Equestrian camping opportunities near Raymond, Mississippi provide horseback riders access to rural backcountry trails through pine forests and hardwood bottoms. The region receives approximately 55 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation and seasonal wetland areas horseback riders should prepare for. Heavy clay soils in some areas can create challenging trail conditions after rain events.
What to do
Trail riding at Delta National Forest: The forest offers primitive camping with designated horseback riding routes through unique bayou landscapes. "If you love primitive campsites you will love this and you will love this National Forest. We are very partial to primitive sites that are amazing. You will find some beautiful cypress trees and bayou's scattered throughout the forest," notes a reviewer at Delta National Forest Site 45/45A.
Water activities: When not trail riding, campers can enjoy lake recreation at select campgrounds. "We stopped quick passing through and it was nice and quiet. Seemed like they had a lot of water activities for summer time. We will definitely be back in the summer for a visit," reports a visitor to Yogi on the Lake.
Indoor recreation for rainy days: Several campgrounds offer indoor facilities when weather prohibits trail riding. "Activity center was awesome especially for rainy days. Very good monthly rate. Kiddos were obsessed with jumping pillow," mentions a camper at Yogi on the Lake.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Equestrian campers appreciate well-maintained campgrounds between trail rides. "One of the best Campgrounds we have stayed at in our 3 years of traveling. The staff works long hours to keep this park sparkling clean during this pandemic and they all do it with a cheerful attitude," reports a visitor to Yogi on the Lake.
Multiple site options: Little Sunflower River offers both boat-in and drive-in access, providing flexibility for horse campers. "Only two camp sites that I can make out and only one with a camp site number (80 B)," notes a reviewer, indicating limited but available space for equestrian setups.
Seasonal operations: Horse campgrounds in the region typically operate during specific seasons. Bienville National Forest Shockaloe Base Camp 1 operates from April to October, aligning with optimal trail riding conditions and avoiding the coldest winter months.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most horse camping locations near Raymond require advance planning. "Reservations only 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov," explains a camper about Bienville National Forest Shockaloe Base Camp 1, highlighting the importance of securing spots before arrival.
Site limitations: Horse campgrounds in the area often have uneven terrain. "Our site was a very tight pull thru site. We definitely wouldn't of been able to pull out if the park was full. The site was very sloped so getting in the camper was difficult because the steps were so high off the ground," cautions a reviewer at Yogi on the Lake.
Wildlife considerations: Bear and other wildlife presence requires proper food storage for both human and equine supplies. "Food storage needs to be taken serious because of bear and wildlife in the forest," warns a visitor to Delta National Forest Site 45/45A.
Tips for camping with families
Water activity options: Families with children can enjoy water features at select campgrounds when not trail riding. "Fun campground for the kiddos. Loved all of the activities and amenities available. Water park was ice cold so we didn't get to use it," notes a family at Yogi on the Lake.
Weather preparedness: Mississippi's climate requires planning for both heat and sudden rain. "If it has rained you need to be aware that the site could be muddy," advises a camper at Delta National Forest Site 45/45A.
Facility maintenance considerations: Little Sunflower River campground users report variable maintenance levels. "Don't think anyone has cleaned the pit toilet or the bear proof garbage cans for awhile... lots of flies," indicates a recent visitor, suggesting families bring additional sanitation supplies.
Tips from RVers
Levelness challenges: RV campers with horse trailers report difficulty at some sites. "The rv gravel pads were extremely un-level, even after waiting 2 hours, watching them add 7 tractor buckets of gravel the pad was still un-level," cautions an RVer at Yogi on the Lake.
Security considerations: RVers should secure valuable equipment when staying at horse campgrounds near Raymond. "We didn't remove our sway bars from our truck because it was raining and the first night they were stolen off our truck," warns a camper, suggesting securing all horse tack and camping gear.
Seasonal pricing variations: RV campers report additional fees during high season. "When we booked our trip we were told there was a water fee, which wasn't charged until after Memorial Day," notes a visitor to Yogi on the Lake, indicating the importance of confirming all costs when making reservations.
