Best Tent Camping near Olive Branch, MS
Tent camping opportunities near Olive Branch, Mississippi include several primitive sites scattered around Arkabutla Lake and Sardis Lake, approximately 20-30 miles from town. Kellys Crossing Campground offers basic tent sites with access to Arkabutla Lake, while Beach Point at Sardis Lake provides tent-only camping with lake views. Most sites are simple with minimal development but provide access to water recreation and fishing opportunities.
Tent sites in this region generally feature basic amenities, with most offering picnic tables and fire rings but limited services. Kellys Crossing has vault toilets and trash disposal, but no drinking water on site. Beach Point requires campers to park in a designated lot and carry gear to walk-in tent sites, which offers more privacy and separation from vehicles. A camper noted, "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." Most primitive tent campgrounds in the area are self-service with payment envelopes at information boards.
The Holly Springs National Forest area contains several rustic tent camping options, including Cox Lake and Puskus Lake, which attract fewer visitors than the larger Corps of Engineers sites. These primitive tent areas provide greater solitude for campers seeking to disconnect. According to a review, "This is a great location to disconnect, but do not expect the amenities other sites offer." Summer months bring increased insect activity, particularly at Beach Point where one visitor reported, "The flies were so bad!" Fall and spring typically offer more comfortable tent camping conditions. Most tent sites in the region provide shade from the surrounding forest, though campers should come prepared with adequate water and insect protection. Weather conditions can change quickly, making three-season tents advisable even during warmer months.
