Tent campsites near Raymond, Mississippi range from established sites with limited amenities to primitive camping areas in nearby national forests. Located in central Mississippi with an elevation of around 320 feet, the area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing conditions. Camping opportunities extend beyond those mentioned at Rocky Springs, with several other options within a 30-mile radius of Raymond.
What to do
Historic exploration: At Rocky Springs Campground, visitors can explore the remnants of a once-thriving town. "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," notes Zack K.
Creek wading: Rocky Springs offers water access behind the campground. "We love the trails, walking in the creek, and exploring the old town site of Rocky Springs, especially the cemetery," shares Michael L. The creek provides a cooling opportunity during hot summer months.
Cemetery visits: For those interested in local history, the historic cemetery at Rocky Springs contains graves dating back to the 1800s. "Being a Nevada Barr fan I was delighted to see the cemetery she mentioned in one of her books 'Deep South'," reports Cheri H.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Shockaloe Base Camp I in Bienville National Forest provides exceptional privacy. "We had a wonderful time here with absolutely no one else. Nestled in the Bienville National Forrest with lots of other options to camp. The national Forrest some time offers the privacy and seclusion one wants," explains Daniel S.
Wildlife viewing: Tent campers frequently report animal sightings around camping areas near Raymond. "Saw deer in the campgrounds on my last visit," mentions Gregory H. about Rocky Springs. Blue Lake campers have reported alligator sightings in the lake.
Family-friendly terrain: The relatively flat and accessible terrain at many Raymond-area campgrounds makes them suitable for family camping trips. "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.," shares Ben M.
What you should know
Water issues: Water quality and availability vary significantly between campgrounds. "It's a beautiful area and nice little piece of history to see. I'm assuming due to covid though there isn't running water in the restrooms and showers aren't accessible either," reported Mic F. about Rocky Springs in 2022.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is virtually nonexistent at most camping areas. "1 bar Verizon, not enough to load any GPS or internet but you can squeeze a message out," notes Twan M.
Reservation requirements: While Rocky Springs operates on a first-come basis, other areas require advanced booking. Blue Lake has specific reservation needs: "There is no pay station, and the forest office in Rolling Fork is closed; so, you have to make a reservation online at recreation.gov to pay. Online reservation fee is $8," explains Fred S.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Rocky Springs provides an excellent introduction to camping for families with young children. "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.
Educational opportunities: The historic sites near camping areas offer learning experiences for children. "There is also an old open church there that you can walk in," notes Emily Grace M., providing an opportunity to discuss local history with children.
Holiday planning: Black River Campsite offers an alternative when other sites fill up. At Rocky Springs, "get there early on holiday weekends," advises Ruth E., as the free, first-come-first-served policy means popular weekends fill quickly.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most tent campsites near Raymond have restrictions for larger vehicles. Rocky Springs can accommodate moderate-sized RVs but isn't suitable for all big rigs. "There are probably 20-25 sites, most if not all are large enough for RVs or pull-behind rigs," reports Twan M.
Waste management: RVers should arrive with empty holding tanks and full freshwater. "There is no water available other than the sinks and flush toilets in the bathrooms. No shower facilities. Not an issue for me as I travel in a small motorhome. And don't show up with a full tank of grey and black water because there isn't a dump station," cautions Cheri H.
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds near Raymond lack standard RV amenities. "This is a great campground right off the Natchez Trace. This is a rustic campground," explains Cheri H. RVers should prepare for boondocking rather than serviced camping.
