Best Tent Camping near Madison, MS

Tent campgrounds in the area around Madison, Mississippi are concentrated along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, with Rocky Springs Campground offering free tent camping at milepost 54.8. Situated approximately 35 miles southwest of Madison in the southern section of the Natchez Trace, this National Park Service campground provides 22 tent sites in a forested setting. Another option for primitive tent camping is Shockaloe Base Camp I in the Bienville National Forest, located about 60 miles east of Madison.

Most tent sites in the region feature paved or gravel parking pads with adjacent cleared areas for tent setup. Rocky Springs offers picnic tables and fire rings at most sites, with flush toilets available but limited water access. One camper noted that "the water in the toilets and coming out of the faucets was brown" and advised bringing hand sanitizer. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Tent campers should prepare for limited cell service, as Verizon coverage is minimal throughout the area. During warmer months, insects can be prevalent in the heavily forested sites, particularly at Blue Lake where alligators have been spotted.

Tent camping in this region provides access to numerous hiking trails and historic sites. The lower section of Rocky Springs campground tends to be wetter and experiences more road noise, while sites on higher ground offer better conditions for tent camping. "The old town of Rocky Springs is worth a visit," reported one visitor who enjoyed exploring the abandoned settlement and church near the campground. Most tent sites feature good shade coverage from mature trees, though this limits solar charging capabilities. For a more secluded experience, Shockaloe Base Camp I offers true primitive camping in a forest setting where one visitor reported "a wonderful time here with absolutely no one else." Tent campers should bring adequate water supplies as potable water is not consistently available at most locations.

Best Tent Sites Near Madison, Mississippi (6)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Madison, MS

216 Reviews of 6 Madison Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2021

    Delta National Forest Site 45/45A

    Two is Better Than One

    0937 0940  

    Dates: Year round 

    Fee: $7.00 per night  If you want both sites double the fee  3.00 day use 

    Reservations only 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov

    Picnic table, fire ring, lantern site with pit toilet and trash, and potable water is available from the Delta Work F.C.

    Off of Highway 16 out of Rolling Fork, MS, we turned onto Fire Tower Road, you can take this road at two different places. We went to the second turn for a shorter trip and the gravel road in is not as pot holed than the first turn. Once you pass thru the open gate travel follow the GPS coordinates for directions. 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. Alcohol is NOT allowed in DNF. Food storage needs to be taken serious because of bear and wildlife in the forest. These are right off the gravel road and across from each other. 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. This site is so beautiful and I can't wait to go back. I know this is primitive but 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. It had been bush hogged and was in great shape.

    Pack it in Pack it out.

    LNT

  • S
    Nov. 12, 2021

    Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Wonderful FREE Back to Nature Camping

    Rocky springs campground is a great place to get back to nature while traveling the South end of the historical Natchez Trace. There is almost NO cell service regardless of carrier. No electric, drinking water, or showers however the first set of bathrooms are very clean and work well. The bathroom sink water is not potable...it had a yellow tinge... literally. Nice paved pull through and back in pads, fire rings (way too tall but hey?!?), grills and picnic tables are plentiful. The large shade trees made solar power minimal but it was worth the boon docking, old time camping experience. Very peaceful get away from it all area. We camped next to the bathroom in a 21' RV.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2024

    Natchez Trace Parkway - Rocky Springs

    Peaceful Evening in the Trees

    All campsites had a picnic table, fire ring and a grill which were typical of these free NPS campsites. The bathroom facilities were clean with running non-potable water. All of the fire rings and grills were rusty and some of the wooden picnic tables were falling apart but we were one of a few campers this early in the season, so hopefully they'll be attended to before the summer rush. We picked a pull-thru site and lit a fire in the ring and used our own camp chairs and table for a lovely star filled night.

  • Gregory H.
    Mar. 25, 2020

    Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Unique place

    Free spot with restrooms (no showers). Just of the Natchez Trace parkway, which is nice for biking and scenic drives. A small trail takes a tour of the remains of a ghost town. Camping spots are spread out and have decent tree cover. Saw deer in the campgrounds on my last visit.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2017

    Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Nothing Fancy

    This little campground is nestled along the Natchez Trace Parkway at mile marker 54.8 (https://www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/upload/NATRmap_1_113_web.pdf).

