Campers searching for top camping spots near Petal, Mississippi can explore options within De Soto National Forest, which covers over 500,000 acres in southeastern Mississippi. The region experiences high summer humidity with temperatures regularly reaching 90-95°F from June through August, while spring offers pleasant 70-80°F days with lower humidity. The sandy soil throughout many camping areas drains well after rainfall, though some primitive sites can develop significant mud issues during wet periods.
What to do
Fishing access: Lake Perry Campground offers lakeside sites with excellent fishing opportunities. "This campground only has 10 or so sites and could be tricky with large rigs. But if you're able to get in it's great. Very quiet with beautiful views from most sites. If you want to relax on a nice lake and fish or kayak this is the place."
Disc golf courses: Little Black Creek Campground features championship-level disc golf facilities. "This park boasts 2 championship level Disc Golf courses and hosts Big Rip Classic Disc golf Tournament each October. Great fishing, kayaking, swimming, and hiking. Well shaded campsites with plenty of bath houses."
Nature trails: Several campgrounds offer hiking options for all skill levels. "The trail was a short .5 mile nature walk, but beautiful and relaxing" notes a visitor to Lake Perry Campground. For more extensive hiking, DeSoto National Forest trails are accessible from multiple camping locations near Petal.
What campers like
Lake views: Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground receives praise for its scenic setting. "We had the good fortune of finding this gem as an overnight waypoint on a recent trip to Florida. We found an asphalt pad with full hookups overlooking Lake Geiger for our Sprinter Camper van. The park features the Lake set in a tall pine forest."
Well-maintained facilities: Hattiesburg / Okatoma River KOA consistently earns high marks for cleanliness and upkeep. "This was the nicest campground we stayed at on our 4 week trip. Our level site was on a lovely pond, with a friendly duck. This is the first architecturally designed KOA facility I've seen in two years of camping in our RV."
Peace and quiet: Less populated camping options offer tranquility. "Started out the day looking for a different place in De Soto National Forest, but got lost and found this campground. Was very surprised at how clean and neat the areas were. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful."
What you should know
Site access limitations: Some campgrounds have size restrictions. "A large 5th wheel had to leave as there was not a site large enough" mentions a camper at Lake Perry. Similarly, Paul B. Johnson has narrow roads that "are not conducive to two RVs passing one another."
Basic facilities at dispersed sites: Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping offers free camping but minimal amenities. "Been there once, going again sometime soon. Stayed in my SUV for 2 nights and didn't see or hear anyone around. Did hear dogs(or coyotes) in the background but nothing happened. It's up on a little hill which is nice."
Military activity sounds: Camp Shelby's training facility impacts nearby camping. "Camp Shelby is nearby, so you'll hear various noises from that (not overly distracting but I wish I would have known before arriving)."
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad access: For summer camping with children, Paul B. Johnson State Park offers water recreation options. "They have a splash pad for the kids and a disc golf course! Definitely recommend!" This feature provides relief during hot Mississippi summers.
Playground facilities: Little Black Creek Campground offers multiple family-friendly amenities. "The playground is small and sweet. The beach/swim area in the campground needs to be taken care of. The grass is starting to overgrow in that particular area which is a shame because the rest of the park is so very well taken care of."
Family-friendly activities: Forest County Multi-Purpose Events Center offers straightforward camping with nearby activities. "Great place to stop if you just need to get off the road. However, beautiful lake behind it with a wooden walking bridge that crosses the entire thing."
Tips from RVers
Honor system payment: Forest County Multi-Purpose Events Center operates with minimal staffing. "Payment is the honor system. $20 on the way out!" The concrete pads and full hookups make this a practical stopover for RVers traveling through the Petal area.
Site leveling challenges: Many of the best places to camp near Petal, Mississippi require attention to site selection. "The sites were soft/sandy and not level. My in-laws had their front tires of the RV off the ground after leveling" reports a camper at Shady Cove RV Park.
Hook-up configurations: At Paul B. Johnson State Park, connections can be spread out. "The connections were quite spread out with the water pretty far back from the other connections at this site (we needed two water hoses)." Campers should prepare with extra-length utility hoses.
