Best Campgrounds near Starkville, MS

Starkville, Mississippi and its surrounding areas provide a range of camping experiences within the northeastern Mississippi landscape. Starkville KOA offers year-round accommodations with full hookups for RVs, tent sites, and cabin options about 15 minutes from Mississippi State University. Indian Mound Campground provides a more low-key atmosphere with basic amenities, while the John W. Starr Memorial RV Park on the university campus caters primarily to visitors attending campus events. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can access several Corps of Engineers campgrounds along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, including Dewayne Hayes and Town Creek, which feature waterfront sites popular with anglers and boaters.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating year-round but experiencing peak visitation during football weekends and university events. Summer humidity and occasional severe storms necessitate weather awareness, particularly from March through October. Cell service varies significantly, with stronger coverage near Starkville proper and diminishing signal in outlying areas. As one camper noted about Indian Mound Campground, "It's a pretty low-key campground with more permanent homes. The spots are close together and not a lot of privacy, but we were just passing through for the night so it was fine for us!" Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during Mississippi State University home games when availability becomes extremely limited.

Lakefront camping represents a significant draw in the region, with several campgrounds offering direct water access. The Tombigbee Waterway provides opportunities for fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing, with campers frequently reporting sightings of herons, eagles, and various waterfowl. Facilities at most established campgrounds include electric hookups, water connections, and dump stations, though amenities vary in quality and maintenance. A visitor to Starkville KOA mentioned, "The customer service was absolutely outstanding! Unfortunately the lake has mostly dried up and no longer hits the shoreline of the campground. All stores, Walmart, restaurants etc. are about a 12 minute drive away if needed." Tent campers should note that some sites have limited shade and rocky tent pads, particularly at Choctaw Lake where one reviewer cautioned about "jagged rocks" on tent platforms.

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Best Camping Sites Near Starkville, Mississippi (39)

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Recent Reviews near Starkville, MS

109 Reviews of 39 Starkville Campgrounds


  • elisha P.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    R & R Vineyard

    Wonderful host

    Small quaint winery and art house , wonderful host so sweet, pleasant conversation did wine tasting, was quite enjoyable, quiet camping Spot off the beat and path, nice hook up for water and electric, so private and quiet , great property for walking dogs, price was very reasonable and the wine was nice, bought a bottle😊

  • Maddox H.
    Jun. 13, 2025

    Choctaw Lake

    Great spots by the water, although quite humid on hotter days, camp neighbors are welcoming and the camp host is a charm

    Stayed a night and the next day up until two o’clock, (you’re required to check out &pack up before 2pm on leave day) the stay was great, campsite occupants were nice and even gave me and my lady fire starters when we forgot fluid for our coals when we planned on grilling LOL.. we stayed on site 8, it was a nice spot by the back end lake and its quite nice during the day. Nighttime can be quite humid and bug ridden but if you’re equipped for it i’d say this spot is great for beginners or family trips. Fishing is quite slow/inactive unless you’re on a boat, rather over fished.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2025

    Mississippi Art & wine gallery

    R&R Vineyard

    Rich and Ruth are excellent hosts. Rich makes the wine while Ruth is your main host. Quiet little spot with power and water hookups available. As an added bonus on the 2nd and 4h Saturday of every month Ruth makes a home cooked meal for her guests and they bring in local live entertainment.

  • Rick G.
    Feb. 27, 2025

    Dewayne Hayes Campground

    Peaceful Stay

    Stayed 3 nights with friends. Nice spacing between sites and a nice dispersion of FHU sites with electric & water sites. Gave people the option of choosing either and allowed us to still group camp. Verizon signal not great, but good.

  • pierre L.
    Dec. 9, 2024

    Jeff Busby Campground

    great place/free

    we stayed here just one night. pletty of place for our rv. First come first serve. has water and bathrooms. Quiet at night and in morning

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2024

    Jeff Busby Campground, Milepost 193.1 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Great FREE and cozy camping

    This site is a very popular one night stay about mid-point on the Natchez Trace Parkway. The way the campground is constructed makes this a unique place to stay.

    The campsites are very close together causing lots of social interactions. That's the best and worst thing about the campground.

    The park service provides nice bathrooms, garbage cans throughput the campground, picnic tables and multiple pullouts.

    The park also has a paved road and hiking trail to a viewpoint. The road is less than a mile and the trail is over a mile and has some good elevation changes.

