Best Equestrian Camping near Petal, MS

Big Foot Horse Trail and Camp offers free camping accommodations with primitive facilities near Petal, Mississippi. This U.S. Forest Service campground provides toilet facilities and picnic tables for campers, though no corrals are available for horses. The campground receives a 5-star rating from visitors who appreciate the natural setting. Horse owners need to bring their own containment systems as the campground lacks dedicated equestrian infrastructure. The sites accommodate both tent and RV camping with drive-in and walk-in access options. Campers should note there is no drinking water, hookups, or trash service available.

Located within a pine forest setting, Big Foot Horse Trail connects directly to equestrian riding paths in the area. Riders should watch where they step as horse manure is prevalent throughout the grounds. The campground's free status makes it popular with trail riders seeking budget-friendly accommodations. While facilities are basic, the natural beauty of the surrounding forest creates an appealing primitive camping experience. Campers should bring their own water supplies, containment systems for horses, and be prepared to pack out all trash. The absence of reservation requirements allows for flexible trip planning, though this may mean uncertain site availability during peak riding seasons.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Petal, Mississippi (4)

    1. Forest County Multi-Purpose Events Center

    4 Reviews
    Hattiesburg, MS
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (601) 583-7500

    $20 / night

    "However, beautiful lake behind it with a wooden walking bridge that crosses the entire thing. I will be here EVERY TIME I cone this way!!"

    "The RV Park is adjacent to a multi purpose facility. Rodeo, barrel racing, concerts, gatherings, etc. In our stops here, the park has never been more than a 1/3 occupied."

    2. Flint Creek Waterpark

    17 Reviews
    Wiggins, MS
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (601) 928-3051

    "Second time at Flint Creek in Wiggins Mississippi. Stayed during the middle of January of 2021 on site 29. The back of the site backs up to the lake, with plenty of beach to fish or hangout."

    "There’s a large lake which is good fishing (there’s a boat launch in the park and in the campground itself) beach swimming areas (one for day use and the other for the campers) there’s an updated water"

    4. Big Foot Horse Trail and Camp -USFS

    1 Review
    De Soto National Forest, MS
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (601) 965-1600

    "Campgrounds are beautiful with line forests surrounding the sites. Utilities are primitive but expected for a free campground. Watch where you step! Lots of horse poop."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Petal, MS

23 Reviews of 4 Petal Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2024

    Big Foot Horse Trail and Camp -USFS

    Primative but free

    Campgrounds are beautiful with line forests surrounding the sites. Utilities are primitive but expected for a free campground. Watch where you step! Lots of horse poop.

  • Johnnie S.
    Jan. 27, 2021

    Flint Creek Waterpark

    Beautiful lake view

    Second time at Flint Creek in Wiggins Mississippi. Stayed during the middle of January of 2021 on site 29.

    The back of the site backs up to the lake, with plenty of beach to fish or hangout. This site would be perfect during the summer if you wanted to swim. The site had full hookups with 50amp connection. Plenty of space between sites. Also there are several shower/restrooms located throughout the Seneca Campground.

    Only thing negative about the site was that it was not level. I had to add an extra step to get in and out of my travel trailer.

    Will definitely go back.

  • Glen & Shauna A.
    Apr. 3, 2023

    Forest County Multi-Purpose Events Center

    LOVE-LOVE-LOVE this place!

    There were maybe 6 campers here when we arrived at midnight or so- Easy access, large lots, 50amp and under, not a destination but the perfect overnight stop! However, beautiful lake behind it with a wooden walking bridge that crosses the entire thing. I will be here EVERY TIME I cone this way!!

  • Nichole B.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Flint Creek Waterpark

    Nice and Woodsy

    Flint Creek has a little of everything for everyone. There’s a large lake which is good fishing (there’s a boat launch in the park and in the campground itself) beach swimming areas (one for day use and the other for the campers) there’s an updated water park with slides and a lazy river. The water for this is pumped in from the lake so it’s not a fresh blue water like in a swimming pool! There’s a section of first come first served campsites and a section of reservation only sites. All the sites are blacktopped and are very nice. The bathhouses could use some attention though. The town of Wiggins has lots of restaurants and grocery stores very close by.

  • J K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Flint Creek Waterpark

    Tons of sites and something for everyone!

    Flint creek has TONS of sites with full hook ups in 30 and/or 50 amp and even a primitive (water only) tent sites. Different sections allow folks to feel like they are away from the crowds.  Price is absolutely reasonable and there is night security by staff and local law enforcement.

    The water park has a ton of slides and will keep kids young and old entertained sliding down the hill into the lake.

    Several swimming holes and boat ramps lets you enjoy the lake however you want.

  • JJ M.
    Jun. 4, 2019

    Forest County Multi-Purpose Events Center

    Great for Overnight

    While maybe not a destination site, it’s great for overnighting. We’ve stayed here for an overnight several years in a row on our way to Gulf Shores from Central AR. Concrete pads, full hookups, excellent satellite reception throughout the park. The RV Park is adjacent to a multi purpose facility. Rodeo, barrel racing, concerts, gatherings, etc. In our stops here, the park has never been more than a 1/3 occupied. Plenty of spaces to choose from. Payment is the honor system. $20 on the way out!

