Camping options near Picayune, Mississippi include both developed campgrounds and basic riverside sites across Harrison and Pearl River counties. The area's sandy soil and mild climate make year-round camping possible, with January lows around 40°F and summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F. Water access is a defining feature of the region with both the Pearl River and smaller creeks offering recreational opportunities for campers throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast region.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Buccaneer State Park features a disc golf course among its recreational amenities. "We came to play disc golf. It was a very nice course. Loved our campsite. It backed up to some woods & had a lot of space. There is a water park as well. Close proximity to a beautiful beach," writes Brie M. about Buccaneer State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple waterways provide fishing access throughout the region. "We love this campground cause has lots of wildlife," notes Danny about Fontainebleau State Park Campground. The park features fishing piers and water access points suitable for anglers of all skill levels.
Wildlife observation: Natural areas around Picayune support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. "We saw plenty of wildlife such as turkey, deer, rabbits, turtles, alligators and birds," reports Tiffany M. about their experience at Bogue Chitto State Park. The park's various ecosystems create habitat for both common and uncommon species.
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: McLeod Park offers generous site dimensions with concrete pads. "Great campsites, love the view of the river and the nature hike, plus being able to bring the boat!" explains Rebecca H. about McLeod Park Campground.
Water features: Creeks and rivers provide cooling relief during hot weather. "The property features creek access where pets can cool off during hot weather," notes a visitor to Creekside Farm. "We had an amazing time at Creekside! I stayed here with three friends over the weekend and it was the perfect getaway. The campsite was very spacious with easy access to the creek," adds Emily T. about Creekside Farm Co.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank high on camper priorities. "Bathhouse facilities at the campground were well maintained and cleaned. The facilities at the lake were rough," reports Gregg G. about Fontainebleau State Park Campground. Most developed campgrounds in the region offer shower facilities, though quality and cleanliness vary by location.
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Alligators inhabit waterways throughout the region. "This place is crawling with gators in the lower portion on the lakes. Hey this is south Louisiana," warns Larry about Bogue Chitto State Park. "DON'T FEED THE GATORS. Literally, don't feed the gators. There were signs everywhere. Apparently many people don't heed the signs. When my hubby rustled a bag, several alligators swam right up to our site!" cautions Cat R.
Bug management: Insects can be problematic, especially near water. "The bugs were crazy bad at the beach in the morning and at dusk. Evidently they are worse this year, so just come prepared!" advises Ashley S. about Buccaneer State Park. Mosquito repellent is essential during warmer months.
Flood potential: Low-lying areas may experience flooding during heavy rain. "We were in the lower area campsites, which were prone to flash flooding. We actually left a day early due to prediction of rain," explains Cat R. about Bogue Chitto State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Multiple parks offer water-based activities for children. "The beach is lovely and the water felt great. There is also a splash pad," shares Gregg G. about Fontainebleau State Park. Similarly, at Buccaneer State Park, "There's a water park with a wave pool which is fitting since its Waveland, MS."
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play equipment for younger campers. "Tons of trees and shade, paved roads for kids to ride bikes, large playground area, some short hiking trails," notes Nicole R. about Buccaneer State Park Campground.
Animal encounters: Farm animals add educational value at select sites. "They have tons of vegetation to look at, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and peacocks. There's a small fishing pond too," describes Taylor C. about her family's experience at Creekside Farm Co.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Choose carefully based on rig dimensions. "We could not fit on a pull thru site, and Betty at the entrance was awesome and found us the perfect back-in site that made our stay amazing!" shares Martha S. about Fontainebleau State Park. "There are plenty of long sites, but big rigs need to choose their sites carefully i.e. read reviews and possibly call the park concerning specific sites."
Level concrete pads: Many developed campgrounds offer solid foundations. "Nearly every site has a level concrete pad and many have full hookups. Lots of trees," notes Jeffrey Z. about McLeod Park. These concrete pads provide stability but can retain heat during summer months.
Water drainage concerns: Watch for potential flooding and drainage issues. "It had poured a few days before we went and had to switch sites three times before getting one that was even remotely dry," reports Taylor C. about Fontainebleau State Park. "They have a water problem. It doesn't take much rain to have standing water in many sites," confirms Dean and Dodie B. about Fairview-Riverside State Park.
