Best Tent Camping in Mississippi

Mississippi may be the birthplace of The Blues, but it’s also a camper’s paradise. With an abundance of streams, rivers—most notably the mighty Mississippi River—and miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a seemingly never-ending array of national forests, parks and wildlife refuges, camping in Mississippi should be on every camping enthusiast’s bucket list.

Nicknamed “The Magnolia State” Mississippi is one of the most sought-after destinations for wildlife photographers and bird watchers alike. And if you’re a music fan, the state has a ton of terrific music festivals to plan your next camping trip around.

One of the most popular areas for camping in Mississippi is along the forests of the Natchez Trace, as the southern part of this historic trail runs right through almost the entire state.

Divided into nine sections named after nearby cities and towns, the Natchez Trace is the ideal place to explore Mississippi’s Native American history. Pharr Mounds, located on the Tishomingo-Belmont section of the Natchez Trace, is an ancient burial ground used by nomadic tribes between 100 and 1200 A.D. Another section—Donivan Slough—displays the wonders of Mississippi’s tulip poplars, sycamores and water oaks among the state’s swampy bottomlands.

If you’re an avid camper in the southeast, you’ve most likely camped in the Cumberland Mountains, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a little elevation. Though Mississippi is a relatively flat state, it doesn’t mean there aren’t mountains. You just have to know where to look.

The town of Iuka, Mississippi has plenty of great camping areas and is located near historic Woodall Mountain. As the state’s highest point—a modest 806 feet—privately-owned Woodall Mountain may not compare to the Cumberland Mountains in size, but its Civil War history is legendary. And with activities such as rock climbing, hiking, canoeing and even disc golf close by, it’s a great way to get the best of all that camping in Mississippi has to offer.

So, come discover the south’s warmest welcome and see how camping in Mississippi feels like coming home.

Best Tent Sites in Mississippi (33)

    1. Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 — Natchez Trace Parkway

    22 Reviews
    Hermanville, MS
    Website
    +1 (662) 680-4027

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Shepard State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Gautier, MS
    Website
    +1 (228) 497-2244

    "  $8 bundles of firewood at the camp store. Fire rings and charcoal grills at every RV site.  "

    "The primitive campsite was very nice. Even though the park was a bit crowded we still had privacy. The dog park was perfect for our two large dog, very clean."

    3. Airey Lake Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    De Soto National Forest, MS
    Website
    +1 (601) 928-5291

    "This campground is a stop halfway through the Tuxachanie trail. It is a quaint park with 4 designated campsites with tables and fire rings."

    "Vault toilet. A few actual spots with fire pits and tables, but lots of make shift spots around the lake. Gets really crowded during weekends but if you get there early, you can find a secluded spot."

    4. Puskus Lake

    9 Reviews
    University, MS
    Website

    "One bathroom away from the sites in the "day use" area. Mostly fisherman. The lake has motor oil/ fuel running on the surface. The docks nice, wide with bench seating."

    "We’ve frequented this small space since childhood. It’s very well remote off of HWY 30 in the Holly Springs National Forest."

    5. Eagle Point Primitive Campground

    5 Reviews
    Grenada, MS
    Website
    +1 (662) 226-1649

    $10 / night

    "The campground is located in a beautiful spot on a peninsula with great views of Grenada lake at both sunrise and sunset."

    "There are eight campsites, each with a level gravel pad tent area, picnic table and grill. There is group fire pit area, with a picnic table."

    6. Beach Point - Sardis Lake

    4 Reviews
    Sardis, MS
    Website
    +1 (662) 563-4531

    $8 / night

    "We reserved campsites 13 and 14, at the far end, behind the restrooms. You have to park in the parking lot and carry your stuff to the site."

    "Cars stay in the parking lot, and you walk up to your site. Pretty basic. Running water, flushable toilets, no showers. Quiet area.

    Early march, it was raining and I was the only one there"

    7. Okatoma Water Park

    3 Reviews
    Raleigh, MS
    Website
    +1 (601) 849-5209

    "Great flat ground for tent camping. We were in campsite 3 and it was huge. Perfect for a scout troop or other large group. Also had ample trees with perfect spacing for hammock camping."

    8. Janice Landing

    3 Reviews
    Wiggins, MS
    Website
    +1 (601) 965-1600

    "Warm weather weekend campers should probably choose a site on back side of loop as the boat launch gets pretty busy and generally use the section closest to hwy ."

    9. Elmers Hill

    1 Review
    Sardis, MS
    Website
    +1 (662) 563-4531

    "Nice little spot with about 8 tent sites. No hookups of any kind for campers. Bathrooms are currently closed, but we’re nice when we stayed there, but old. Drinking water is available."

    10. Reflect, Renew, Resolve

    1 Review
    McCool, MS
    Website

    $38 / night

    "Brian met us at the gate, and led us down a perfectly manicured field so that we could park right next to our tent spot! "

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 33 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in Mississippi

1202 Reviews of 33 Mississippi Campgrounds



Guide to Mississippi

Tent camping in Mississippi offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

  • Enjoy the serene views at Puskus Lake, where you can disconnect and soak in the peaceful environment.
  • Explore the picturesque Airey Lake Recreation Area, known for its secluded spots and beautiful scenery.
  • Experience the charm of Beach Point - Sardis Lake, which offers a tranquil setting with easy access to water activities.

Tent Camping Prices

  • Tent camping at Puskus Lake costs around $7 per night, making it an affordable option for nature lovers.
  • At Airey Lake Recreation Area, you can enjoy free camping with access to drinking water and picnic tables.
  • The fee for camping at Graham Lake is approximately $0, providing a budget-friendly experience for campers.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Water

  • When visiting Beach Point - Sardis Lake, be prepared for pesky flies; bringing insect repellent can enhance your experience.
  • At Hays Crossing, enjoy the scenic views but be cautious of the road conditions leading in.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Elmers Hill, where you can find a quiet spot away from the crowds, especially during weekdays.