Water Valley, Mississippi, provides campers with options for overnight stays beyond traditional RV parks. At approximately 400 feet elevation, the region experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters around 40°F and hot summers reaching the 90s. Cell service varies dramatically across camping locations, with stronger connections near major highways and weaker signals at more remote lakeside destinations.
What to do
Fishing at Enid Lake: Persimmon Hill Campground offers direct lake access for anglers. "Enid Lake is one of the top fishing locations for crappie. The fish are well stocked, and a visit to the hatchery offers some interactive displays, history on the area, and a chance for the kids to feed the fish," reports one visitor.
Disc golf course: George P. Cossar State Park features an established course for disc golf enthusiasts. "There is a Frisbee golf course that has gotten better over time. The course is now marked very well," notes a camper who visits frequently.
Walking trails: Moon Lake Farm provides natural areas for hiking. "They have a short trail that goes around the property and a beautiful lake to enjoy," mentions a reviewer who appreciated the outdoor access.
Mini golf: Several parks offer this family-friendly activity with minimal fees. "The miniature golf course is old, but kids will still like it," shares one visitor about George P. Cossar State Park, while another notes, "$4+tax per person to play" at Yokona Ridge.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Howard Stafford Park maintains well-kept amenities. "Small campground attached to a public use park. Gated after dark with older but usable bathrooms and showers. Has a splash pad, a basketball court, and several piers on the lake for fishing," writes a satisfied camper.
Level concrete pads: Many rv campgrounds near Water Valley, Mississippi feature stable parking areas. "The site is a level concrete pad with 50/30 amp, water and sewer. The campground is next to a big county park with a playground, boat ramp and fishing docks," reports a visitor to Howard Stafford Park.
Waterfront views: Persimmon Hill Campground offers lake views from most sites. "Almost all spots in this campground offer views of Enid Lake. Lots of tall trees with brush cleared out, so you don't loose the view," mentions one reviewer who appreciated the scenery.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds provide opportunities to see native animals. "Lots of wildlife to observe. I've never seen more deer, especially close up, in my life!" shares an enthusiastic camper at Persimmon Hill.
What you should know
Campground size variations: Water Valley area RV parks range from tiny to expansive. "With less than 20 sites this is a small comfortable campground with full hookups. 30 minutes to Tupelo or Oxford, this place splits them down the middle," notes a camper about Howard Stafford Park.
Off-season advantages: Winter camping offers fewer crowds at Water Valley area campgrounds. "We stayed a couple of days and left before the weekend. A quick walk around the park showed almost every site was reserved for the weekend starting Thursday," reports a visitor at Persimmon Hill.
Bridge detours: Road construction can affect travel routes. "The route to the park is a bit tricky, as a bridge is out. But should be completed by this spring, I was told," mentions a camper regarding access to Persimmon Hill Campground.
Site selection importance: George P. Cossar State Park has varying quality between camping loops. "Definitely, stay only in Yocona Ridge as the other section is in complete disrepair. MS really needs to fund their state parks better so they can get the maintenance needed," advises one experienced camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks feature play areas for children. "There is a playground for kids and dogs are allowed at the campgrounds. We had a nice fire, roasted marshmallows, and wanted to play disc golf but the lake was too high and covered some of them!" shares a tent camper at George P. Cossar State Park.
Splash pad options: Howard Stafford Park offers water features for hot days. "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," notes a visitor who enjoyed the amenities.
Beach swimming: Some campgrounds provide sandy beaches for water recreation. "Persimmon Hill Recreation Area is a well maintained picnic/day use area with a sandy beach. Life jackets are provided at the beach if needed," explains a regular visitor to the area.
Fish hatchery visit: Educational opportunities exist for children at nearby facilities. "The north mississippi fish hatchery is here but closed for the holidays," mentions a Christmas camper at Persimmon Hill Campground, highlighting this unique learning opportunity.
Tips from RVers
Gate access considerations: Serenity RV Park and others have specific entry procedures. "Following our GPS from I-22, we had no trouble finding the campground. We arrived at 3:00 PM to find the office closed, with a sign on the door indicating they would return at 3:30," shares a recent visitor.
Dual sewer connections: Some parks offer convenient hookup options. "There are two sewer connections on both cement and gravel sites, which is a nice convenience," notes an RVer at Serenity RV Park.
Electric hookup variations: Connection locations can require adaptations. "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 camper with a 40' fifth wheel.
Laundry facilities: Limited options exist for washing clothes. "Facilities include a clean shower and restroom area, as well as a laundry room equipped with four washers and four dryers, each costing $3 per use," mentions an RVer describing Serenity RV Park.