Davis Lake Campground sits approximately 4 miles west of the Natchez Trace Parkway in northeastern Mississippi, offering water-edge camping with sites positioned along the 200-acre lake. The campground provides both reservable and first-come sites with electric hookups and water access points. Most lakeside sites are situated 20 feet from the shoreline, creating practical access for fishing and wildlife observation opportunities.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: At Tishomingo State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple trail systems with distinctive geological formations. "The swinging bridge and trail is very cool! The river is fantastic," notes one camper who rated the park highly. The trails range from easy walking paths to more challenging routes through the unique rock formations.
Fishing opportunities: Many glamping sites near Tupelo provide direct access to fishing. "The lake is known to anglers, and wildlife and birds are a given," reports a visitor at Davis Lake. Bass fishing is popular, with multiple docks available for both boat and shore fishing throughout the recreation areas.
Disc golf courses: Tishomingo State Park features multiple disc golf courses accessible to glamping guests. "Great for families with many hiking trails and 3 disc golf courses," mentions one reviewer who visited during cooler weather. The courses wind through wooded areas and provide varying levels of difficulty.
What campers like
Lake views: Davis Lake Campground receives consistent praise for its waterfront positioning. "Loved that almost all spots were right at the water edge. Literally. All types of birds to watch. Squirrels too," explains one visitor who appreciated the direct water access. Most sites offer unobstructed views of the lake.
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around glamping accommodations near Tupelo support diverse wildlife. "Wildlife and birds are a given... we had a Great Blue Heron during our entire stay," notes a Davis Lake camper. Armadillos, various bird species, and small mammals are frequently spotted around campsites.
Night sky visibility: The rural setting of most glamping options provides reduced light pollution. Located in the Tombigbee National Forest, these areas offer "no light pollution making the night sky a spectacular sight to see," according to one reviewer who visited in late September when fewer sites were occupied.
What you should know
Site variations: Piney Grove provides diverse site options with variable spacing. "Many sites are paired and close together," reports a visitor who stayed in March. Sites at most glamping locations are numbered, and researching specific site dimensions before booking is advisable.
Weather considerations: Summer humidity levels increase significantly at glamping sites near Tupelo. Temperatures regularly exceed 90°F during June through August, with high humidity making outdoor activities more challenging. Winter and early spring offer milder temperatures, typically in the 50-65°F range.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the region. "We got two bars on Verizon," reports a reviewer at Cross City RV Park. Other campers note that forested areas and valleys often have reduced or no service, particularly at Tishomingo where "cellphone coverage is not good for Verizon or AT&T."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Town Creek Campground provides water recreation areas suitable for children. "We paddle in the area by the campground. Almost all motor boaters are very thoughtful in reducing their wake," mentions a camper who appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere. Several sites also offer dedicated swimming beaches with designated areas.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites including CCC structures provide learning experiences near glamping accommodations. Air Force training flights from nearby Columbus Air Force Base can be observed from certain campgrounds, with one visitor noting, "During the week, we enjoy watching pilots from the Columbus Air Force Base honing their skills."
Playground accessibility: Several camping areas feature maintained playgrounds. Chewalla Lake Recreation Area includes "a paved trail that passes by a picnic pavilion and playground," according to a visitor who explored the facilities. These play areas typically include basic equipment suitable for younger children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Chewalla Lake Recreation Area requires careful site selection for larger rigs. "One of the loops is on a little hill and has better privacy but I don't recommend it for RVs due to the hill," advises an experienced RVer. Many glamping sites near Tupelo feature sloped terrain requiring leveling blocks.
Access considerations: Entrance roads to some glamping areas require navigation skill. "Roads inside the campground were atrocious, required dodging tree limbs and holes," reports one RV owner who visited Chewalla Lake. Recent improvements to specific campgrounds have addressed some of these concerns, with newly paved sites at select locations.
Hookup placement: Utility connections at DeWayne Hayes Campground are positioned variably across sites. "We had no problems with utilities that were towards the back of the pad as we could back in a good distance," notes a visitor who stayed in a back-in site. Full-hookup sites with 50-amp service are available at select locations, though not all glamping options offer complete utilities.
