Best Tent Camping near Oxford, MS
Lakes and forests surrounding Oxford, Mississippi provide several tent camping options within a short drive. Puskus Lake in Holly Springs National Forest, located about 20 miles east of Oxford, offers secluded tent campsites in a forested setting. Beach Point at Sardis Lake, approximately 15 miles west of Oxford, provides tent-only camping with water views. Elmers Hill, also at Sardis Lake, features eight dedicated tent sites with drinking water available. These primitive tent camping areas typically operate year-round, though some facilities may close seasonally.
Most tent campgrounds near Oxford feature basic amenities with varying levels of maintenance. Tent sites at Puskus Lake include metal fire rings, lantern poles, and picnic tables, with sites positioned 50-100 feet from the water. Beach Point requires campers to park in a designated lot and walk to their sites, making it exclusively suitable for tent camping. Toilet facilities range from vault toilets to basic flush toilets without showers. Campers should bring their own toilet paper and drinking water, as water spigots may be unreliable. Self-check-in is common at these locations, with fees ranging from free to $8 per night, depending on the season and location.
In early spring and fall, tent campers often find these sites nearly empty, providing exceptional solitude. According to reviews, Eagle Point Primitive Campground offers "level gravel pad tent areas with picnic tables and grills" with water views from all sites. One camper at Puskus Lake noted that "the camping spaces have a good amount of room so you do not feel like you are on top of each other." Walk-in tent sites at Beach Point are described as "quiet and peaceful" with "large lots." While backcountry tent camping options are limited, these established primitive campgrounds provide adequate space for tents and access to fishing, kayaking, and limited hiking opportunities. Visitors should note that some sites like Puskus Lake prohibit swimming, though fishing is permitted.