Tent camping near Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Mississippi offers a rustic outdoor experience within Holly Springs National Forest and surrounding Corps of Engineers areas. The region sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with mild winters and humid summers reaching 90°F. Summer camping often requires extra water supplies and insect protection due to the high humidity levels typical of central Mississippi.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing options: Puskus Lake provides accessible shoreline fishing with multiple docks. The lake allows motorized boats, though there's been some concern about water quality. One camper noted, "The docks nice, wide with bench seating. The lake has motor oil/fuel running on the surface."
Swimming alternatives: Since swimming isn't permitted in Puskus Lake, consider Eagle Point Primitive Campground which has "a good beach in the summer" according to a reviewer. This campground sits on a peninsula with water views and beach access within walking distance of campsites.
Hiking opportunities: Several short trails surround Puskus Lake, though trail maintenance can be inconsistent. A camper reported, "There are 2 trails you can walk on around the campsite but they only equal about 5 miles and are not maintained very well in some areas although they are flat and easy to explore."
What campers like
Solitude during weekdays: Puskus Lake campground offers uncrowded camping experiences, especially midweek. "I camped here just one night in May 2021 on a Saturday, I got there at about 3pm and was the first there but by nightfall every site was full," noted one camper, suggesting weekday visits provide more tranquility.
Budget-friendly camping: Most tent sites in the area require minimal fees. At Graham Lake, "No hookups. Nothing. But, it is a free campground so what can you say. It's rather nice there." Puskus Lake charges $7 for standard sites or $3.50 for those with interagency passes.
Water views: Many campsites offer direct lake access or visibility. Beach Point at Sardis Lake positions tent sites near the water with a reviewer mentioning, "All sites have a table, trash can and grill. We went in the off season so it was free!" At Eagle Point, campers enjoy "great views of Grenada lake at both sunrise and sunset."
What you should know
Bathroom conditions: Facilities at most campgrounds are basic. At Elmers Hill, "Bathrooms are currently closed, but we're nice when we stayed there, but old." Bring your own toilet paper to most locations as supplies aren't guaranteed.
Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds close unpredictably. A reviewer noted about Elmers Hill: "We have camped here once, but most of the time it is closed. I am not sure why."
Water source reliability: Water access can be intermittent. At Puskus Lake, visitors reported "The water spout did not work on my visit," requiring campers to bring all needed drinking water.
Tips for camping with families
Security considerations: Plan for occasional unexpected visitors at campsites. At Eagle Point Primitive Campground, one camper reported "Multiple cars came thru the campsite at night, shining their headlights every which way. Even though it says don't enter past a certain point unless you are camping, this is clearly a spot for locals to do what they cannot do at home."
Insect preparation: Biting flies can be problematic in summer months. Bring effective insect repellent and consider mesh shelters for eating areas.
Day-use facilities: Some campgrounds offer additional recreational areas. Puskus Lake includes a day use section separate from camping areas with additional docks for fishing.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most tent campgrounds around Sam Rayburn have restricted access for larger rigs. At Hays Crossing, "The websites states you can bring a small camper here, but in wouldn't try it. The roads in are horrible."
Alternative parking: Consider park-and-camp options at certain sites. For Beach Point, "Cars stay in the parking lot, and you walk up to your site," which works well for small vehicle-based camping but not traditional RVs.
Self-sufficient setup: RVers need to bring all supplies. One Eagle Point camper advised, "Do not try to come at night. It is pitch black and steep drop offs. I fit pretty good in my 24' motorhome but would be leery of something too much bigger."
