer's RV Park. The park's riverside location creates unique water-based recreation opportunities.
Hiking through hardwood forests: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park provides several trail systems ranging from 2-4 miles in length. A camper mentions, "I hiked both the Woodland and Pioneer Springs trails, each about 4 miles and along the way enjoyed just taking in the outdoors." The trails wind through mature forests with varied terrain.
City attractions access: From Graceland RV Park & Campground, visitors can walk directly to Elvis Presley's Graceland. "You can walk right from the RV park to the museum. There's a private gate from the campground that leads to the museum so you don't have to drive anywhere," explains a camper. Memphis attractions like Beale Street are approximately 10 miles north.
What campers like
Riverside camping views: The Mississippi River provides dramatic backdrops at certain campgrounds. A Tom Sawyer's RV Park visitor describes, "As evening rolled around, the beauty of this place came alive. Tugboats pushed barges against the current at a slower than walking pace. Trees with root balls intact floated downstream." These dynamic river views change throughout the day.
Spacious lakefront sites: South Abutment Recreation Area features generous waterfront camping areas. "Sites are paved, generous in size, and spaced a very decent distance apart from each other; even though all the leaves had fallen and there were other campers in our loop, I did not feel a lack of privacy," writes one camper. Many sites include direct pathways to the water.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds like EZ Daze RV Park prioritize cleanliness. As one reviewer notes, "Such a gem of a campground... super clean showers, bathroom and laundry. The grounds are impeccable and sites and roads are all paved." Bathroom and shower facilities receive regular maintenance at most parks in the area.
What you should know
Airport noise affects some campgrounds: Several parks experience flight path noise from Memphis International Airport. One camper at Southaven RV Park reports, "Incoming flights to Memphis start flying overhead at 4:15 am. They take a direct path over top of this park. They haven't stopped flying in every few minutes or so since then."
Industrial proximity considerations: T.O. Fuller State Park sits near industrial areas that can affect the experience. A reviewer notes, "There's a smell due to the industrial zone right outside the park but, for a quick one night stay it ain't bad." Wind direction can influence odor intensity.
Seasonal insect populations: Mosquitoes become significant in warmer months at forest campgrounds. At Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, campers warn, "If you go after the weather warms up, be forewarned that the mosquitos will eat you alive. We mostly camp at Meeman-Shelby in the fall/winter. We do not camp Spring/Summer."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Memphis offers multiple play areas for children. One parent shares, "Traveling from California with kids who have been at the mercy of cross-country RV parks- this was a reprieve for them, pool, bikes, playgrounds." The park includes inflatable water activities during summer months.
Playground locations: Several campgrounds feature updated play equipment. At Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, a visitor mentions, "There is an updated playground in the campground area that looks very nice." Check campground maps for proximity to playgrounds when booking with children.
Special transportation experiences: Unique dining shuttles operate from some campgrounds. A family at Graceland RV Park notes, "The highlight of our stay here was the opportunity to take a free pink Cadillac limo ride to Marlowe's for superb BBQ. Our children loved this opportunity." These special services create memorable experiences for families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: At Hernando Point, selecting the right campsite makes a significant difference. A camper advises, "We chose 75 as it was quite large and private." Review campground maps before booking to identify more secluded sites.
Electrical considerations: Some parks have inconsistent power delivery. At EZ Daze RV Park, one RVer documented specific electrical issues: "I checked my Powerdog app and it showed 142.5 volts on line 2." Surge protectors are recommended for sensitive electronics.
Leveling requirements: Several campgrounds require attention to leveling. A T.O. Fuller State Park visitor warns, "About half of the sites are on a slight incline that we would consider unlevel." Many RVers recommend calling ahead to ask about specific site grades for larger rigs.
