Camping sites near Purvis, Mississippi cluster around lakes and waterways, creating opportunities for water recreation and shady retreats. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 200-300 feet above sea level in the gently rolling pine forests. The region's clay-based soils can create muddy conditions after rain, especially during the wet winter months when temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Little Black Creek Campground offers two championship-level courses that host the Big Rip Classic Tournament each October. "The park boasts 2 championship level Disc Golf courses and hosts Big Rip Classic Disc golf Tournament each October," notes Dale M.
Fishing opportunities: At Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground, anglers can access Lake Geiger directly from lakeside sites. "We had an asphalt pad with full hookups overlooking Lake Geiger for our Sprinter Camper van," shares Larry L. Many sites include wooden decks or stairs leading to water access points.
Paddling excursions: Several campgrounds near Purvis offer canoe, kayak, and jon boat rentals for exploring local waterways. "Great spot for a float trip or canoe trip. Stop and fish during your trip. I have canoed this creek many times and it feels different even time," explains Kelly T. about Little Black Creek.
Nature trails: Most campgrounds maintain hiking paths through pine forests. "We did a small amount of hiking on a very nice, easy trail. We were only sorry we didn't have time to paddle in the lake and explore more of the park," shares Nancy W. The trails range from short nature walks to longer woodland routes.
What campers like
Water recreation: Swimming areas and lake access represent major draws for campers near Purvis. At Little Black Creek Campground & Park, "The lake is gorgeous, and swimming is allowed! They have kayaks, canoes, jon boats for rent, and even a bait shop onsite," reports a visitor.
Campsite spacing: Most established campgrounds provide adequate site separation, especially in wooded areas. "Plenty of space between sites, lots of trees and water views! We were in site 4, which was quite level and easy to back in to," reports Cat R. about Little Black Creek.
Wildlife viewing: The forested settings support diverse animal spotting opportunities. "We enjoyed watching geese and ducks on Geiger Lake in the morning. There's also a nature trail that we didn't get to check out," mentions Layla D. Other campers report seeing squirrels, deer, and numerous bird species.
Seasonal events: Holiday weekends feature special activities at many campgrounds. "We stayed the weekend before Halloween and it was a very busy weekend in the campground. Some sites were extravagantly decorated and trick or treating following a golf cart parade was fun," shares Tiffany M.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Mobile reception varies widely across campgrounds near Purvis. A visitor at Flint Creek Waterpark noted good AT&T service, while another reported, "There's no Wi-Fi, but T-Mobile worked just enough for us to use a hotspot to stream TV at night."
Site leveling challenges: Many camping spots require leveling equipment. "The only issue I had with the spots were they were all uneven," explains Johnnie S. about Flint Creek. Some campgrounds have newer sections with more level concrete pads, while older sections typically have asphalt sites.
Military installation proximity: Some camping areas sit near Camp Shelby military base. "Camp Shelby is nearby, so you'll hear various noises from that (not overly distracting but I wish I would have known before arriving)," mentions Layla D.
Bathhouse conditions: Bathroom facilities vary in quality and maintenance across campgrounds. Some campers note older facilities: "The bathhouses were older but very clean and air-conditioned," while others reported "The restrooms and showers need maintenance."
Tips for camping with families
Splash pads and swimming: Paul B. Johnson State Park offers dedicated swimming areas for kids. "They have a splash pad for the kids and a disc golf course! Definitely recommend!" notes Michelle F. These water features provide safe alternatives to lake swimming.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds maintain play equipment for children. "The playground is small and sweet," notes a camper at Little Black Creek. Bring anti-bacterial wipes as equipment may not be regularly sanitized.
Nature programs: Lake Walker Military - Camp Shelby and other campgrounds sometimes offer ranger-led activities. "My husband and I are 4H Outdoor Skills Instructors. We took our class on their first hike here. The kids as well as the adults had a good time," shares Shannon L.
Safety considerations: Forested areas require standard precautions. "We stayed during Halloween and it was pretty crowded. We prefer more secluded camping sites, and this campground provides plenty of space despite being so packed," notes Hannah L., who also mentioned encountering wildlife: "We did encounter coyote, deer, and lots of talkative geese, so be prepared for some wildlife interaction."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: At several campgrounds, utility connections may require extra equipment. "The connections were quite spread out with the water pretty far back from the other connections at this site (we needed two water hoses)," cautions Layla D. about Paul B. Johnson State Park.
Road width issues: Interior campground roads may present challenges for larger rigs. "The roads in the campground are narrow, two-lane roads but are not conducive to two RVs passing one another. We had to get off of the road for others to pass," notes an RVer.
Overnight transit options: Forest County Multi-Purpose Events Center provides convenient overnight stops with concrete pads and full hookups. "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," explains Benjamin S.
Water access considerations: Many waterfront sites include wooden decks or stairs to the water, sometimes limiting yard space. "Many sites have decks, but that really sacrifices 'yard space' if that's an important factor for you," notes a reviewer.
