If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Madison, look no further. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Madison. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Rocky Springs Campground at milepost 54.8 on the southern end of the Parkway, includes a 22-site campground, picnic tables, restrooms, a section of the Old Natchez Trace, self-guiding walking trails through the old town site. Campground sites are on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Pull-through and back-in sites are available. Campgrounds are typically the busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends. Potable water may be an issue. Check "What's Open What's Closed"
There are two base camps associated with Shockaloe Horse Trail: Base Camp I and Base Camp II. Each base camp has a pavilion and an open area for parking.
Camping is only permitted at Base Camp I.
Camping is not permitted at Base Camp II.
Have at least two adults in your party. Park trucks and trailers in spaces provided. Keep all facilities clean. Carry first aid supplies with each party. Be careful crossing roads. No public telephones available. Wearing orange/bright colored clothing during deer hunting season is recommended.
In case of emergency, contact Scott County Sheriff's Office (601-469-1511).
$7 / night
This is a free day-use site that includes areas for picnicking, including grills and picnic tables, fishing, a boat launch for small boats, and a 1-mile educational nature trail. A chemical toilet (SST) is also located at this site. Campsites are available by reservation only.
$7 / night
Opened in 2024, Black River Campsite is a great place for fishing and kayaking the Big Black River in Mississippi.
RV’s, campers, tenters, vanlifers, backpackers, and everyone in between, will find a great spot.
We have clean bathrooms, hot showers, and common areas with a kitchen and seating.
Friendly Dogs & Cats are welcome
4 miles from I-20 and open year round
$10 - $25 / night
Traveler
Giving the pros and cons
I tent camped on site 2. The BBQ pit was not there on this site. The tent pad was rocky (not sand) so bring a sleeping bad or air mattress if you’re tent camping. Also bring a long extension cord.
Was nice being in front of the water and saw quite a bit of birds. The campground was quiet and relaxing despite being in the middle of the city. The bathrooms were ehhh. Not sure of the men’s, but the women’s only had one useable stall. Three stalls total - on without a door and one was out of order. I didn’t use the showers but definitely weren’t the greatest looking showers I’ve seen at a state park.
I saw a ton of deer, birds, and squirrels and the walking trails were nice and led up to the natural science museum.
The primitive area looked nice for tent camping but basically the same amount of privacy as the spots with electricity and water. Just depends what you’re wanting out of the camping trip.
Scout
Very clean! The slides were awesome and the tent camping were good. Would def like to go back once it cools down
GuideWe stayed here over Easter and had a great time. Trail was flooded out less than .5 miles in, which I heard can be typical of this time of year bc of reservoir they drain near there. Plenty of kayak access to all the lakes around. Gnats were so bad we had to stay in the tent to stay sane in the afternoon and most of the evening. They was one other group that tent camped for one night but otherwise everyone had RVs. If you go to tent camp call ahead before booking because some sites have the fire ring on the tent pad. I remember site 10 definitely does. It was packed but pretty much quiet the whole time except a lot of traffic. At night you hear the highway sometimes. Bathrooms are okay, washer and dryer work great.
Guide
This campground was our “go to” for weekend getaways for years with our children. From tent camping to RV camping. Fishing, swimming, exploring, to deer petting. We loved this campground and almost positive you will too!!
RangerGrew up coming here for the summer to fish, swim, ski and use the water park. It is an older park but with that being said it has many years left of good camping. The bathrooms are always clean. Many things were closed when we went due to covid but are normally up and running. Love the area. The trails are an addition to the park. We love to get out and walk the woods. The old campground is where we like to stay. Mostly quiet and this is the side with the primitive tent camping. This side also has a good bit of shaded spots that are on the water.
Legend
This is one of three free campgrounds that can be found along the Natchez Trace. Located near Port Gibson, MS it is the first campground after leaving Natchez, MS. The lower section of this park is very wet. If possible, try to get one of the campsites on higher ground if you’ll be tent camping. When I was there the bathroom in the campground was open, but I couldn’t get the lights or water to turn on. It was like the restrooms were still winterized, but I don’t know why they would have been unlocked. I heard lots of wildlife while here, coyotes, owls, frogs, and many other little critters. Be sure to check out the old town site and church of Rocky Springs.
TravelerI 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.
