Best Tent Camping near Vicksburg, MS

Tent campgrounds near Vicksburg, Mississippi offer rustic camping experiences along historic routes and scenic waterways. Rocky Springs Campground along the Natchez Trace Parkway provides free tent sites in a forested setting with paved tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. Blue Lake in the nearby Rolling Fork area offers a more secluded tent camping experience with lakeside sites for those seeking a connection to Mississippi's waterways.

Tent campsites at Rocky Springs are basic but functional, with flush toilets available but limited water access. According to one visitor, "There is no potable water other than the sinks and flush toilets in the bathrooms." Campers should bring all necessary water supplies, as the sink water has been described as having a yellow tinge and being non-potable. The campground offers no shower facilities, no hookups, and no dump stations. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system, requiring early arrival during busy periods. Blue Lake charges a $7 fee for its limited tent sites and features vault toilets without drinking water.

The tent camping experience in the Vicksburg area provides opportunities to explore local history and natural features. Rocky Springs campers can hike to the remains of a ghost town and historic church. "Lots of close trails nearby that lead to various historic sights," noted one camper. The campground offers moderate shade coverage with large trees providing filtered sunlight at most sites. Blue Lake tent sites offer a waterfront experience with nature viewing opportunities, including alligator sightings. The area provides excellent nature sounds at night but may have limited cell service, creating a true disconnected backcountry tent camping experience. Tent campers should be prepared for insects, especially in the low-elevation, swampy wetlands near Blue Lake.

Best Tent Sites Near Vicksburg, Mississippi (5)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Vicksburg, MS

135 Reviews of 5 Vicksburg Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2021

    Delta National Forest Site 45/45A

    Two is Better Than One

    0937 0940  

    Dates: Year round 

    Fee: $7.00 per night  If you want both sites double the fee  3.00 day use 

    Reservations only 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov

    Picnic table, fire ring, lantern site with pit toilet and trash, and potable water is available from the Delta Work F.C.

    Off of Highway 16 out of Rolling Fork, MS, we turned onto Fire Tower Road, you can take this road at two different places. We went to the second turn for a shorter trip and the gravel road in is not as pot holed than the first turn. Once you pass thru the open gate travel follow the GPS coordinates for directions. If you love primitive campsites you will love this and you will love this National Forest. We are very partial to primitive sites that are amazing. This is a very small campsite equipped with picnic table, fire ring and lantern pole. You will find some beautiful cypress trees and bayou's scattered through out the forest. Alcohol is NOT allowed in DNF. Food storage needs to be taken serious because of bear and wildlife in the forest. These are right off the gravel road and across from each other. I would guess that during the season you can make a meal out of the mosquitoes or I would guess they will make a meal of you. This site is so beautiful and I can't wait to go back. I know this is primitive but remember you MUST HAVE RESERVATIONS AND HAVE PAID FOR SITE. If it has rained you need to be aware that the site could be muddy. It had been bush hogged and was in great shape.

    Pack it in Pack it out.

    LNT

  • Napunani
    Jun. 22, 2022

    Grand Gulf Military Park

    Good Stay When Traveling Natchez Trace

    PRO

    Senior discount- saved $10 for 2 nights

    No prepayment required when phone reservations made 154 days prior to arriving 

    7 miles off of US61 

    Good jumping off spot for Natchez Trace and Vicksburg Battlefield 

    Friendly and helpful staff 

    Firewood delivered to campsite by staff for $5 

    Very quiet 

    Moveable metal frame wooden picnic table 

    Metal fire ring (only in upper loop) without cooking grate 

    Some shade 

    Level site #12 

    Entrance gate locked overnight 

    Upper loop 3/4 occupied; lower loop no occupants Thursday or Friday night 

    CONS 

    Street lights in campground 

    Campsite is selected from whatever is available upon your arrival, so you have to drive around and look for your site

    Gate locked earlier than 5pm as we were told it would be locked at 5pm, but upon arriving at 445pm and it was locked! 

