Delta National Forest provides primitive camping opportunities near Yazoo City, Mississippi. The forest encompasses over 60,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forest within the Mississippi Delta region. Camping sites are situated among natural bayous and cypress-tupelo swamps at elevations of 80-100 feet above sea level. The forest experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures.
What to do
Horseback riding on forest trails: Delta National Forest offers extensive trails suitable for equestrian activities. The forest roads and maintained trails provide access to remote areas of this lowland forest ecosystem. Little Sunflower River campground connects to several forest service roads appropriate for horseback riding. One visitor noted, "Lots of flies not sure what they charge to stay here I left $10 definitely over paid but maybe they can pump out the pit toilet."
Wildlife observation: The forest habitat supports diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous bird species. Morning hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers should maintain proper food storage due to bear presence in the area. Delta National Forest Site 45/45A provides a good base for wildlife observation, with one camper reporting, "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."
Seasonal hunting: The forest permits regulated hunting during designated seasons. Hunters must obtain proper licenses and follow all Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks regulations. During hunting seasons, non-hunters should wear high-visibility clothing when hiking forest trails.
What campers like
Natural bayou setting: Campers appreciate the distinctive wetland ecosystem with mature cypress trees and slow-moving waterways. The forest's natural water features create habitat for numerous aquatic species and wading birds. One visitor to Delta National Forest Site 45/45A stated, "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."
Affordable primitive camping: Sites are available at reasonable rates, typically $7.00 per night per site with reservations required through recreation.gov or by phone at 877-444-6777. The low cost reflects the primitive nature of facilities, with minimal amenities beyond basic site features.
Solitude and quiet: The remote location and limited development provide a peaceful camping experience away from crowded recreation areas. The forest's extensive acreage allows campers to experience natural surroundings with minimal disturbance from other visitors.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: All overnight camping requires advance reservations. No walk-up or first-come availability exists for camping within Delta National Forest. Campers must secure reservations through recreation.gov and display confirmation at their site.
Seasonal conditions: Weather significantly impacts accessibility and comfort at campsites. Summer brings intense heat, humidity and mosquitoes, while winter provides more comfortable temperatures but potential for muddy conditions after rainfall. One camper at Delta National Forest Site 45/45A warned, "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. If it has rained you need to be aware that the site could be muddy."
Limited facilities maintenance: Visitors report inconsistent upkeep of toilets and trash facilities. Recent reports indicate some facilities may not receive regular service. A recent visitor to Little Sunflower River campground observed, "Don't think anyone has cleaned the pit toilet or the bear proof garbage cans for awhile only two camp sites that I can make out and only one with a camp site number."
Tips for camping with families
Pack adequate water supplies: While potable water is available from the Delta Work Forest Center, no drinking water is provided directly at campsites. Families should bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene during their stay, calculating at least one gallon per person per day.
Bring complete mosquito protection: The lowland forest environment supports significant mosquito populations, particularly during warmer months. Effective protection requires insect repellent, protective clothing, and possibly netting for sleeping areas. Children particularly need thorough protection from biting insects.
Plan activities suitable for primitive settings: No developed recreation facilities exist within the forest. Families should bring their own recreation equipment and plan nature-based activities like wildlife spotting, photography, or forest exploration appropriate for children.
Tips from RVers
Limited site accessibility: Forest roads may present challenges for larger recreational vehicles. Sites are not designed for big rigs and lack hookups of any kind. RVs should be self-contained with adequate battery power or generators for essential functions.
Prepare for primitive conditions: No electric, water or sewer hookups are available at any Delta National Forest campsites. RVers must bring all necessary supplies and plan for proper waste management with no dump station on site. Strict pack-in, pack-out practices apply to all waste.
Weather considerations for RV access: Road conditions deteriorate quickly after rainfall, potentially making sites inaccessible for RVs. Monitor weather forecasts before arrival and have contingency plans for alternative camping locations if forest roads become impassable.