GuideThis park is literally in the middle of Jackson, Mississippi in a beautiful setting. The lake was lovely and we saw herons, cranes, turtles and deer. The sites are right on the lake and the shower house was convenient and clean. It’s also secure; you have to have a code to enter and exit the park. The only problem was the sounds of the city. We heard sirens all night (it was Halloween night) and there is a recycling plant nearby and the sounds of crushing metal were really loud until about 11. In our tents we had to resort to earplugs. Great location. Picnic tables and fire rings.
Scout
Stayed one night, very quiet and a few nice and fun things to do. Had a fire ring to cook for the night or just to enjoy a fire. 2 nice picnic tables and a good place for a tent. Can drive your car right to sight. Tent and camper sights.
GuideAlso close to the Mississippi Indian mounds
Traveler
We love to fish here. I have stayed in a camper there put want to take my tent one day. Bathrooms are not far and has a shower.
ScoutWent for a primitive campsite with some guys. Great sites with plenty of room between them. You can easily set two or three tents without having to worry about disturbing other campers.
GuideI’ve camped at Roosevelt a few times in a tent but went for the first time in our Pop Up this weekend. Bathhouses were nice and clean, the camp sites are very nice. We stayed in site 13 in the R. O. Hannah side and it was on the lake and very nice and quite.
GuideMe 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. First come first serve and no electricity or water. It had bathrooms but no bathhouse.
GuideThis campsite was not crowded at all and really peaceful. I stayed in site 13 which was right on the lake. The view was beautiful. The spot was really large with plenty of room for tents and hammocks. There are trails close by that were nice to walk on. The pool is there for an extra fee with a water slide. They are well maintained. It was a great park!
Ranger
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.
LegendJackson MS LeFleur' Bluff SP Small state park with 30 sites w/e only on small lake. You are allowed to gather downed wood to use in fire pit. Gate code access. Nice playground. Disc golf course. Bathouse 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. There's a nature trail on site. Two boat ramps one gives access to Pearl River. Campground located next to Mississippi Museum of Natural History, a Children's Museum, Ag Museum and a golf course too. Great location to explore Jackson MS. Verizon 3 bars on 4g
LegendWe stayed here for one night as we were just passing through on a longer road trip. This was one of the better state park campgrounds in Mississippi that we have visited. The sites were clean and spacious. The ladies bathroom was a complete disaster though. It appears as it if hadn’t been cleaned in days and all the toilets were “full”. Gross! The dump station also smelled horrendous, so we just kept driving as we didn’t have much to dump. This would normally be a 3 star for me, but giving 4 stars compared to other MS State Parks north of this location.
TravelerWe have been going to this park off and on for years. They do have a motel if you don’t have an RV/tent. The bathrooms are clean. There are lots of things to do in the campground like disk golf, hiking, swimming, waterslide, canoeing, fishing and playgrounds. The only reason I didn’t give it a five stars, is because a lot of the campsite pads are broken and narrow and the ground is washed out around it. I know it is an endless battle for the park to keep up with probably. We had to be very careful about stepping out of the camper because it dropped off quickly. We were constantly grabbing the kids so they didn’t fall. I would certainly go back though. It is very beautiful.
LegendThis 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.
TravelerWe arrived around 8 pm. I am originally from the Crystal Springs area so expected bad roads, low hanging tree limbs ect... road wasn't great but also wasn't full of pot holes as I expected. There were no low hanging tree limbs, just keep your speed to about 35 and you'll be fine. This is quite possibly the hidden gem of my beloved State of Mississippi. Quiet, No WiFi, T-mobile worked in some locations. We had 35 OTA channels, not that we watched TV but it was available. Park has pull through and back in, level concrete pads with fire pit and table, 50/30/15 electric, water and sewer.
Legend
Not a bad place to get away in MISSISSIPPI. Campground host was super nice. Gave us a heads up that we had a tornado warning! Just what we needed during our two day stay.
Campground is definitely not the most maintained when I compared the other national forests I have been through. Everything feels most fun down. Bathrooms are falling apart but there is a shower with hot water if you dare.
It's a cheap place to stop. $13 with an Access pass for electric, water, dump station. Lake view. There is a trail around the lake which is a little under two miles around.
Very spotty cellphone reception.
Legend
We arrived late. Interaction with host was pleasant. Cooked dinner and went to bed. Played a game of disc golf in the morning which was great. But the 15$ camp charge we just weren't used to haha.
GuideIt’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.
ScoutNice campground with lots to do. Easy access to a lot of different amenities around.
ScoutWe 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.
GuideWe 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.
Tent camping near Madison, Mississippi offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the tranquility of the great outdoors. With several options available, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and unwind.
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.
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