    This is a FREE first come, first serve campground that offers 22 sites. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and flat real estate for setting up your tent. The campground is well shaded and can accommodate RVs but there are no hook ups available. There are a few bathrooms that have flush toilets and sinks but there are not showers available.

    It's a small facility that gets moderate use but appears to be well maintained. While black bears aren't prolific in the area they have been spotted. Be sure to store all food and scented items in your vehicle if possible.

  • Deborah C.
    Feb. 23, 2019

    Vicksburg Battlefield Campground

    Good location

    This was a great location if wanting to camp near the Vicksburg National military park. We walked to the park. Very few tent spots and most were in disrepair. The bathrooms were ok, they tried to keep them clean. The staff was friendly. Lots of highway noise, lots of noise from the permanent residents and their dogs. No wifi, no water.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2021

    Fish Lake Campground

    Awesome

    Dates:  year round

    Fee:  $7.00  Must have reservations site 18

              $3.00 day use 

    Accessible:  No

    You must make reservation with 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov

    Picnic table, fire ring, lantern pole.  This is dispersed camping but only in the numbered campsites.  Potable water is available from the Delta Work Force Center.  This is off Highway 16 out of Rolling Fork, MS.  We turned on the second exit for Fire Tower Road because it is shorter to the campsite and the dirt road is in better shape.  Look for the turn and follow it all the way to the dead end.  There is a beautiful, peace cypress water area with cypress stumps and wonderful trees.  The area was bush hogged so grass was very low.  If you love to boondock this is the spot.  No sun so solar will not work.  If you need power bring your generator and I would bring all the supplies needed so you don't have to drive out.

    LNT

    BTYFI

    Travel safe

  • Napunani
    Dec. 13, 2022

    Roosevelt State Park Campground

    Homesteaders & Toilet Facility Needs some TLC

    PROS 

    No fee to make my own on-line reservation

    Site 88 excellent view of lake 

    Pedestal BBQ grill 

    Wooden Picnic table top with concrete frame on a concrete slab 

    Nice space between MOST sites 

    Park easily accessible from I-20 

    3 bars T-MOBILE


    CONS 

    No senior discount 

    Site 88 concrete parking pad all cracked and heaved made for difficult leveling 

    5ft wide campsite fire ring…biggest we’ve ever seen! 

    Numerous HOMESTEADERS throughout CCC campground. Made campground very “junky” looking with all their “stuff ” piled around in their campsite 

    Park roadway in very poor condition, potholes connected to potholes!  Potholes keep speed at 10 mph or less

    Able to hear Interstate 20 road noise 

    Train noise about every 3 hours 

    Toilet/shower facility heavily used. Finish peeling off of toilet seats. Women’s stall doors coming apart. No soap. Insufficient TP once the weekend crowds hit.  Toilets were not cleaned Saturday

    Handicap assessable toilet only in one of the CCC campground loops 

    Trash dumpsters are in next campground loop so 30 minute walk 

    No campfire wood for sale in park, but sold at EXXON right outside park entrance

    No park WiFi

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 29, 2021

    Delta National Forest - Barge Lake Campground

    Ultimate Mississippi Bayou

    Dates: Year round 

    Fee: $7.00 per night $3.00 day use 

    Accessible: No 

    YOU MUST HAVE RESERVATIONS AND PAID

    Reservations only 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov Park passes accepted Multiply sites with picnic table, fire ring, lantern pole, potable water is available from the Delta Work F.C. Off of Highway 16 out of Rolling Fork, MS, we turned onto Fire Tower Road, you can take this road at two different places. We went to the second turn for a shorter trip and the gravel road in is not as pot holed the the first turn. Once you pass thru the open gate travel on and you will turn when the road turns just follow the GPS coordinates to the sites. If you love primitive campsites you will love this. We are very partial to primitive sites that are amazing. There is an opening onto a bayou with a small boat launch. Beautiful cypress trees. 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. This site is so beautiful, I can't wait to go back. The small bayou is great for putting in your kayak. There are beautiful cypress trees on land and in the bayou along with many cypress knobs. Sites that are great for shade and a spot for solar. Make sure to bring in your supplies because you will not want to leave. During the season I am sure there will be more than enough mosquitoes to feast on or there will be plenty to feast on you. Gotta take the sad with the good.

    REMEMBER YOU MUST HAVE RESERVATIONS.