  • R
    Feb. 11, 2017

    Flint Creek Waterpark

    Flint creek

    Loved, loved this Campground...This was always our go-to. Lake is always great. Nearby Hiking trail a few geocaches and then there is the water park... I grew up in the old water park and it was great but when they upgraded, and it needed an upgrade bad, all the prices for pat Harrison went up... They have just started clearing the brush around the campsites, much needed, but there are so many things that are in disrepair and are taking a back seat to the water park. The bathrooms are always clean and in great working order... And the views of the lake are phenomenal. I gave it the rating because I see so much potential that is not being used.

  • J K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2022

    Flint Creek Waterpark

    Lots of space to get in and enjoy the water or just chill!

    Flint Creek is our go to for a quick weekend camping trip. The spots are big, although there are a few waterside ones that are more of a deck style and limit lateral space. With a few different loops, there is a variety of spaces throughout the park. There is even a primitive camping spot for those folks who want nothing to do with modern necessities.

    The park itself is huge with a few beaches in and out of the camping areas. Folks can get sites on the water and pull their boats right up next to their rigs.

  • Nancy A.
    Jun. 30, 2018

    Flint Creek Waterpark

    Nice Park

    The best sites are the first come first serve sites. These sites are in the Mohawk area. I would avoid the Kahaka area if you want a beach area as there isn’t one. All the bathrooms have no air conditioning. There are boat launches and many sites that you can anchor your boat at or near by.


Guide to Petal

Camping opportunities near Petal, Mississippi include several public facilities within a one-hour radius. The region features pine forests and natural waterways typical of the southeastern coastal plain, with sandy soil and moderate elevation changes. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights occasionally drop below freezing, affecting camping conditions throughout the year.

What to do

Trail riding access: At Big Foot Horse Trail and Camp, equestrians can enjoy dedicated riding paths through pine forests. "Campgrounds are beautiful with line forests surrounding the sites," notes camper Sam O., though riders should "Watch where you step! Lots of horse poop."

Water recreation: Flint Creek Waterpark offers multiple lake activities within a 75-minute drive of Petal. "Swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, and small playground available. The water park is not anything 'great', but it's something for little kids ($12 per person)," reports Jaynia P.

Fishing opportunities: Several sites provide shoreline fishing access. At Flint Creek, Johnnie S. found "Site 141 was in a very wooded area at the far end of all three RV areas... Had a beautiful view of the water where you could fish."

What campers like

Budget-friendly options: Free camping at Big Foot Horse Trail makes equestrian camping near Petal, Mississippi accessible for riders on a budget. Sam O. describes it as "Primative but free" with "Utilities are primitive but expected for a free campground."

Water access: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites at Big Creek Water Park. Casey P. shared that "Tent camping with the family was a great time. Grounds are nice with boat access."

Peaceful surroundings: The natural settings provide quiet retreats. At Flint Creek Waterpark, Johnnie S. commented that their spot "was so quiet and peaceful, no road noise was heard the entire 3 days."

Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites, particularly at Flint Creek where Hannah L. noted, "this campground provides plenty of space despite being so packed."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Fall brings special events at some campgrounds. Greg H. notes at Flint Creek, "We stayed a week in October & enjoyed it. A lot of the sites were decorating for Halloween."

Wildlife encounters: Prepare for animal interactions around Petal campsites. Hannah L. reports, "We did encounter coyote, deer, and lots of talkative geese, so be prepared for some wildlife interaction."

Facility conditions: Forest County Multi-Purpose Events Center offers basic amenities but Lee L. notes it "Really needs some better maintenance and cleaning especially restrooms." The campground increased rates to $25 per night.

Site leveling: At several campgrounds, uneven sites can present challenges. At Flint Creek, Johnnie S. found "The only issue I had with the spots were they were all uneven, but somehow I was able to level my 37' travel trailer on the first try without any leveling aids."

Tips for camping with families

Water activities: For family swimming, look for sites with beach access. At Flint Creek Waterpark, Kyliea Walker W. notes, "The beaches are nice for campers." Shellie K. adds it's a "Great spot of swimming and biking. Private spots and great shade."

Choosing campground areas: Some sections offer better family amenities than others. Nancy A. advises, "The best sites are the first come first serve sites. These sites are in the Mohawk area. I would avoid the Kahaka area if you want a beach area as there isn't one."

Restroom facilities: Big Creek Water Park offers "Clean restrooms" according to Casey P., making it suitable for families with children.

Halloween festivities: Families visiting in October can enjoy seasonal activities. Hannah L. recalls, "We stayed here during Halloween and it was pretty crowded... There were several RV campgrounds that had decorations and trick-or-treating."

Tips from RVers

Overnight convenience: The Forest County Multi-Purpose Events Center works well for transit stops. JJ M. notes, "While maybe not a destination site, it's great for overnighting. We've stayed here for an overnight several years in a row on our way to Gulf Shores from Central AR. Concrete pads, full hookups, excellent satellite reception throughout the park."

Self-service payment: Some RV parks operate on honor systems. JJ M. explains at Forest County Multi-Purpose Center: "Payment is the honor system. $20 on the way out!"

Site selection: For RVers seeking specific amenities, Benjamin S. recommends Forest County: "Great place to stop if you just need to get off the road. There wasn't anything going on at the multipurpose center, so we pretty much had our pick of the 147 spots."

Connectivity: Cell service varies between campgrounds. Greg H. notes at Flint Creek "Att service was good."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Petal, MS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Petal, MS is Forest County Multi-Purpose Events Center with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Petal, MS?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Petal, MS, with real photos and reviews from campers.