Best Campgrounds near Raleigh, MS

Camping in Raleigh, Mississippi centers around a mix of established campgrounds and limited dispersed options throughout the Bienville National Forest region. Marathon Lake Campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups and a dump station approximately 3 miles from Raleigh's town center. Roosevelt State Park, located 30 minutes west in Morton, provides full-service camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. The area includes several water-oriented recreation areas like Simpson County Lake and Dry Creek Water Park, which serve both day users and overnight campers.

Access to developed campgrounds varies seasonally, with some closures occurring due to maintenance or weather conditions. Marathon Lake Campground provides basic amenities including electric hookups, water access, and toilets, though facilities receive mixed reviews regarding maintenance. Forest Service Road 526 offers primitive dispersed camping opportunities, but travelers should be aware of potential access restrictions. Permit requirements apply at some locations, particularly in wildlife management areas like Caney Creek WMA. Cell coverage is typically spotty throughout the region, especially at Marathon Lake. A visitor noted that "bathrooms are falling apart but there is a shower with hot water if you dare. Very spotty cellphone reception."

Water-based recreation forms the core of camping experiences in this area, with fishing being particularly popular. Marathon Lake receives positive reviews for its relaxing atmosphere and fishing opportunities, though some visitors mention limited activities for children. Several campgrounds feature swimming areas, with Okatoma Water Park specifically noted for kayaking opportunities. Roosevelt State Park stands out with the most comprehensive amenities, featuring full hookups, shaded sites, and family recreation options including a swimming pool with water slide. Campers frequently mention the peaceful settings, with one visitor describing Marathon Lake as "a pretty decent and relaxing campground" though noting "not a whole bunch to do there especially for the kids." Forest Service dispersed sites offer more seclusion but significantly fewer amenities and occasionally face access issues, with recent reports of trespassing concerns on some forest roads.

Best Camping Sites Near Raleigh, Mississippi (54)

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Recent Reviews near Raleigh, MS

215 Reviews of 54 Raleigh Campgrounds


  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Sleepy Hollow RV Park

    Cute, comfy and clean!

    Great little campground. Bathroom/showers that are combined in one room - a shower, toilet and sink. Super clean, smell good and are very new. Laundry room is great and clean. Duck pond, playground and dog run. Clean salt water pool. Highway noise and trains are a bit loud but nothing unbearable. Maybe stay at other end of campground.

  • Chuck D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Caney Creek on Forest Road 503

    Spot is great but too much garbage

    Great spot at the end of the road from this marker. Didn’t stay due to all the garbage. Just wasn’t feeling the vibe. Others may not care because the center turnaround parking area was fairly clean. It was all the garbage in the bushes that turned me away.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Roosevelt State Park Campground

    This is what a State Park should look like!

    Smooth paved roads, level concrete pads, picnic tables that will seat 8, fire ring and grill at each site.. This park has been completely remodeled and they did a fantastic job. Pull thru's and back in's available.

    We stopped on our return trip home for one night, so we did not check out the bathhouse/showers.

  • gavoritoz The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Forest Service Road 526

    Trespassing

    Its not accessible, legally. There is a no trespassing sign that was put up half a mile down the service road. There’s a couple of signs that have already been torn out right next to it. We didn’t stay for that reason.

  • Bille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2025

    DLo Water Park

    Nice play areas easy access from highway

    Easy to get too off of the highway- sites are nice and level with cement pads and picnic tables and grills. Two playgrounds for the kids

    Only reason for three stars and not five is the bathroom and shower were not great.

  • Jenny The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2025

    Wendy Oaks RV Resort

    Quiet and easy

    Spacious park that’s easy to navigate and get parked and set up. We stop here on our way to FL each year ~ end of May. The grounds are peaceful and there’s a little lake and looks like you could rent a kayak.

  • J
    May. 17, 2025

    Timberlake Campground

    Nice area and sites

    Large park with monthly and daily sites. Boat ramp. Wooded and open sites. Friendly employees.

  • James A.
    Apr. 29, 2025

    DLo Water Park

    Tents

    Plenty of river to explore and shuttles to pick you up after a float too. Good fishing, and good river banks. Very scenic tent camping, with the river right behind you.


Guide to Raleigh

Camping near Raleigh, Mississippi, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the miles of trails at Roosevelt State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Loved camping here! Miles of trails," highlighting the natural beauty and variety of paths available.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Lake Lincoln State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A visitor shared, "We had a great time and our fur babies have slept the past two days since we’ve been back," emphasizing the fun for both kids and pets.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Chunky River Recreation offers kayaking and canoeing opportunities. One reviewer noted, "Great River camping," which shows how enjoyable the water activities can be.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Wendy Oaks RV Resort said, "The bathrooms are temperature controlled, clean, and well maintained!"
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of campground staff. One guest at Hattiesburg / Okatoma River KOA remarked, "Very friendly and helpful staff," making the experience even better.
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Timberlake Campground offer beautiful lake views. A camper mentioned, "Great lake views, plenty of tall trees," which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or train tracks. A visitor at LeFleur's Bluff State Park Campground noted, "At night you hear the highway sometimes," so be prepared for some background noise.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Twiltley Branch has no showers, which might be a dealbreaker for some campers. A reviewer mentioned, "Only two pit toilets available in tent area."
  • Reservation Recommendations: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at Timberlake Campground said, "When you come to the campground, nightly rentals are first come first serve," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. At Clarkco State Park Campground, a family enjoyed "swimming, splash pad, hiking, disk golf, fishing, kayak rentals, and playgrounds."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets, making it easier to bring the whole family. A visitor at Wendy Oaks RV Resort appreciated that it was "dog friendly."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Choose campgrounds that offer a peaceful environment. One camper at Chunky River Recreation noted, "Quiet little campground on the Chunky River," which is perfect for winding down after a busy day.

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level concrete pads. A reviewer at Wendy Oaks RV Resort mentioned, "Transient sites were level concrete pads," which makes setting up easier.
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station available. A visitor at Timberlake Campground appreciated the "clean bathhouses" and the convenience of having a dump station.
  • Check for Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you need. A camper at Goshen Springs Campground said, "This is a great campground filled with all the amenities," so do your research before booking.

Camping near Raleigh, MS, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Raleigh, MS?

According to TheDyrt.com, Raleigh, MS offers a wide range of camping options, with 54 campgrounds and RV parks near Raleigh, MS and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Raleigh, MS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Raleigh, MS is Roosevelt State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 31 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Raleigh, MS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Raleigh, MS.