Tent camping options near Arlington, Tennessee cluster primarily in northern Mississippi, within a 45-60 minute drive southwest. These primitive sites offer basic accommodations and lake access in a region characterized by rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests. Campgrounds in this area maintain minimal facilities, with most operating seasonally from spring through fall when temperatures range from 60-90°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cox Lake in Holly Springs National Forest provides a "great little fishing lake" according to camper B.C. The lake is stocked with bass, bream, and catfish, requiring a Mississippi fishing license for anglers over 16.
Water activities: Kellys Crossing Campground offers direct lake access via a boat ramp on Arkabutla Lake. The area is popular with local fishermen who take advantage of the designated boat launch. "The access to the lake is nice," notes Shana D. in her review.
Nature observation: The surrounding areas provide habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous songbird species. Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when temperatures are cooler and animals are more active.
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: Cox Lake attracts campers seeking a quieter experience away from crowded campgrounds. Kelly C. describes it as "a good pick" if "you're looking for a place to pitch your tent for a night."
Lakeside settings: The tent camping areas provide water views and natural surroundings. Heath T. mentions that Kellys Crossing is "an off the beaten path area for standard recreation" where visitors can enjoy the peaceful setting.
Affordability: Most sites in the area operate on a first-come basis with minimal or no fees. According to Heath T., "The fee has been reduced to free, so enjoy but be respectful!" This makes tent camping near Arlington an economical outdoor recreation option.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Pleasant Hill Campground has only basic facilities with maintenance issues. Shana D. reports "the terrible smelling vault toilet bathroom is open" but notes that "the newer looking (of the two on site) bathhouse is closed."
Site conditions: Some campgrounds receive minimal maintenance. At Pleasant Hill, campsites are described as "overgrown or sunken" with reviewer Shana D. noting it "looks like no one has camped here or taken care of the property in years."
Water availability: Most primitive sites lack reliable drinking water sources. Campers must bring sufficient water supplies for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene, particularly during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F.
Terrain considerations: The camping areas feature a mix of flat and gently sloping terrain. Summer brings high humidity and persistent mosquito activity, making insect repellent essential equipment from May through September.
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: When camping at these primitive sites, establish clear boundaries for children near water features. The boat ramp at Kellys Crossing requires extra vigilance as Heath T. notes it "accesses Arkabutla Lake with picnic and camping areas nearby."
Wildlife awareness: The region hosts various wildlife including non-venomous snakes and occasionally venomous copperheads. Teach children proper food storage protocols to avoid attracting raccoons or opossums to your campsite.
Cleanliness challenges: Some areas have litter issues that may concern families. Kelly C. observed at Cox Lake that there are "lots of litter and shot gun shells" despite the "lake area is nice enough."
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Most primitive camping areas near Arlington have restricted access for larger vehicles. Small campervans and truck campers can navigate the roads to Kellys Crossing, but Shana D. describes it as "more of a boat ramp than a campground" with just "a couple of picnic tables with an few areas to set up tents."
Self-sufficiency requirements: RVers must be completely self-contained when using these areas. No hookups, dump stations, or dedicated RV sites are available at the primitive camping locations within reasonable driving distance of Arlington.
Off-season advantages: Winter camping offers greater solitude and reduced insect activity. Heath T. reports that when "visiting at the end of December, there are hardly any other persons around besides the fishermen out on the water."
