Dispersed camping near New Houlka requires preparation as cellular coverage can be limited in forested areas. The region contains several campgrounds within the Tombigbee National Forest at elevations ranging from 300-400 feet, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Winter camping remains viable with temperatures typically staying above freezing, though occasional cold snaps can bring freezing conditions to the area.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Tombigbee State Park Campground features a complete disc golf course that winds through wooded areas. "The disc golf course is very fun. It has an interesting layout in the woods so it is much like a hike," notes Ryan S., who found the course added recreational value to their stay.
Fishing from dedicated piers: Davis Lake Campground offers multiple fishing spots and lake access. According to Nate S., "There is a swimming beach, a pier, and plenty of place to tie up a boat. We plan to return and explore some more!" The 200-acre lake supports various fish species.
Walking trails exploration: Whitten Park Campground provides trail systems throughout the recreation area. Cyndi H. mentions, "Outside the campground entrance the Underground Railroad Bicycle Trail goes along the road and continues to the lock for walking and peddling." These paved and natural surface trails range from 0.5 to 2 miles in length.
Wildlife observation: At Davis Lake, campers report diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. "Had been wanting to try this campground out for a year... Loved that almost all spot were right at the water edge. Literally. All types of birds to watch. Squirrels too," shares Bruce F., highlighting the natural setting.
What campers like
Lakefront site proximity: Howard Stafford Park Campground features waterfront views and easy lake access. Jim A. described their experience: "Last minute stop at this small muni campground/park. Clean grounds with friendly host. Photo from our site #7 overlooking the lake." Many sites provide direct water views.
Affordability of camping options: Area campgrounds maintain reasonable rates compared to other regions. Simon C. noted about Howard Stafford Park: "Can't beat the price at $22/night. We stopped in for a night in our teardrop trailer on our way farther up north." Most established campgrounds in the area range from $20-30 per night.
Security features: Several campgrounds implement after-hours security measures. "Non campers kicked out at 8pm and gates are locked. All campers get a key for after hours entry/exit," reports Jim A. about Howard Stafford Park, while Simon C. adds it's "Gated after dark with older but usable bathrooms and showers."
Clean facilities: Trace State Park Campground maintains well-kept facilities. William M. shared, "Beautiful place to camp and relax. Clean campsites and bathrooms. Nice hiking trails." Many campgrounds in the area prioritize bathroom cleanliness despite being older structures.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to some campgrounds require attention. Multiple reviewers mention road quality issues at Trace State Park, with Amanda F. noting, "The roads in the park are terrible! That's the one downside to the park," while Sue S. added, "The only issue was the poor road maintenance in getting to our campsite."
Site levelness challenges: Not all campsites provide naturally level surfaces. Will G. observed at Trace State Park: "Cons: not much level space between camper pads, access roads need replacing, sketchy cell service." At Davis Lake, Nate S. cautions, "The sites away from the water looked to be uneven and on a slope so beware if you take an RV."
Swimming area maintenance: Some swimming areas require caution. Chris M. warns about Davis Lake: "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."
Cell service limitations: Tombigbee State Park Campground has known connectivity issues. Maggie C. reports, "Poor cell service with AT&T and if you have starling it won't work due to all the trees. Still, I really liked this campground. Small, intimate, tons of shade."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: Howard Stafford Park offers various play facilities. Simon C. details, "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." These amenities provide entertainment options beyond standard camping activities.
Easy biking for children: Tombigbee State Park features kid-friendly biking opportunities. Ryan S. explains, "Great for young kids because the campground is small with a flat loop that is easy for bike riding, skating, or scooters. It is easy to see the kids from your campsite and not worry about them getting lost."
Simple tent platforms: For families tent camping, Tombigbee offers specialized areas. Ryan S. describes, "If you are primitive camping, the tent camping area is outstanding. There are picnic tables, elevated tent platforms, places for hammocks, a porch swing and bench around a raised fire pit."
Compact campground layout: Moon Lake Farm provides a smaller, manageable camping environment. Tim notes, "Beautiful property with great host they have a short trail that goes around the property and a beautiful lake to enjoy." The limited size makes supervising children easier.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Davis Lake requires careful site selection for larger vehicles. Roscoe's R. advises, "Do your research on the campsites. Some are pretty short and will not accommodate long rigs." Site lengths vary significantly between campgrounds in the area.
Hookup variations: Whitten Park offers diverse hookup configurations. MickandKarla W. explain, "We were delighted to find that they had combined site 8 and 9 into one long site. This site still had the old site amenities, which meant that we had double electric pedestals, water spigots, patio areas with picnic table, standup bbq, and fire pit."
Weather preparation: Summer heat requires adequate cooling capability. Most reviews mention camping during warmer months, with multiple RVers noting the importance of shade. MickandKarla W. point out, "Whitten CG has a lot of mature trees, so satellite is iffy. We had no north shot for our Starlink."
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. One camper at Davis Lake observed, "Loved that almost all spot were right at the water edge... Can't wait to come back but some sites had already been booked for next week. Seems like this is a very popular place. I do see why!"
