Campgrounds near Hattiesburg, Mississippi typically sit in the Piney Woods ecoregion characterized by longleaf pine forests and sandy soil. Most camping options fall within a 30-mile radius of the city, with elevations ranging from 150 to 300 feet above sea level. Seasonal thunderstorms can be intense during summer months, with rainfall averaging 60 inches annually and humidity levels frequently exceeding 80% in July and August.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground offers two 18-hole courses through pine forests. "The park features the Lake set in a tall pine forest and was near capacity but did not feel crowded or loud. We were only sorry that we did not budget enough time to enjoy all this place has to offer," notes one visitor who stayed at the Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Little Black Creek Campground provides multiple fishing spots on a 640-acre stocked lake. "Great spot for a float trip or canoe trip. Stop and fish during your trip. I have canoed this creek many times and it feels different even time," shares a regular visitor to Little Black Creek Campground.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds maintain nature trails through the pine forests. A camper at Paul B. Johnson describes, "We did a small amount of hiking on a very nice, easy trail. We were only sorry we didn't have time to paddle in the lake and explore more of the park."
What campers like
Lake access and water activities: Many sites offer direct water access. At Little Black Creek, "We just spent the weekend at Little Black Creek Campground in Lumberton, MS, and it absolutely deserves a 5-star review. Most sites had wooden decks, and many had lake views or direct access, including ours, which had stairs leading right down to the water," reports a recent guest at Little Black Creek Campground & Park.
Peaceful atmosphere: Visitors consistently mention the quiet environment. "Very peaceful, well-kept, woodsy type of Campground beautiful Lake. The sunrise was awesome. Squirrels feeding in the trees had a great time," notes a camper who visited Little Black Creek Campground & Park for a short getaway.
Convenience to amenities: Hattiesburg / Okatoma River KOA provides excellent facilities. "This was the nicest campground we stayed at on our 4 week trip. Our level site was on a lovely pond, with a friendly duck. This is the first architecturally designed KOA facility I've seen in two years of camping in our RV," describes a guest at Hattiesburg / Okatoma River KOA.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings high humidity and occasional severe storms. A regular camper notes, "The camp store, cabins, laundry facilities, and pavilions generally remain open year-round, even during hurricane season which runs June through November."
Wildlife awareness: Camp Shelby areas may have wildlife activity. "Been there once, Going again sometime soon. Stayed in my SUV for 2 nights and didn't see or hear anyone around. Did hear dogs(or coyotes) in the background but nothing happened," reports a camper at Camp Shelby Dispersed Camping.
Military facility proximity: Several campgrounds are located near military training facilities. "Camp Shelby is nearby, so you'll hear various noises from that (not overly distracting but I wish I would have known before arriving)," advises a visitor to Paul B. Johnson State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad access: Kid-friendly water features are available at select parks. "There is a splash pad, lake swimming, and several picnic areas near the visitor center that would be awesome for kids and families when the weather is warmer," shares a family who stayed at Paul B. Johnson.
Pet-friendly options: Most campgrounds welcome pets with basic restrictions. At Forest County Multi-Purpose Events Center, a camper notes, "While maybe not a destination site, it's great for overnighting. We've stayed here for an overnight several years in a row on our way to Gulf Shores from Central AR."
Educational opportunities: Nature trails provide learning experiences. "My husband and I are 4H Outdoor Skills Instructors. We took our class on their first hike here. The kids as well as the adults had a good time. The Nature Trail was a little short (under an hour) but that is perfect for little kids," recommends an instructor who visited Little Black Creek.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on privacy needs and hook-up requirements. "If you are in sites 1-38 they are wooded with some privacy between sites. Some have a nice view of the lake. We were in site 34 which was spacious," advises a visitor to Military Park Camp Shelby Lake Walker Family Campground.
Leveling considerations: Terrain varies across campgrounds. "The sites were soft/sandy and not super level. My in laws had their front tires of the RV off the ground after leveling," warns an RVer who stayed at Shady Cove RV Park.
Off-season advantages: Weekday stays offer quieter experiences. "The weekend we were there in November was jammed packed but it seems to clear out during the week when kids go back to school. There were lots of people aimlessly driving around in golf carts, kids running through our site, and plenty of loud music. A weekday stay would be more out thing," advises a long-term RVer who visited Paul B. Johnson.
