Glamping near Meridian, Mississippi spans several waterfront recreation areas along the Okatibbee Lake reservoir system. The region sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level in Mississippi's east-central pine belt, characterized by gently rolling terrain and mixed hardwood-pine forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 70°F to 98°F with high humidity, while fall and spring offer milder camping conditions with temperatures between 50°F and 75°F.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: At Dunns Falls Water Park, visitors can explore the historic water-powered grist mill and descend stairs to the base of the falls. "Lots of stairs to descend/ascend to get to the bottom of the falls. Nice historical building. I was the only camper there when I stayed. Very quiet," notes Christopher T.
Boating: Launch your boat at Twiltley Branch for direct lake access. "A short drive away is Collinsville Park with has a boat launch providing access to Okatibbee Lake. Many people in the campground would launch their boats there and then tie them up on the bank of the campground," shares Nancy W.
Water recreation: Turkey Creek Water Park offers rentals for water activities. "Enjoy fishing and especially water skiing with your own boat or a boat rented on site. There is mountain biking and hiking (all easy trails), a sandy beach, and just a nice relaxing atmosphere," according to Lynn G.
What campers like
Lake views: Waterfront sites at Twiltley Branch provide direct water access. "We had site 39 that backed right up to the lake. Campground was very clean and easy to get around. This was a great place to get away and just sit by the lake enjoying the day," shares Nick U.
Wildlife viewing: Turkey Creek Water Park offers opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Small campground on a lake. Pretty and quiet. Recent work on campsites to create level sites. Enjoy camping there," says Nelwyn B.
Downtown proximity: Meridian East-Toomsuba KOA offers convenient access to Meridian's historic downtown. "We enjoyed a quiet night's sleep and were nice & level. The staff told us about a great restaurant to check out just a few minutes away in the downtown area, Weidmann's. It was delicious! Apparently it's the oldest restaurant in Mississippi and one of the oldest in the US. Downtown is super cute!" writes Jen O.
What you should know
Water levels: Seasonal fluctuations impact site availability. "This campsite is prone to flooding so it's not always available," notes Casey M. about Twiltley Branch's primitive sites.
Site characteristics: Many glamping options near Meridian have varied campsite layouts. "The pads are asphalt and have electric, water, and sewer connections. They also have picnic table in good shape and a steel picnic grill. This is not a fancy park, but it is decent," John B. explains about Okatibbee Lake Waterpark.
Reservation systems: Most glamping accommodations require advance booking. "Make your reservations online at Recreation.gov before you go. We went to bed with the frogs croaking and awakened with the birds chirping," advises John B. about Twiltley Branch.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Plan swim time at designated areas. "There is a small fishing dock in the campground and plenty of bank fishing. The closest town is Collinsville where there is a grocery and some restaurants," reports Nancy W.
Recreation amenities: Archusa Creek Waterpark offers water-based activities for children. "The lake is beautiful. This would be a great place to pull an inter tube with a boat," suggests Laurette.
Campground facilities: KOA provides family-friendly amenities. "This place is nothing fancy - but simple and just what we needed. There was access to a small general store, showers and laundry facility. There is a nice quiet area to hang hammocks and chill out. We cooked hot dogs and marshmallows in the campfire ring one night," shares a camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose RV sites based on size requirements. "We stayed in site 4 as a one night pull through for our class A. We typically don't unhook our Jeep tow for one night, but so glad we did here!" advises Jen O. about Meridian East-Toomsuba KOA.
Utilities awareness: Check for multiple hookup options. "Beware of 2 sewage hookups. We automatically hooked up to the one on the side by the water and electric. After 3 days there I noticed water puddling. Once again I called the front, nice young man came out. Called his boss and found out we should have hooked up to the one in the center of the pad underneath our travel trailer," warns Ellen S.
Navigation considerations: Some roads require careful driving. "The roads in the campground are narrow but most are one-way so that doesn't really matter and easy enough for us to navigable with our 45' RV and tow car. All sites are level and have 20/30/50 amp electric that worked well," explains Nancy W.
