The best DISPERSED camping near
Madison , MISSISSIPPI

I booked a site that we did not know anything about. This was the first time we stayed in the newer loop. We had tent camped in the older section about 5 year’s ago and had a wonderful time. When we arrived on Thursday evening to our site I didn’t know if it was going to be wide enough to let the steps down without fall into the 6 ft ditch. After some measuring of the slide outs and maneuvering over 6 inches from the electrical pole. We set up camp. I had to dig up the sewer tap that was running up hill. We made the best of it by setting everything up in front of the camper. The picnic table and fire pit was on the opposite side of the camper up hill with about 8 inches of pine needles going up. Not practical. So we didn’t use that area. Most of the sites were the same way with the picnic area on the opposite side of camper. The lake area was nice, did some fishing out of the canoe and kayaking when there wasn’t 30 boats out. Lake was closed for swimming. Overall we made the best of it. We will definitely not be staying at site 45 again. Staff was friendly and there were park rangers riding by all the time. There are definitely better sites, not all.

We stayed for 2 nights in site 83, which is on the lake. Kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing! Beautiful grounds, nice level site. Some sites weren't as pretty. This one has a view of the lake, very spacious site, and lots of shade trees. I don't recommend the bath house, too many spiders!!! Cabins available, but they didn't appear to be in the best of condition. No store. Pets are welcome.

Nice park. Best spots are in the 14-17 area flatter that others. Some spots are very narrow and drop off as soon as you leave the pad. Spots in the “older” area seem more spaced out. A couple hiking trails which were nice. Marked with paint on trees as to not get lost. Pool and slide was closed (probably COVID related??) as were the bath houses. Just about all spots have plenty of trees and shade. Overall great park.

After nixing two flooded campgrounds, we arrived here at 5:30 pm on a Saturday in late February hoping there would be an available spot; we were lucky that just a handful were left (out of 109) as there was a bluegrass festival going on! 

The campground is divided into an “old” section and a “new” one. Arriving after hours directs you to the office and the old section, however, the office was closed when we arrived. We flagged down a ranger, who directed us to the first available spot and told us to pay the next morning. The rate of $16 (senior rate) was very reasonable for an electric hook-up, although there was nothing special about the spot. Premium lakefront sites go for $28 (no senior discounts given) and these were nicer. Not all the sites are level but they are generous in size. Laundry is available in both campgrounds.

We drove to the new section the next morning (which is several miles away around the other side of Shadow Lake). Aside from the lakefront sites having closer access to the lake, we could see no appreciable difference between the old and new sections. There is a reasonable separation between the sites, with some trees. The picnic tables in both sections appeared to be very weathered. The restrooms/showers were ok – the soap dispenser was empty, and some very disrespectful campers made one of the two toilets unusable (not the fault of the campground).

There are also cabins and a motel, plus a group campsite, but we did not check these out. Activities (again, we did not avail ourselves of any of them) include a sports field, water slide and pool, disc golf, boating (there is a boat launch), and a performing arts center.

This is a great option for large groups particularly if Willow Springs area is full.  It is not the most scenic area, but it is a great staging area for large groups.  This was also a great flat safe area for the kids to play on the motos while we prepared dinners and relaxed.

Been camping there for years. Some of the sites are pretty rough and in need of repair and they are working on them in stages. Nice lake and lots of woods and trails for hiking.

We have camped the last 2 years for the local half Ironman race (Deep South Triathlon) and it’s more than just convenient, it’s perfect for what we want. This campground is right on the reservoir, but immediately near any restaurant, grocery, event space you want.

You can just roll in, find a spot and let the office know you’re there, or better yet, reserve a spot and make sure there is room for you. The sites are clean, level and I believe they all have hookups up to 50amp.

We camped here Sept. 20-22 while we were in town to volunteer at the Sanderson Farms PGA golf tournament. 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. The staff was very helpful. It is located right on the Ross Barnett Reservoir so it is a beautiful area. If you need anything, there is a Kroger grocery store right across the street from the campground. I was very satisfied and will stay there again for future tournaments.

Nice campground with lots to do. Easy access to a lot of different amenities around.

It’s close to lots of restaurants and any other store you would need anything from. 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.