Tent camping near Morton, Mississippi offers remote woodland experiences in the pine forests of central Mississippi. Most locations sit within Bienville National Forest, a 180,000-acre mixed pine-hardwood ecosystem known for its rolling terrain and sandy soil composition. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions for outdoor activities.
What to do
Kayak the rapids: The Okatoma Creek offers exciting water recreation opportunities for campers staying at Okatoma Water Park. One visitor simply stated their experience as "Kayak the rapids," highlighting the creek's popular water feature. The campground provides convenient kayak and canoe rentals with shuttle service.
Explore forest trails: Bienville National Forest surrounds most camping areas near Morton with hiking trails through pine forests. The national forest provides multiple camping options with varying levels of seclusion depending on how far you venture from established areas.
Fishing opportunities: Local waterways offer fishing opportunities for bass, bream and catfish. Many primitive sites in the area allow direct water access where campers can fish directly from their camping location without traveling to designated fishing areas.
What campers like
Natural spacing between sites: At Shockaloe Base Camp I, the forest setting creates natural boundaries between camping areas. One camper noted, "The national Forrest some time offers the privacy and seclusion on wants. If this is something you seek definitely come here." The campground's layout within the forest maximizes privacy for tent campers.
Flat terrain for tents: Campers appreciate the level ground at many sites in the region. A visitor at Okatoma Water Park described, "Great flat ground for tent camping. We were in campsite 3 and it was huge." The naturally flat terrain makes setup easier for tent campers without extensive site preparation.
Tree coverage: The mature forest provides ample shade during hot summer months. Many sites feature "ample trees with perfect spacing for hammock camping," according to one reviewer, making the area particularly suitable for hammock enthusiasts who require properly spaced trees.
What you should know
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Many primitive sites in Bienville National Forest require campers to carry in all supplies and remove all waste. Facilities are minimal or non-existent, requiring self-sufficiency for water, food, and waste management.
Bathroom conditions vary widely: Facility maintenance can be inconsistent at some locations. One camper at Kosciusko Welcome Center noted bathroom cleanliness issues, suggesting campers "walk to the new trading post across the street" where "there are nice bathrooms" instead of using closer facilities that may be poorly maintained.
Weather impacts: Heavy rain can affect campground conditions significantly. During high water periods, "camp showers and restrooms were backed up," according to one visitor, who still rated their experience positively despite these challenges. Spring camping carries higher flood risk, particularly for riverside sites.
Tips for camping with families
Group site selection: For families or larger groups, seek specific sites designed to accommodate multiple tents. Some sites at Cove's Nest Marina can accommodate extended family setups with more open space than standard individual sites.
Recreational planning: Plan water activities according to age and experience level. Okatoma Creek offers both gentle sections suitable for younger children and more challenging rapids for teenagers and adults. The $40 per person fee for kayaking includes transportation back to camp.
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings higher water levels and faster currents, while late summer often sees lower water levels. One camper noted they "went when the river was high," which affected facility function but provided better kayaking conditions with stronger current.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access to remote sites can be challenging for vehicles without adequate clearance. A camper at Shockaloe advised, "The ride out is a little ruff," suggesting high-clearance vehicles for accessing more remote camping areas within the national forest.
Site dimensions: RVers should confirm site dimensions before arrival as many tent camping areas have limited space or turning radius for larger vehicles. Most primitive sites accommodate small trailers but lack space for larger RVs or fifth wheels.
