Camping opportunities near Pontotoc, Mississippi exist within the rolling hills of northeast Mississippi at elevations between 300-500 feet. The region receives approximately 55 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forest canopies and healthy lake ecosystems. Most campsites in the area remain open year-round with spring and fall offering milder temperatures compared to the humid summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 90°F.
What to do
Disc golf and hiking: Tombigbee State Park Campground offers multiple recreational activities beyond just camping. "There is a video included in the post which includes the entire campground area. I hope you find it helpful... Disc golf course is very fun. It is has an interesting layout in the woods so it is much like a hike," notes one visitor who appreciated the course design that incorporates the natural terrain.
Fishing from dedicated piers: Whitten Park Campground provides excellent fishing access through multiple dedicated structures. "Our 3/3/21-3/6/21 stay at Site 60 provides easy access to a fishing pier, walking paths and enjoyable sunsets," states one camper. The campground offers several fishing piers throughout the property along with water views from many sites.
Paddling and kayaking: The waterways near Pontotoc provide calm waters for paddling enthusiasts. "We enjoy several afternoon paddles on this stretch of river," mentions a Whitten Park visitor. Many of the lakes and waterways maintain consistent water levels suitable for paddling most of the year, with minimal motorboat traffic on weekdays.
What campers like
Lakeside camping spots: Davis Lake Campground receives consistent praise for its waterfront sites that allow direct lake access. "Loved that almost all spot were right at the water edge. Literally. All types of birds to watch. Squirrels too," reports a visitor who enjoyed the wildlife viewing opportunities from their campsite.
Clean facilities and reasonable rates: Howard Stafford Park offers well-maintained amenities at budget-friendly prices. "Small campground attached to a public use park. Gated after dark with older but usable bathrooms and showers... Can't beat the price at $22/night," notes one camper who appreciated the value. Most campgrounds in the area maintain similar affordable rates between $20-30 per night.
Privacy between sites: Trace State Park Campground offers campsites with reasonable separation from neighbors. "Clean, relatively quiet even when full, lots of sites with direct, clean access to lakefront," reports one camper. Sites typically provide sufficient space between neighbors, especially those along the outer loops or premium waterfront locations.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Multiple campgrounds in the region report deteriorating access roads. "Trace state park is very nice and relaxing. From fishing, kayaking to camping. The roads in the park are terrible! That's the one downside to the park," notes one camper. Similar concerns appear across several facilities, particularly after heavy rainfall.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the region with some locations experiencing signal challenges. "Cons: not much level space between camper pads, access roads need replacing, sketchy cell service," mentions a camper at Trace State Park. Verizon typically performs best across the region, while other carriers may have dead zones at certain campgrounds.
Early check-in options: Tombigbee State Park Campground allows campers to arrive before official check-in times. "The camp hosts didn't seem to mind the early arrivals and even opened up the office around noon for a few minutes to accommodate check-ins," reports one visitor. This flexibility appears common at several area campgrounds, allowing travelers to set up camp earlier in the day.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad access: Howard Stafford Park offers water play options for children during hot months. "Has a splash pad, a basketball court, and several piers on the lake for fishing. You can hear cows in the distance from across the lake," shares one visitor. The splash pad typically operates from late May through early September, weather permitting.
Elvis birthplace proximity: Moon Lake Farm provides a convenient base for exploring regional attractions. "This is a very peaceful stop with 30 amp power and water available. Well kept and very nice host," notes a camper. The Elvis Birthplace Museum in Tupelo sits approximately 30 minutes away, making for an easy day trip from most Pontotoc area campgrounds.
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Across the street was a nice big field, playground and baseball diamond. The trails and disc golf was in the same area," describes a Tombigbee visitor. Most playgrounds lack shade structures, so morning or evening use is recommended during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Pad length limitations: Many campgrounds in the region have shorter concrete pads than advertised. "The site was spacious, providing ample room for our 40' fifth wheel and F-450 truck," notes a camper at Serenity RV Park, one of the newer facilities with properly sized pads. Other campgrounds may require careful positioning to keep wheels on hard surfaces.
Electric pedestal positioning: Several campgrounds feature unusual electric hookup placements. "Water and electric hookups are centrally located on the pad, though the electric connection sits low to the ground, requiring us to bend the surge protector to plug in," reports a Serenity RV Park visitor. Extension cords may prove helpful at certain sites where hookups sit far from standard connection points.
Water pressure considerations: Water systems at area campgrounds typically maintain consistent pressure. "Water pressure was adequate at around 40 psi," notes a Serenity RV Park camper. Most area campgrounds maintain similar water pressure levels, though pressure regulators remain recommended as seasonal fluctuations can occur.
