Camping spots near Port Gibson, Mississippi offer primitive camping options on the Natchez Trace Parkway as well as full-service RV sites in surrounding areas. The region sits at approximately 200 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate that brings hot summers and mild winters. Weather conditions can affect trail accessibility, particularly after rain when some campground areas become muddy and require careful site selection.
What to do
Historic exploration: Rocky Springs Campground offers access to abandoned town ruins. "We love the trails, walking in the creek, and exploring the old town site of Rocky Springs, especially the cemetery," notes Michael L. at Rocky Springs Campground. Another camper mentions, "The main trail, where the town used to be was awesome. There are several old structures left behind and info plaques that tells the story on all of it."
Water activities: Fish for trophy catches. Lake Bruin State Park, located about 45 minutes west of Port Gibson, provides excellent fishing opportunities. "Fishing can be excellent. Sites 3,4,5 are oriented where you see the water when you open your door," explains Jason R. at Lake Bruin State Park. The park also offers swimming in a designated area with "a small swimming area that is roped off."
Battlefield tours: Visit Civil War sites. The Vicksburg Military Park is accessible from nearby campgrounds. "Good jumping off spot for Natchez Trace and Vicksburg Battlefield," notes a camper staying at Grand Gulf Military Park. The park itself contains significant historical structures to explore within walking distance of campsites.
What campers like
Affordability: Free camping on the Natchez Trace. Rocky Springs at Milepost 54 offers no-cost camping options. "This campground is the perfect overnight spot; there are some hiking trails & historic sites to visit but, otherwise, it's just a good spot to pull off the parkway and recharge," explains Twan M. at Natchez Trace Parkway - Rocky Springs. Most sites have "off ground fire pits, BBQ grills and picnic tables."
Spacious sites: Room for multiple tents. Many camping areas near Port Gibson provide generous spacing between sites. "Great sites with plenty of room between them. You can easily set two or three tents without having to worry about disturbing other campers," shares Garrett H. about his experience at Rocky Springs Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Deer and natural surroundings. The wooded settings provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Saw deer in the campgrounds on my last visit," reports Gregory H., noting that camping spots are "spread out and have decent tree cover."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Plan accordingly. Most primitive camping areas have minimal connectivity. "1 bar Verizon, not enough to load any GPS or internet but you can squeeze a message out," advises a camper at Rocky Springs. Another mentions having to travel to larger towns for services: "A tiny grocery store in Port Gibson; otherwise it's a trip to Vicksburg for the closest Walmart."
Water availability varies: Check before arrival. Some campgrounds have intermittent water access. "No water currently... there isn't running water in the restrooms and showers aren't accessible either," reports Mic F. about a recent stay. At Natchez State Park, a visitor recommends: "Have your fresh water tank full when you arrive. There is no water available other than the sinks and flush toilets in the bathrooms."
Bathroom conditions: Limited facilities. Many campgrounds have basic restrooms with varying maintenance. "The bathroom(s) aren't great, but they work!" notes one camper. Another mentions, "It had bathrooms but no bathhouse," indicating shower facilities are not available at all locations.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly trails: Accessible for young children. Several hiking paths near Port Gibson accommodate families with small children. "There are quite a few hiking trails and none are too difficult even for my 4 y.o.," shares Ben M. about Rocky Springs Campground.
Educational opportunities: Historical learning. The abandoned town sites provide learning experiences for children. "Me and my family came here with our tent and had a blast. We explored the old church and what's left of the city. There is a lot to do for such a small campground," explains Zack K.
Swimming options: Cool off in designated areas. Lake Bruin State Park offers family-friendly water activities. "The splash pad is a huge hit!" notes Kimberly V. at Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, while another camper mentions that "kids had a blast walking to the reservoir and hiking some trails."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Position accordingly. Some campgrounds have utilities placed at inconvenient locations. "Sites are pull through but hookups are at extreme end of site. You must unhook tow vehicle to access hookups," advises Art S. at Rivertown Rose Campground.
Leveling challenges: Select sites carefully. Not all RV pads are perfectly level. "Be careful selecting your site, some are uneven and the pad sets above ground level," warns Rod A. about Natchez State Park. For smoother surfaces, "the concrete side is very clean" at some RV parks according to Russell at Magnolia RV Park Resort.
Road access considerations: Watch for steep approaches. Some campgrounds have challenging entrance roads. "There is a short steep grade getting down to the campground," notes Carolyn V. about Ameristar RV Resort Park. Always check road conditions before arriving with larger rigs.
