Tent camping near Olive Branch, Mississippi extends across two significant Army Corps of Engineers lakes—Arkabutla and Sardis—with camping opportunities on both shorelines. Located in the northernmost part of Mississippi, these camping areas sit at approximately 300 feet elevation with terrain transitioning from the Mississippi Delta floodplain to the eastern hill country. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter lows can drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing from shore access: At Cox Lake in Holly Springs National Forest, anglers find easily accessible shorelines. "Great little fishing lake," notes one visitor, though some areas show signs of previous use with "lots of litter and shot gun shells."
Paddling on calm waters: Puskus Lake offers protected waters ideal for kayaking. "Fun little quick trip to paddle around in kayak, fish & enjoy great meal over grill," reports one camper. The lake features "docks nice, wide with bench seating" where visitors can relax after time on the water.
Disconnecting from technology: Forest Service campgrounds provide opportunities to unplug completely. A camper at Puskus Lake explains, "This is a great location to disconnect, but do not expect the amenities other sites offer (bathrooms, electricity, water, etc.)."
What campers like
Uncrowded camping: Many campsites around Olive Branch remain relatively undiscovered. At Elmers Hill, "This place is a gem if you're a tent camper. We have camped here once, but most of the time it is closed. I am not sure why. Nice little spot with about 8 tent sites."
Free camping options: Several areas offer no-cost camping with basic amenities. At Hays Crossing, "It is a free campground, so really, one can't complain. The view is great. You can see out across the lake. There is plenty of space to hike and explore."
Winter solitude: Off-season camping provides maximum privacy. At Kellys Crossing, one December visitor reported, "The fee has been reduced to free, so enjoy but be respectful! I am visiting at the end of December, so there are hardly any other persons around besides the fishermen out on the water."
What you should know
Self-registration required: Most primitive campgrounds require campers to handle their own check-in. At Puskus Lake, "Self check in is handled at the permit box upon turning off the highway."
Bathroom conditions vary: Don't expect modern facilities at primitive sites. At Beach Point - Sardis Lake, "The bathrooms were…campsite bathrooms. Not the best, not the worst. No locked on stall doors. No soap. But the toilets flushed so there's that."
Insect protection essential: Biting insects can be overwhelming, particularly in summer months. A Beach Point camper warned, "The flies!! They were so so bad! And bighty!! My poor dogs were covered in flies, as were we."
Tips for camping with families
Choose walk-in sites for safety: Several campgrounds offer separation from vehicles. At Beach Point, "You have to park in the parking lot and carry your stuff to the site. But it's a tent-only campground and there were only a couple other tents there so it was quiet and peaceful."
Target weekdays for better experience: Weekends bring more visitors and potential disruptions. At Puskus Lake, "I camped here just one night in May 2021 on a Saturday, I got there at about 3pm and was the first there but by nightfall every site was full."
Scout ahead for best spots: Site maintenance varies considerably. At Graham Lake, "This is a very small campground with about 5 spots. Large rigs are a no go I would think, as access can be tight. If you're in a small to medium travel trailer or a tent, this could work out."
Tips from RVers
Limited suitable options: Few primitive sites accommodate larger RVs. At Kellys Crossing, "This is more of a boat ramp than a campground. There are a couple of picnic tables with a few areas to set up tents. The positive is that you won't be fighting a lot of other campers to be able to stay here."
Prepare for basic amenities: The best tent camping near Olive Branch, Mississippi offers few services. Hays Crossing includes "five tent sites. The websites states you can bring a small camper here, but I wouldn't try it. The bathrooms are run down and have a port a potty feel. The roads in are horrible."
Bring all essentials: Many campgrounds lack basic facilities. At Puskus Lake, "The water spout did not work on my visit." Another visitor notes, "Bathrooms are closed, and have been for some time. For $8 you could do worse."
