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Facilities

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

Rocky Springs Campground, near Tupelo, Mississippi, is a rustic spot right off the Natchez Trace Parkway that offers a peaceful escape for campers. It’s a free campground with a handful of sites that can accommodate both tents and RVs, making it a convenient stop for those traveling along the parkway.

The campground features flush toilets and a few picnic tables, but be prepared—there's no drinking water or showers available. Visitors have noted the quiet atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring nearby hiking trails and historic sites. One camper shared, “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.”

For those interested in history, the remnants of the old town of Rocky Springs are just a short walk away, along with scenic views of the surrounding forest. While some facilities could use a bit of TLC, the natural beauty and tranquility of the area make it worth the visit. Just remember to fill up your fresh water tank before arriving, as there’s no water hookup here.

Whether you're passing through or planning a longer stay, Rocky Springs Campground offers a unique blend of history and nature, making it a memorable stop on your journey.

Description

National Park Service

Natchez Trace Parkway

Rocky Springs Campground at milepost 54.8 on the southern end of the Parkway, includes a 22-site campground, picnic tables, restrooms, a section of the Old Natchez Trace, self-guiding walking trails through the old town site. Campground sites are on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Pull-through and back-in sites are available. Campgrounds are typically the busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends. Potable water may be an issue. Check "What's Open What's Closed"

Reservation Info

Campground sites are on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Campgrounds are typically busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends.

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Location

Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway is located in Mississippi

Detail location of campground

Directions

At mile post 54.8 exit off of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Take the first right to enter into the campground. Latitude: 32.08645 Longitude -90.79871

Coordinates

32.087431 N
90.79884 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Fair
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway needs a permit.


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

22 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 27, 2024

Perfect Overnight

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. There are probably 20-25 sites, most if not all ate 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). The bathroom(s) aren’t great, but they work! 1 bar Verizon, not enough to load any GPS or internet but you can squeeze a message out.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Twan M., March 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Twan M., March 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Twan M., March 27, 2024
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2023

Beautiful place on the Natchez Trace

This is a great campground right off the Natchez Trace. I was able to get the last spot there. After my set up I went for a walk up to the old church and remains of the town of Rocky Springs. Being a Nevada Barr fan I was delighted to see the cemetery she mentioned in one of her books “Deep South”. I had planning on staying two nights but had trouble with my refrigerator so I was disappointed that I had to leave the next day. Will definitely be back when I am in the area. I will say this is a rustic campground. There are two bathroom facilities and the third has been boarded up for years. Have your fresh water tank full when you arrive. There is no water available other than the sinks and flush toilets in the bathrooms. No shower facilities. Not an issue for me as I travel in a small motorhome. And don’t show up with a full tank of grey and black water because there isn’t a dump station. I didn’t get to hike the hiking trails. I did walk down to the water that is behind the amphitheater and it was pretty. Very quiet and peaceful place.

Siteno site numbers here
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Cheri H., July 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Cheri H., July 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Cheri H., July 14, 2023
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Mar. 27, 2023

A Bit Run Down, but quiet

Rocky Springs CG, MS: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good 70 yr olds in 17’ trailer: Overall Rating: 4 Usage during visit: Moderate, 1/2 to 3/4 full Site Privacy: 3 Site Spacing: 3.5. Some sites have very nice spacing. Others are oddly placed Site surface: Black top Site level: Good Reservations: No. - Free Campground Noise 5. Quiet Electricity: No Water: No Sewer: No Dump: No Road Noise: 3. Lower section had moderate road noise. Semis are not allowed on the adjacent Natchez Trace Hwy. Bathroom: 4 flush toilets. Fairly clean.
Cell Service (Verizon): 1. Intermittently messages may come through.
Setting: 4. Dense forest w nice creek to sit near and enjoy on a warm day. No sites are adjacent to the creek. Weather: 3. Highs 70 to low 50s. Lows into the 30s Bugs: Minimal.
Solar: Some sites, moderate. Most sites filtered sun. Host: None Location: Somewhat isolated. 30 minutes from nearest substantial grocery store.
Notes: Somewhat run down, some buildings in use. Only one bathroom is operational. It is in the lower section which is closer to road noise.

Sitelower portion of cg. Sites not numbered
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Roger W., March 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Roger W., March 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Roger W., March 27, 2023
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Apr. 20, 2022

One of my favorite places

This is one of my favorite places in the south. The old town of rocky Springs is worth a visit. The campground is free. It has not been maintained by the NPS. Sadly it needs alot of work. There are flush toilets but no potable water. But you get to cruise on the trace!

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Larry A., April 20, 2022
Reviewed Apr. 12, 2022

Needs attention.

This campground has three restrooms. One is boarded up and should be razed. One in the ranger station was closed but the lights were on. The one open restroom had no power or water in the sink. Apparently there was a trickle in the women’s side sink. Fortunately the toilets flushed.

