Located within 25 miles of Collierville, Tennessee, several campgrounds offer upscale outdoor accommodations with varying amenity levels across northern Mississippi and eastern Arkansas. The area sits at approximately 300-400 feet elevation with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers, mild winters, and rainfall distributed throughout the year. Fall typically offers the most comfortable camping conditions with daytime temperatures in the 70s and reduced humidity.
What to do
Fishing on Arkabutla Lake: Multiple access points for bank and boat fishing at Hernando Point where water levels fluctuate seasonally. "Beautiful and Quiet. The sites were easy to get into and the campground was quiet and the setting is really beautiful," notes Jason G.
Disc golf at forest parks: Wall Doxey State Park features a course winding through pine forest with moderate difficulty. "The highlight for us is the disc golf course the winds through the pine forest," according to Brandon R., though he warns to "be ready to pick ticks off of everyone" during warmer months.
Kayaking on smaller lakes: Puskus Lake offers calm waters ideal for paddlers seeking less crowded alternatives to larger reservoirs. A visitor shared, "Fun little quick trip to paddle around in kayak, fish & enjoy great meal over grill."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campers highlight this aspect at Memphis KOA as particularly noteworthy. "The laundry and camper kitchen were great amenities. The pool was clean and a great way to cool off," reports Zack L.
Spacious, shaded sites: Wall Doxey State Park receives praise for site spacing. "The sites are far enough apart to not feel on top of your neighbor," one camper noted, appreciating the privacy compared to more compact arrangements at other nearby options.
Halloween festivities: Seasonal events create memorable experiences at certain parks. "We had no idea it was such a big deal. Every camp site had wonderful decorations and the kids had such a blast," Fred S. shared about Wall Doxey State Park's Halloween celebration.
What you should know
Water hook-up distances: At John W Kyle State Park, water connections can be unexpectedly far from sites. "The water hook ups are at least 100 foot away from most camp sites, so bring lots of extra hose if you do end up staying here," advises Shana D.
Varying maintenance levels: State parks in the region show inconsistent upkeep. "Looks like it has been weeks since the grass was cut. Talking to another camper, he said this park is known for never getting mowed," noted Steve G. about John W Kyle State Park.
Dump station conditions: Check functionality before arriving. One camper at Chewalla Lake mentioned, "There is a dump station, but I refused to use it as it was flooded."
Security considerations: Some parks lack full-time staff. A solo female camper at Puskus Lake shared concerns: "People stayed quiet with the exception of a 12:30am arrival man who walked onto my site right up to my tent... that was a little scary."
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly glamping near Collierville: Chewalla Lake Recreation Area offers affordable camping with scenic lake access at lower rates than commercial resorts. "The area is really pretty... There is a swimming beach," notes Lynn G., highlighting amenities attractive to families.
Playground access: Evaluate options based on recreation facilities. "Had a huge spot with lots of shade. Only complaint was there was no playground in the actual camping area," mentions Susan R. about Hernando Point.
Site selection for privacy: When glamping close to Collierville, Tennessee with children, request sites away from highways. "We were traveling from California with kids who have been at the mercy of cross-country RV parks—this was a reprieve for them, pool, bikes, playgrounds," Jessica P. says about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Memphis.
Seasonal activities: Water recreation availability changes throughout the year. A Jellystone Park visitor noted, "We were too early in the season for the blow-up slides but we definitely plan on coming back to enjoy those."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature older concrete pads with erosion issues. "Sites are paved and fairly level. You may need a long potable water hose, 50+ feet," advises Gregory E. about John W Kyle State Park.
RV site accessibility: At Dub Patton Campground, "COE campground. No sewer. Water and electric. Clean and quiet CG with spacious sites," reports Daryl J.
Electrical service reliability: Some parks experience power fluctuations. A camper at EZ Daze RV Park reported voltage readings of "142.5 volts on line 2" causing surge protector shutoffs, suggesting inconsistent electrical service in the region.
