Black Creek float trips serve as a primary draw for campers near Richton, Mississippi. Free primitive tent camping areas surround the creek with simple facilities. During summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity while winter nights can drop below freezing, requiring appropriate seasonal gear for comfort.
What to do
Float trips on Black Creek: Janice Landing functions primarily as a starting point for paddling adventures, with multiple visitors noting its convenience for water recreation. A visitor at Janice Landing commented, "Black creek float trip," highlighting the main reason many choose this location.
Night photography: Darker skies away from major light pollution create opportunities for stargazing and photography in these rural camping areas. A reviewer at Airey Lake noted the location is ideal "to go do nighttime photography here as it is away from towns and the skies are pretty dark."
Hiking the Tuxachanie Trail: This multi-day trail connects several camping areas, making tent camping convenient for through-hikers. A visitor at Airey Lake Recreation Area shared, "On the east side of the pond the Tuxachanie trail passes thru. So if hiking it, this can be a nice place for your overnight stay if doing a multi day hike."
What campers like
Natural seclusion: The spacing between campsites allows for privacy when not at capacity. One camper at Airey Lake described, "It was quiet and peaceful with lots of space in between each group," while another noted you can "find a secluded spot" if arriving early on weekends.
No reservation system: The casual first-come availability appeals to spontaneous campers. A visitor explained Airey Lake "is free of charge" and a reviewer noted, "Campground is first-come, first-serve, but when we went there were plenty of spaces available."
Reflective lake views: The small lake at All You Need Institute provides scenic camping. An Airey Lake visitor shared, "There is a lake which gives a beautiful reflection of the night sky," adding natural ambiance to tent sites.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent camping near Richton offers only basic amenities. A camper at Fairley Bridge Landing advised, "This is definitely a bring your own TP bathroom," while another noted the single toilet facility as "relatively clean" but sparse.
Potential closures: Weather events occasionally impact site availability in the region. One frustrated camper reported, "It's closed, most are. This one says due to hurricane damage and public safety. They can't get around to fixing it but sure can show up to tell you to leave."
Water quality concerns: The drinking water at some sites contains sediment and requires filtering. A visitor warned, "Water on site but not sure I would drink it as there was a lot of sediment. Make sure you have what you need as services are limited."
Tips for camping with families
Pack complete supplies: With limited services available, families should bring all necessities. A camper at All You Need Institute - Tent Camping advised bringing "your own toilet paper, handsoap/sanitizer" since supplies aren't provided.
Expect weekend crowds: Family groups often fill prime camping areas during peak times. One camper noted, "Gets really crowded during weekends but if you get there early, you can find a secluded spot."
Watch for wildlife: The natural setting includes various insects and wildlife. A camper warned about "big spiders all over the place, and ants nests everywhere as well, as soon as I got my food out they were all over."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most sites near Richton cater primarily to tent camping with few RV amenities. The Escatawpa Hollow Campground does offer some electric hookups, water hookups, and sewer connections for those needing RV facilities within driving distance of Richton.
Consider camper vans: Smaller self-contained units work better at these primitive sites. One camper van user reported, "We are an older couple but love NF camping. Ratings are so subjective. We are in a camper van," suggesting the area accommodates smaller vehicles better than large RVs.
Expect traffic fluctuations: Activity levels vary throughout the day at boat launch campgrounds. A camper advised, "Warm weather weekend campers should probably choose a site on back side of loop as the boat launch gets pretty busy."