As tenters, we camped near the restrooms. Road noise was considerable during late afternoon and early morning. There were other sites further from the road but also the restroom. The adjacent trails and historic features were outstanding.

Sitesites not numbered
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Apr. 3, 2022

No water currently

It's a beautiful area and nice little piece of history to see. I'm assuming due to covid though there isn't running water in the restrooms and showers aren't accessible either. It's a fairly busy campground with people coming in and out and driving around the loop. But other than that there weren't any issues.

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Mar. 22, 2022

Could have been better

This is one of three free campgrounds that can be found along the Natchez Trace. Located near Port Gibson, MS it is the first campground after leaving Natchez, MS. The lower section of this park is very wet. If possible, try to get one of the campsites on higher ground if you’ll be tent camping. When I was there the bathroom in the campground was open, but I couldn’t get the lights or water to turn on. It was like the restrooms were still winterized, but I don’t know why they would have been unlocked. I heard lots of wildlife while here, coyotes, owls, frogs, and many other little critters. Be sure to check out the old town site and church of Rocky Springs.

Site2
Month of VisitMarch
  • Second Campsite on the right
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Hannah W., March 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Hannah W., March 22, 2022
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Mar. 9, 2022

Nice

Really pretty area, fire pits and grills, flushable toilets, no running taps though. Quiet area, all paved roads.

It use to be a cotton town.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Caitlyn E., March 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Caitlyn E., March 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Caitlyn E., March 9, 2022
Reviewed Jan. 18, 2022

Convenient for Southern Section of Natchez Trace

Spent 4 nights, flush toilets, lots of sites, hiking trails nearby, old town site of Rocky Springs nearby, plus ancient burial mounds, and Windsor Plantation round. Water was off on sinks and note to not drink the water. Trash cans, picnic tables, and fire pits. Close to road but not very well traveled at night. No camp host. No Verizon signal.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by VanpeDiem D., January 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by VanpeDiem D., January 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by VanpeDiem D., January 18, 2022
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jan. 12, 2022

Fun and quiet little site

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. The bathrooms were closed due to the pandemic but the ranger station bathrooms at the front were open. Definitely, will be a site we'll visit many more times.

SitePrimative
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2021

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.

Sitenext to the bathrooms...there are no numbers
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Stacy G., November 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Stacy G., November 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Stacy G., November 12, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2021

The Old Natchez Trace

Campsites fairly spread out with decent shade in most spots. The low review is mostly because on bathroom was in disrepair and another was clogged up our whole stay.

Lots of close trails nearby though that lead to various historic sights. Nice for passing through or staying for a few days.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Flannel Fabe .., November 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Flannel Fabe .., November 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Flannel Fabe .., November 10, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2021

Beautiful place!

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. First come first serve and no electricity or water. It had bathrooms but no bathhouse.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Zack K., July 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Zack K., July 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Zack K., July 18, 2021
  • (17) View All
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2021

Rocky springs

Its a remote location right off of Natchez Trace. No cellphone service except for a few lucky people. No stores for at least 30 mins any direction. But very interesting place riddled with history. I would just come prepared with things such as a full tank of gas , food, and other necessities. They do have a bathroom but no showers. There is a creek near by though. Its a little creepy at night if there are other campers walking around. Zero street lights.

Sitenot sure. generally try to stay away from water, and other campers. And close to bathroom if possible.
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Caleb , July 13, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2021

Great place to boondock

We love the trails, walking in the creek, and exploring the old town site of Rocky Springs, especially the cemetery.

Sitesites are not numbered
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Mar. 17, 2021

Brown water, nice trees

There was flushing toilets which was nice. However the water in the toilets and coming out of the faucets was brown. Bring hand sanitizer.

No Verizon coverage.

Didn’t spend long here but it was pretty. Campsites seemed nice enough. Roads were paved.

Reviewed Jan. 19, 2021

Great spot

Went for a primitive campsite with some guys. Great sites with plenty of room between them. You can easily set two or three tents without having to worry about disturbing other campers.

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2020

Free Campground right next to the Natchez Trace

Campground is very nice and convenient to the Natchez Trace. Nature and a beautiful place are your amenities. If you’re looking for a resort park with hookups then you will not find it here. If you’re looking for nature, a waterfall, remnants of a now abandoned once thriving town including two safes and a fully intact and functional church, a place steeped in history that happens to have paved campsites without bathhouses, electric or water hookups at no cost to you then welcome to what you’ve been looking for all day! I think it’s all about the perspective. This is a functional place enjoyed by many and great place to visit and stay a night or two as you travel the Trace.

Reviewed Mar. 25, 2020

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.

  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Gregory H., March 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Gregory H., March 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway by Gregory H., March 25, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2018

Great place for camping!

Great place for camping! I believe it is first come first serve, so get there early on holiday weekends.

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

Great place

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!

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2017

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.

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is fair, and T-Mobile is good.