    No campfires permitted in lower loop and that’s where the sites have the most shade Site#12 got covered with about 2 inches of mud upon a rain storm 

    Tiny grocery store in Port Gibson; otherwise it’s a trip to Vicksburg for the closest Walmart 

    Port Gibson had a McDonalds, Sonic and Pizza Hut(take out only) 

    1 bar Verizon 

    No WiFi

  • S
    Nov. 12, 2021

    Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Wonderful FREE Back to Nature Camping

    Rocky springs campground is a great place to get back to nature while traveling the South end of the historical Natchez Trace. There is almost NO cell service regardless of carrier. No electric, drinking water, or showers however the first set of bathrooms are very clean and work well. The bathroom sink water is not potable...it had a yellow tinge... literally. Nice paved pull through and back in pads, fire rings (way too tall but hey?!?), grills and picnic tables are plentiful. The large shade trees made solar power minimal but it was worth the boon docking, old time camping experience. Very peaceful get away from it all area. We camped next to the bathroom in a 21' RV.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2024

    Natchez Trace Parkway - Rocky Springs

    Peaceful Evening in the Trees

    All campsites had a picnic table, fire ring and a grill which were typical of these free NPS campsites. The bathroom facilities were clean with running non-potable water. All of the fire rings and grills were rusty and some of the wooden picnic tables were falling apart but we were one of a few campers this early in the season, so hopefully they'll be attended to before the summer rush. We picked a pull-thru site and lit a fire in the ring and used our own camp chairs and table for a lovely star filled night.

  • Deborah C.
    Feb. 23, 2019

    Vicksburg Battlefield Campground

    Good location

    This was a great location if wanting to camp near the Vicksburg National military park. We walked to the park. Very few tent spots and most were in disrepair. The bathrooms were ok, they tried to keep them clean. The staff was friendly. Lots of highway noise, lots of noise from the permanent residents and their dogs. No wifi, no water.

  • Gregory H.
    Mar. 25, 2020

    Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Unique place

    Free spot with restrooms (no showers). Just of the Natchez Trace parkway, which is nice for biking and scenic drives. A small trail takes a tour of the remains of a ghost town. Camping spots are spread out and have decent tree cover. Saw deer in the campgrounds on my last visit.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2017

    Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    Nothing Fancy

    This little campground is nestled along the Natchez Trace Parkway at mile marker 54.8 (https://www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/upload/NATRmap_1_113_web.pdf).

    This is a FREE first come, first serve campground that offers 22 sites. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and flat real estate for setting up your tent. The campground is well shaded and can accommodate RVs but there are no hook ups available. There are a few bathrooms that have flush toilets and sinks but there are not showers available.

    It's a small facility that gets moderate use but appears to be well maintained. While black bears aren't prolific in the area they have been spotted. Be sure to store all food and scented items in your vehicle if possible.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2021

    Fish Lake Campground

    Awesome

    Dates:  year round

    Fee:  $7.00  Must have reservations site 18

              $3.00 day use 

    Accessible:  No

    You must make reservation with 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov

    Picnic table, fire ring, lantern pole.  This is dispersed camping but only in the numbered campsites.  Potable water is available from the Delta Work Force Center.  This is off Highway 16 out of Rolling Fork, MS.  We turned on the second exit for Fire Tower Road because it is shorter to the campsite and the dirt road is in better shape.  Look for the turn and follow it all the way to the dead end.  There is a beautiful, peace cypress water area with cypress stumps and wonderful trees.  The area was bush hogged so grass was very low.  If you love to boondock this is the spot.  No sun so solar will not work.  If you need power bring your generator and I would bring all the supplies needed so you don't have to drive out.

    LNT

    BTYFI

    Travel safe

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 29, 2021

    Delta National Forest - Barge Lake Campground

    Ultimate Mississippi Bayou

    Dates: Year round 

    Fee: $7.00 per night $3.00 day use 

    Accessible: No 

    YOU MUST HAVE RESERVATIONS AND PAID

    Reservations only 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov Park passes accepted Multiply sites with picnic table, fire ring, lantern pole, potable water is available from the Delta Work F.C. Off of Highway 16 out of Rolling Fork, MS, we turned onto Fire Tower Road, you can take this road at two different places. We went to the second turn for a shorter trip and the gravel road in is not as pot holed the the first turn. Once you pass thru the open gate travel on and you will turn when the road turns just follow the GPS coordinates to the sites. If you love primitive campsites you will love this. We are very partial to primitive sites that are amazing. There is an opening onto a bayou with a small boat launch. Beautiful cypress trees. I would guess that during the season you can make a meal out of the mosquitoes or I would guess they will make a meal of you. This site is so beautiful, I can't wait to go back. The small bayou is great for putting in your kayak. There are beautiful cypress trees on land and in the bayou along with many cypress knobs. Sites that are great for shade and a spot for solar. Make sure to bring in your supplies because you will not want to leave. During the season I am sure there will be more than enough mosquitoes to feast on or there will be plenty to feast on you. Gotta take the sad with the good.

