Campgrounds near Raymond, Mississippi offer diverse settings from lakeside spots to forest retreats. The region's elevation ranges from 250 to 350 feet above sea level, with most camping areas situated in wooded terrain that provides natural shade. Concrete pads are common at developed campsites near Raymond, Mississippi, especially at locations around the Ross Barnett Reservoir and along the Pearl River watershed.
What to Do
Wildlife watching: Alligator spotting can be a highlight at LeFleur's Bluff State Park Campground. A camper reported, "We got to see alligators and a beaver though while there. It's a very fun park in the middle of town. You would Never know it though!"
Paddling: Free water equipment at Wendy Oaks RV Resort provides access to an 8-acre lake. According to a visitor, "Free– 2 paddleboats, 3 kayaks, 4 SUP boards for campers to use(1st come, 1st serve basis)." The resort offers options for watercraft rental without needing to bring your own equipment.
Hiking: Historic ghost town exploration at Rocky Springs Campground includes ruins and an old church. A camper noted, "A small trail takes a tour of the remains of a ghost town. Camping spots are spread out and have decent tree cover. Saw deer in the campgrounds on my last visit."
Museum visits: Natural science learning within walking distance of camping areas. One camper at LeFleur's Bluff mentioned, "One way the trail leads to a dam with old structures and great fishing opportunities, the other fork leads you to the museum of natural science! My children loved that!!!"
What Campers Like
Lakeside camping spots provide tranquil water views and wildlife watching opportunities. At Askew's Landing RV Campground, a visitor shared, "We needed somewhere to stop across our cross country camping trip that I could do an online class. For $46 we had an isolated spot right on the lake (site 70) and great phone reception."
Urban-adjacent natural settings offer convenience without sacrificing outdoor experiences. A camper at LeFleur's Bluff noted, "This campground is right off of the interstate but feels like you are in the country." Another mentioned it's "smack dab in the middle of Jackson, MS. It is snuggled in the woods along a river."
Clean, well-maintained facilities are frequently mentioned in positive reviews. At Timberlake Campground, a visitor appreciated the "very modern bathhouse" and noted the campground was "Quiet, scenic and the few neighbors I had for the holiday weekend were friendly."
Family-oriented amenities make camping trips more comfortable with children. A Wendy Oaks visitor commented, "Our kids and babies loved feeding the ducks and walking around the lake. It was really clean and beautiful. Staff was super helpful and friendly."
What You Should Know
Security measures vary between campgrounds in the region. At Mississippi Petrified Forest, you may need to "check your email for your gate access code" as one camper noted that "the gentleman ahead of us did not and it took awhile to get in after a long day of driving."
Seasonal insect activity increases during warmer months. A camper at LeFleur's Bluff warned, "There are gnats...and more gnats...and more gnats so be prepared for that."
Campground layouts can be confusing for first-time visitors. At Springridge Mobile Estates & RV Park, a camper noted it was "Pretty difficult to navigate at night since the layout is atypical. RVs are mixed with mobile homes and you just pick a spot if you are late arrival."
Bathroom facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Mississippi Petrified Forest reported, "The big detractors: the ONE shower is almost unusable due to moisture damage and possible mold (maybe just mildew). It was too chancy for us to use."
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly attractions: Museum combinations make LeFleur's Bluff especially valuable for families. A camper shared, "Upon checkout we had a nice conversation with the ranger. We can't wait to go back!"
Wildlife education opportunities: Let children observe from safe distances. One parent at Calling Panther Lake enjoyed "my morning coffee and watched a 7ft gator swimming and paying us no mind. Most amazing thing I've seen. I'm a city dweller that loves nature so this was a first for me with the gator sighting in the wild."
Site selection for families: Choose locations with amenities appropriate for children. A visitor to Wendy Oaks mentioned, "My only wish was that there was a playground for our kids but they said they have one ordered for this year."
Weather preparation: Mississippi's high humidity affects camping comfort, especially with children. Pack extra clothing changes and waterproof gear for unexpected rain. At Rocky Springs Campground, a visitor noted, "Took my two sons on our first camping trip here. There are quite a few hiking trails and none are too difficult even for my 4 y.o."
Tips from RVers
Site surface considerations: Concrete pad quality varies significantly. At Swinging Bridge RV Resort, level concrete pads support larger rigs, while at Timberlake Campground, some visitors reported "concrete pads were badly broken & uneven."
Electrical service quality differs between campgrounds. At Calling Panther Lake, an RVer appreciated "level concrete pads with fire pit and table, 50/30/15 electric, water and sewer."
Campground access limitations: Some areas have challenging approaches. An RVer at Wendy Oaks recommended, "When we called, the host answered right away and we booked the last spot they had for the night. Melanie was very helpful with detailed directions on how to find the campground."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies by location and provider. At Calling Panther Lake, a camper reported "Quiet, No WiFi, T-mobile worked in some locations. We had 35 OTA channels, not that we watched TV but it was available."