    We enjoyed the atmosphere of frequent conversations with other campers. Some kept to themselves...we just waived and smiled.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2024

    Dewayne Hayes Campground

    Peaceful

    Many sites decorated for Halloween. Even little trick or treaters. Many sites on the river. Cool to watch the working barges going by. And lots of armadillos.

  • Lindsey M.
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Town Creek Campground - West Point - MS

    Friendly Creek-Side Find

    RV spots are suitable for car camping, although a bit close together with bright street lights and showers are outdated. Still, the camp host treated me kindly, and I enjoyed the scenery and walkability!

  • Ashley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2024

    Jeff Busby Campground

    Small but decent

    There isn't a lot of space but the bathrooms were decent and they had water spigots and trashcans set up at intervals. It was clean and a pretty area.


Guide to Starkville

Camping near Starkville, Mississippi, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and kayaking: Many campgrounds, like Trace State Park Campground, are located near lakes, making them perfect for fishing and kayaking. One visitor mentioned, "The lake was beautiful. We used the restrooms and showers and had no problems."
  • Hiking: Trails are available at various campgrounds, including Davis Lake Campground. A reviewer noted, "There are hiking trails and plenty of places to fish off the bank."
  • Playgrounds and family activities: Campgrounds like North Abutment offer playgrounds for kids. One camper shared, "The campground offered a playground, a couple of fishing piers, and lots of room to play."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Tombigbee State Park Campground said, "Bathroom and showers are clean."
  • Friendly staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. One reviewer at Dewayne Hayes noted, "The campground hosts were all very friendly and helpful."
  • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Blue Bluff Campground remarked, "The best views are located on the water in the lots 80-85."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Some campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Trace State Park Campground mentioned, "Poor cell service with AT&T and if you have Starlink it won’t work due to all the trees."
  • Reservations recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Davis Lake Campground advised, "I suspect it fills up in season, so best to make reservations."
  • Amenities vary: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities like showers or markets. A reviewer at Pickensville Campground noted, "Facilities are aging but in good condition."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Look for spots like North Abutment that have playgrounds and family-friendly activities. One camper said, "The boys enjoyed swimming in the lake and riding their bikes around."
  • Pack games and outdoor activities: Bring along games or sports equipment to keep kids entertained. A family at Dewayne Hayes enjoyed, "Lots of small hiking trails. Nothing too fancy."
  • Plan for meals: Make sure to have easy meal options ready. A visitor at Lake Lowndes State Park Campground mentioned, "We tent camped on a camper spot."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Davis Lake Campground warned, "Some are pretty short and will not accommodate long rigs."
  • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like North Abutment offer full hookups for RVs. One camper said, "Recently they installed sewer for full hookup in all sites."
  • Be prepared for weather: Check the forecast before you go. A visitor at Lake Lowndes State Park Campground noted, "A barge flooded the area. Caused some shut downs."

Camping near Starkville, Mississippi, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds in Starkville, MS?

Starkville offers several camping options in the surrounding area. Indian Mound Campground is tucked away off a side road from the highway, providing a low-key camping experience close to town. For those who enjoy unique experiences, Mississippi Art & Wine Gallery offers camping spots for visitors interested in the finer things. Other nearby options include The Oaks RV Park and Belaire RV Park, both offering drive-in access with water hookups. While not directly in Starkville, several beautiful campgrounds are within a short drive, including options along the Natchez Trace Parkway and at nearby lakes.

Is there camping available near Mississippi State University?

Yes, there are camping options close to Mississippi State University. Reflect, Renew, Resolve is a gorgeous farm offering a marvelous camping experience where you can park right next to your tent spot. The hosts are known to provide visitors with farm-grown provisions. For those looking for more traditional camping, Mississippi State University itself offers a camping area with water hookups and toilet facilities. These locations provide convenient access to campus while enjoying the outdoor experience.

Are there RV parks near Starkville, MS?

Natchez Trace RV Park is located near Starkville, accessible via the Natchez Trace Parkway. It offers spacious sites where neighbors aren't too close, providing a quiet atmosphere for RV travelers. Just a short drive from Starkville, Davis Lake Campground accommodates RVs with 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups and good water pressure. Many sites are lakeside, offering spectacular views. Additional RV options include The Oaks RV Park and Belaire RV Park, both offering big-rig-friendly sites with necessary hookups for comfortable stays while visiting Starkville.