Fall in Mississippi doesn’t necessarily come with changing leaves, cooler weather, or even a break from the humidity. Because of its southeastern coastal location, the summer heat tends to stick around, with cooler weather moving in closer to the end of the year. Although it may not feel like fall outside, the state celebrates the season well; just a little differently. Fall festivals in Mississippi bring hot tamales, balloons, crafts, antiques and plenty of music.
4 Fall Festivals in Mississippi with Camping Nearby
Visit these four Mississippi hotspots for fall festivities, and checkout what The Dyrt campers recommend for Mississippi camping nearby.
1. Delta Hot Tamale Festival
The weekend of October 18-20 is going to be a hot one in downtown Greenville, where the Delta Hot Tamale Festival will be host to regional artists, musicians and tamale makers, as well as some of the south’s most celebrated writers and chefs. While arts and crafts vendors will be selling locally-made pottery, jewelry, and art, there will be plenty of tamale cooking and sampling. Enjoy a literary/culinary mashup dinner, with plenty of fun for people of all ages. For those in the know, there is also a pre-festival dinner the night before the activities begin where you can hob-knob with the authors, chefs and foodies before anyone else.
While you’re there, camp at nearby Warfield Point Park where 80 acres of cottonwood trees are nestled in direct access to the Mississippi River. Overnight camping facilities and RV parking is available, along with picnicking and disc golf. There’s also a 38-foot observation tower so you can take in awe-inspiring views of the mighty Mississippi River in all its glory. And don’t worry, there are showers so you can get cleaned up and dressed in your tamale-eating finest.
Camp Here2. Great Mississippi River Balloon Race
Is there anything more breathtaking than dozens of vibrantly-colored hot air balloons punctuating the majestic Mississippi sky? The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race takes place October 19-21 in Natchez, and features not only this amazing race but plenty of activities ranging from carnival games and live music to the Blufftoberfest biergarten, arts and crafts, food and an NFL/NCAA sports tent to keep up with your favorite teams.
If you’re looking for quality camping while attending this Mississippi fall festival, look no further than the Natchez State Park , about 10 miles north of the historic city of Natchez, which is the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River, by the way. Natchez State Park has eight primitive campsites and 50 standard, along with 10 cabins. There’s disc golf, a boat launching ramp, a bath house, plenty of fishing and hiking, and even a campground for the kids. When it comes to camping in Mississippi, The Dyrt camper Brad O. writes that it’s “another must visit in Mississippi.”
Camp Here3. Taylorsville Grillin’ & Chillin’ BBQ Festival
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If smoked meats are your thing, then head down to Taylorsville on November 3 to experience one of the best-tasting fall festivals in Mississippi. The Taylorsville Grillin’ n Chillin BBQ Festival is a free event and one day only with live music, a BBQ cook-off, a car show, arts and crafts and plenty of good eating. This is a very family-friendly event. Gates open at 9 a.m.
As for camping accommodations, just around 30 minutes from Taylorsville is Simpson County Lake, where you can experience some of the best fishing in the area. But don’t take our word for it. The Dyrt camper JB. writes, “I have fished many times in this lake. It is a very nice sized lake and is stocked with bass, blue gill and red ear, crappie and catfish.” With several piers to fish off of, Simpson County Lake has 11 campsites for tent camping, with electric and water hookups, picnic tables, showers and plenty of trails to hike. There’s also a boat launch.
Camp Here4. The Mistletoe Marketplace
For three days starting November 7, the 38th annual Mistletoe Marketplace festival will take place in Jackson, featuring three auctions–live, silent, and premier. There will also be a tween fashion show, plenty of shopping from local and regional vendors, craft beer and fun stations to keep your kids busy while you shop. Items for sale range from women’s and men’s clothing and accessories to art and antiques to home decor and books and stationary. Tickets to the event are $10 online for adults, $5 for children and seniors. If you choose to buy your tickets at the door, the price is $15.
If you’re looking to escape the bustle of Mississippi’s capital for the night, go camping at nearby Roosevelt State Park, about 30 minutes outside of Jackson. There, you’ll find standard and premium campsites, RV parking, cabins and group camping. Plus, the park offers a magnificent view of Bienville National Forest. This is one of the more colorful fall festivals in Mississippi, as the leaves of the large hardwood forest should be transitioning to fall colors, brightening the park with gorgeous warm hues.
The Dyrt camper Danielle L. writes, “This campsite was not crowded at all and really peaceful. I stayed in site 13 which was right on the lake. The view was beautiful. The spot was really large with plenty of room for tents and hammocks. There are trails close by that were nice to walk on…It was a great park!”
Camp HereRelated Campgrounds:
- Paradise Ranch, Tylertown, MS