    REMEMBER YOU MUST HAVE RESERVATIONS.

    Pack it in, Pack it out.

    LNT

    Travel safe


Guide to Vicksburg

Camping near Vicksburg, Mississippi centers around the Natchez Trace Parkway and adjacent wetland areas. The region's Mississippi Delta landscape features cypress swamps and hardwood forests with elevations rarely exceeding 300 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter camping offers milder conditions with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 50-65°F.

What to do

Ghost town exploration: At Rocky Springs Campground, campers can explore the remnants of a 19th-century settlement. "Me and my family came here with our tent and had a blast. We explored the old church and what's left of the city. There is a lot to do for such a small campground," shares Zack K. about his experience at Rocky Springs Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Blue Lake provides opportunities to observe native Mississippi wildlife in their natural habitat. "Saw an alligator lounging around in the lake. Beautiful nature sounds," notes Fred S. about his stay at Blue Lake. The small lake area attracts various waterfowl and reptiles throughout the year.

Hiking historic trails: The Natchez Trace area offers several hiking options with historical significance. "Took my two sons on our first camping trip here. There are quite a few hiking trails and none are too difficult even for my 4 y.o. The main trail, where the town used to be was awesome. There are several old structures left behind and info plaques that tells the story on all of it," reports Ben M.

What campers like

Peaceful atmosphere: Campers frequently mention the quiet surroundings at tent campsites near Vicksburg. "Very quiet and peaceful place," writes Cheri H. about her experience at Black River Campsite. The lack of crowds creates opportunities for relaxation and stargazing.

Well-spaced sites: Rocky Springs offers good site separation for privacy. "Great sites with plenty of room between them. You can easily set two or three tents without having to worry about disturbing other campers," notes Garrett H.

Historic connections: The historical elements integrated into the camping areas provide educational value. "Being a Nevada Barr fan I was delighted to see the cemetery she mentioned in one of her books 'Deep South'," shares a visitor about discovering literary connections during her stay.

What you should know

Water limitations: Many tent campsites near Vicksburg have restricted water access. "Have your fresh water tank full when you arrive. There is no water available other than the sinks and flush toilets in the bathrooms," advises Cheri H. At some sites, seasonal closures affect water availability entirely.

Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis while others require online booking. "I believe it is first come first serve, so get there early on holiday weekends," recommends Ruth E. about securing a spot at Rocky Springs.

Limited amenities: Most tent sites have basic facilities only. "This is a rustic campground. There are two bathroom facilities and the third has been boarded up for years," explains a visitor about North Rec Composite. Campers should prepare for minimal services and pack accordingly.

Tips for camping with families

Age-appropriate trails: The region offers hiking options suitable for young children. "The main trail, where the town used to be was awesome. There are several old structures left behind and info plaques that tells the story on all of it," mentions Ben M. about exploring with his 4-year-old son.

Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. "Wonderful place for a picnic and walk around the old town of Rocky Springs! There is also an old open church there that you can walk in!" suggests Emily Grace M.

Creek access: Children enjoy wading opportunities at select locations. "We love the trails, walking in the creek, and exploring the old town site of Rocky Springs, especially the cemetery," shares Michael L. about South Recreation Composite, highlighting water features that appeal to families.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookups: RV campers should prepare for primitive camping at most sites. "This campground is the perfect overnight spot; there are some hiking trails & historic sites to visit but, otherwise, it's just a good spot to pull off the parkway and recharge," explains Twan M.

Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "1 bar Verizon, not enough to load any GPS or internet but you can squeeze a message out," notes a recent visitor about communications limitations.

Site selection: Some sites accommodate larger vehicles better than others. "There are probably 20-25 sites, most if not all are large enough for RVs or pull-behind rigs. Above ground fire pits, BBQ grills and picnic tables at most sites, off of the paved parking area(s)," advises an RVer who stayed at the campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Vicksburg, MS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Vicksburg, MS is Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway with a 4.1-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Vicksburg, MS?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Vicksburg, MS, with real photos and reviews from campers.