    Pack it in, Pack it out.

    LNT

    Travel safe


Guide to Madison

Rocky Springs Campground lies along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 54.8, approximately 35 miles southwest of Madison, Mississippi. The campground sits within a diverse hardwood forest that transitions with the seasons, from spring wildflowers to vibrant fall foliage. Tent camping near Madison requires preparation for variable conditions, with sites often featuring uneven terrain on forest floors rather than designated tent pads.

What to do

Explore historic sites: The abandoned settlement of Rocky Springs offers educational value for tent campers. "Me and my family came here with our tent and had a blast. We explored the old church and what's left of the city. There is a lot to do for such a small campground," reports Zack K. about Rocky Springs Campground.

Creek exploration: Rocky Springs provides opportunities for water activities during warmer months. "We love the trails, walking in the creek, and exploring the old town site of Rocky Springs, especially the cemetery," notes Michael L. about the natural water features.

Hiking trails: The Natchez Trace area offers multiple trail options suitable for various skill levels. "Took my two sons on our first camping trip here. There are quite a few hiking trails and none are too difficult even for my 4 y.o. The main trail, where the town used to be was awesome," shares Ben M., highlighting the family-friendly nature of Shockaloe Base Camp I.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: The campgrounds offer good site separation for tent campers seeking space. "Great sites with plenty of room between them. You can easily set two or three tents without having to worry about disturbing other campers," notes Garrett H. about tent camping at Rocky Springs.

Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities for wildlife observation. Gregory H. reports, "Camping spots are spread out and have decent tree cover. Saw deer in the campgrounds on my last visit," highlighting the natural encounters possible at Blue Lake.

Quiet surroundings: The national forest settings offer peaceful camping experiences away from urban noise. "We had a wonderful time here with absolutely no one else. Nestled in the Bienville National Forrest with lost of other options to camp. The national Forrest some time offers the privacy and seclusion on wants," reports Daniel S. about the tranquility at Shockaloe Base Camp I.

What you should know

Water availability fluctuates: Tent campers should arrive prepared with sufficient water supplies. "It's a beautiful area and nice little piece of history to see. I'm assuming due to covid though there isn't running water in the restrooms and showers aren't accessible either," notes Mic F. about Rocky Springs' facilities.

Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities may be basic or temporarily closed. "This campground is the perfect overnight spot; there are some hiking trails & historic sites to visit but, otherwise, it's just a good spot to pull off the parkway and recharge. The bathroom(s) aren't great, but they work!" explains Twan M. about Black River Campsite.

Limited connectivity: Cell service ranges from minimal to non-existent throughout the region. "1 bar Verizon, not enough to load any GPS or internet but you can squeeze a message out," reports Twan M. about connectivity challenges at Rocky Springs.

Tips for camping with families

Choose beginner-friendly hiking routes: Several trails accommodate young children. "There is a lot to do for such a small campground. First come first serve and no electricity or water. It had bathrooms but no bathhouse," explains Zack K. about the activities available for families at Rocky Springs.

Pack extra supplies: Limited facilities mean families need to bring essentials. "This is a rustic campground. There are two bathroom facilities and the third has been boarded up for years. Have your fresh water tank full when you arrive," advises Cheri H. about preparation for Rocky Springs Campground.

Prepare for wildlife encounters: Nature education opportunities exist but require proper preparation. "Insects were not too bad; we used a Thermocell insect repellent device which seemed to work. Saw an alligator lounging around in the lake," reports Fred S. about Blue Lake, highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookups: Most tent-friendly campgrounds offer minimal or no RV facilities. "This campground is the perfect overnight spot; there are probably 20-25 sites, most if not all are large enough for RVs or pull-behind rigs. Above ground fire pits, BBQ grills and picnic tables at most sites, off of the paved parking area(s)," notes Twan M. about the basic accommodations.

Manage waste tanks carefully: No dump stations exist at most locations. "There is no water available other than the sinks and flush toilets in the bathrooms. No shower facilities. Not an issue for me as I travel in a small motorhome. And don't show up with a full tank of grey and black water because there isn't a dump station," advises Cheri H. about necessary preparations for North Rec Composite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Madison, MS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Madison, MS is Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway with a 4.1-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Madison, MS?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Madison, MS, with real photos and reviews from campers.