Campgrounds near Okolona, Mississippi offer lakeside sites and RV-friendly accommodations throughout the region. Most facilities sit within a 30-40 minute drive of Okolona, with several positioned along the Natchez Trace Parkway corridor. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures, making camping possible year-round with proper preparation.
What to do
Fishing access: Davis Lake Campground provides direct lakefront sites where anglers can fish directly from their campsite. "Davis Lake Recreation Area is situated just 4 miles from the Natchez Trace Parkway. The campground is adjacent to the Eastern shore of the 200 acre Davis Lake. 14 sites are right on the lake front offering spectacular sun rises and evening sun sets," notes a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities abound at Davis Lake Campground, where campers report regular sightings. "Great wildlife! Came here for bird watching. Will return to bike the Tanglefoot Trail," mentions one reviewer who specifically visited for this purpose.
Swimming: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas during summer months. "There is a swimming beach, a pier, and plenty of place to tie up a boat," reports a camper who stayed at Davis Lake in June, though they caution about slippery steps at the swimming area.
What campers like
Privacy at smaller parks: Moon Lake Farm receives praise for its peaceful setting away from crowds. "This is a very peaceful stop with 30 amp power and water available. Well kept and very nice host. John communicated with us perfectly. The land and lake are beautiful," reports a recent visitor.
Clean facilities: Howard Stafford Park Campground maintains consistently clean bathrooms. "Bathrooms were A+++ clean!" mentions one reviewer about nearby Davis Lake, while another notes Howard Stafford has "older but usable bathrooms and showers."
Lakefront positioning: Howard Stafford Park Campground offers sites positioned near water. "Small tidy county park with full hookups. The site is a level concrete pad with 50/30 amp, water and sewer. The campground is next to a big county park with a playground, boat ramp and fishing docks," explains a camper who appreciated the setting.
What you should know
Site limitations: Many RV pads in the region have size restrictions or leveling challenges. At Howard Stafford Park, a reviewer mentions "Camp was quiet an very friendly camp host the rv pads are very short.an uneven." Another camper at Davis Lake advises: "do your research on the campsites. some are pretty short and will not accommodate long rigs."
Security features: Some parks implement security measures after hours. At Howard Stafford Park, "Non campers kicked out at 8pm and gates are locked. All campers get a key for after hours entry/exit," reports a recent visitor.
Seasonal maintenance: Facility upkeep varies throughout the year at some locations. One camper at Davis Lake Campground notes: "Facilities are really only maintained during peak season and even then I've been greeted by dirty showers and restrooms more than once."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Lakelife RV Park offers family-friendly amenities. "They have a central fire ring with swings, a small camp store, laundry room, and bathhouse," notes one visitor describing this newer campground near Tupelo.
Water safety: When swimming at Davis Lake, protective footwear is recommended. "The swimming area steps are quite slippery as well and muscle shells are ever present so i would recommend aquatic footwear if you plan on using this area," advises a local camper.
Local attractions: Howard Stafford Park provides access to family activities beyond camping. "Has a splash pad, a basketball court, and several piers on the lake for fishing. You can hear cows in the distance from across the lake," mentions a recent visitor who traveled with a teardrop trailer.
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience: Several RV campgrounds Okolona, Mississippi area serve as good stopover points when traveling the Natchez Trace. "Right in Pontotoc, MS. Small park right on the lake. Can get busy during the weekends. Full hookups and concrete pad," notes a visitor to Howard Stafford Park.
Hookup quality: The Oaks RV Park offers reliable utilities for overnight or extended stays. "This is great little campground. The Cabins were recently added and is a nice feature. Always quiet and owners are very accommodating," reports a satisfied guest.
Affordability: Budget-conscious travelers find Howard Stafford Park offers good value. "Can't beat the price at $22/night. We stopped in for a night in our teardrop trailer on our way farther up north," states a camper who appreciated the reasonable rates.
