Equestrian camping near Madison, Mississippi offers limited dedicated horse facilities. The Delta National Forest provides primitive camping with access to several trails suitable for horseback riding throughout its 60,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forest. During warmer months, campers should prepare for high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, with mosquitoes being particularly prevalent near waterways.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Bienville National Forest Shockaloe Base Camp 1, visitors can access multiple hiking paths through diverse woodland terrain. The camp serves as a trailhead for longer backpacking routes with drinking water available seasonally from April to October.
Water activities: Yogi on the Lake features numerous water-based recreation options during summer months. "We stopped quick passing through and it was nice an quiet. Seemed like they had a lot of water activities for summer time. We will definitely be back in the summer for a visit," notes Ashley S.
Wildlife observation: The bottomland forests of Little Sunflower River campground provide habitat for numerous bird species and wildlife. Boat-in access allows for fishing and wildlife viewing along the waterway, though facilities receive minimal maintenance.
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: Yogi on the Lake receives consistent praise for its child-oriented facilities. "Fun campground for the kiddos. Loved all of the activities and amenities available. Activity center was awesome especially for rainy days. Very good monthly rate. Kiddos were obsessed with jumping pillow," reports Claire M.
Staff service: Some campers highlight exceptional staff interactions at certain properties. "The staff works long hours to keep this park sparkling clean during this pandemic and they all do it with a cheerful attitude," writes Anna B. about her experience at Yogi on the Lake.
Natural surroundings: The cypress trees and bayous throughout Delta National Forest Site 45/45A create a distinctive camping environment. "If you love primitive campsites you will love this and you will love this National Forest. We are very partial to primitive sites that are amazing. This is a very small campsite equipped with picnic table, fire ring and lantern pole. You will find some beautiful cypress trees and bayou's scattered through out the forest," explains camper N.I.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Delta National Forest Site 45/45A requires advance booking through Recreation.gov or by phone at 877-444-6777. A camper notes, "remember you MUST HAVE RESERVATIONS AND HAVE PAID FOR SITE. If it has rained you need to be aware that the site could be muddy."
Campsite conditions: Unlevel sites present challenges at some facilities. At Yogi on the Lake, "Our site was a very tight pull thru site. We definitely wouldn't of been able to pull out if the park was full. The site was very sloped so getting in the camper was difficult because the steps were so high off the ground," reports Ashley S.
Maintenance issues: Facility upkeep varies significantly between properties. At Little Sunflower River, a recent visitor observed, "Don't think anyone has cleaned the pit toilet or the bear proof garbage cans for awhile only two camp sites that I can make out and only one with a camp site number (80 B) lots of flies."
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal planning: Water features at family-oriented campgrounds typically operate on limited schedules. "Water park was ice cold so we didn't get to use it," notes Claire M. about Yogi on the Lake, indicating that temperature considerations affect amenity usage even during operating seasons.
Indoor alternatives: During inclement weather, seek campgrounds with covered activity spaces. Multiple reviewers mention the value of Yogi on the Lake's activity center during rainy periods, with one noting it was "awesome especially for rainy days."
Bug protection: Forest campsites in the region experience significant insect activity. At Delta National Forest, one camper warns, "I would guess that during the season you can make a meal out of the mosquitoes or I would guess they will make a meal of you."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Pack additional leveling equipment when camping at Yogi on the Lake. Multiple reviewers mention significant site gradient issues, with one explaining they "were extremely un-level, even after waiting 2 hours, watching them add 7 tractor buckets of gravel the pad was still un-level."
Site access: RV campers should assess turning radius and site dimensions before booking. "Our site was a very tight pull thru site. We definitely wouldn't of been able to pull out if the park was full," reports one RVer about their stay at Yogi on the Lake.
Weather considerations: Road conditions at primitive sites can deteriorate rapidly with rainfall. A visitor to Delta National Forest notes, "If it has rained you need to be aware that the site could be muddy," highlighting the importance of checking recent weather before arriving with larger vehicles.
