Cabin camping near Sardis, Mississippi offers visitors access to Sardis Lake with 98,000 acres of water surface at full pool and elevation of 285 feet above sea level. Situated in the northern part of the state, the lake shoreline stretches over 235 miles with multiple access points for boat launches. Winter temperatures average between 30-50°F while summer months typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Sardis Lake supports various game fish including crappie, bass, and catfish. At John W Kyle State Park, visitors can fish directly from the shorelines. According to one camper, "Fishing is pretty good most days" with convenient access points throughout the park.
Disc golf courses: Several parks offer dedicated disc golf courses for casual players and enthusiasts. The course at Wall Doxey State Park Campground winds through pine forest areas. As one visitor noted, "The highlight for us is the disc golf course that winds through the pine forest," making it suitable for multiple skill levels.
Boat rentals: Visitors without personal watercraft can rent boats at several locations. Pontoon boats, fishing boats, and kayaks are commonly available during peak season (April-September). A visitor mentioned that "the park is nice and peaceful, with plenty of fishing and boating opportunities," though rentals require advance booking during summer months.
Mini golf: Family-friendly putting courses provide entertainment for younger visitors. George P. Cossar State Park offers an older but functional mini-golf course at reasonable rates. A camper commented, "The miniature golf course is old, but kids will still like it," with affordable per-person rates of $4 plus tax.
What campers like
Lake views: Waterfront sites offer direct views of Sardis Lake and sunrise/sunset viewing opportunities. At Eagle Point Primitive Campground, campsites sit on a peninsula with water visibility from multiple angles. One camper described it as "located in a beautiful spot on a peninsula with great views of Grenada lake at both sunrise and sunset."
Clean facilities: Despite age, most park bathrooms remain well-maintained with regular cleaning schedules. A visitor to Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area wrote, "Everything is clean and beautiful. The bathhouse was heated with hot showers and clean toilet stalls," highlighting the consistent upkeep of facilities.
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer natural buffers between camping spots. Wall Doxey campsites feature enough spacing for comfort without feeling isolated. A camper mentioned, "The sites are far enough apart to not feel on top of your neighbor," which creates a more private camping experience.
Halloween events: Seasonal celebrations attract families with decorated campsites and organized activities. Wall Doxey State Park hosts notable Halloween gatherings with campsite decorating contests. A visitor recounted, "Every camp site had wonderful decorations and the kids had such a blast. It was awesome."
What you should know
Maintenance varies significantly: State park upkeep differs considerably between locations and seasons. George P. Cossar State Park Campground shows this disparity between its two camping loops. A visitor observed, "We did drive through the other loop (it was empty and closed at the time, the ranger let us look at it) and it appears to be much older than Yocona Ridge. There were trees/limbs down everywhere."
Water hookup distances: RV sites often require extended water hoses to reach connections at some campgrounds. At John Kyle State Park, campers need substantial lengths of hose. As one RVer noted, "The water spigot was in several inches of water... The water hook ups are at least 100 foot away from most camp sites, so bring lots of extra hose."
Seasonal closures: Certain park sections close temporarily during off-peak months or for repairs. Some facilities like swimming areas and water attractions typically close between October-March. A visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park wrote, "We were staying off-season so there were no activities and they actually deflated the jumping pad."
Security considerations: Park ranger presence varies by location and season. At Eagle Point, limited supervision might allow unauthorized visitors. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Best playground options: Several parks offer play structures with varying quality and age appropriateness. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Memphis stands out with multiple playground areas throughout the property. A family noted, "There were several playgrounds my son enjoyed & we had a blast doing the scavenger hunt."
Tick prevention: Pine forest areas require additional precautions during warmer months. Wall Doxey's wooded sites present specific challenges as one camper warned, "If you are camping here anytime during the warmer months, be ready to pick ticks off of everyone!" Bring appropriate repellent and conduct regular checks.
Seasonal activities calendar: Many parks offer scheduled events only during specific timeframes. Activities like swimming, water slides, and organized recreation typically run May through September. A visitor observed, "We were too early in the season for the blow-up slides but we definitely plan on coming back to enjoy those."
Indoor pool alternatives: When weather prevents outdoor water activities, indoor options exist at certain locations. Hollywood Casino RV Park - Tunica offers indoor swimming facilities through its hotel. A camper mentioned, "You get access to the indoor pool in the hotel," though noted it was "nice but not heated."
Tips from RVers
Site reservation strategy: For larger rigs, specific sites prove more accessible than others. Wall Doxey State Park accommodates big rigs but requires careful site selection. A visitor advised, "Concrete pads for your camper rig but watch your step. Lots of erosion around the edges."
Proximity to Memphis attractions: Several campgrounds provide reasonable access to Memphis tourism without urban camping drawbacks. Graceland RV Park offers direct access to Elvis-related attractions while Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park provides a nearby alternative. As one camper noted, "I'm not sure whether this campground is a good base for exploring Memphis - I think if you had a car it would probably be fine as it's only 20 minutes or so."
Utility considerations: Water and electrical connections require preparation at certain parks. At John W. Kyle State Park, campers should bring extra equipment. One RVer shared, "We did have to buy an extra hose to reach water hookup but other than that, it was good. The rinse hose at the dump station was busted but thankfully we had an extra in our bin to rinse out our tanks."
Wi-Fi limitations: Internet access policies vary between parks with usage restrictions at some locations. A visitor to Jellystone Park warned, "WiFi is limited to 3 devices (one pass code per device)," which affects families with multiple devices.
