Best Campgrounds In Mississippi

Know some of the histories and discover the best campgrounds in Mississippi for tourists to visit!

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Best Campground in Mississippi | The Magnolia State

Some History

Mississippi is a state known for its rich history and careful preservation of the old southern culture and the memory of those who fought for the south during the Civil War. It is also known as the birthplace of blues music and the home of famous musicians, authors, and public figures such as Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey, William Faulkner, B.B. King, and Jim Henson.

When visiting Mississippi, it's not hard to understand where these famous artists got their inspiration. Its graceful hills, mighty trees, and raging rivers make this state a natural beauty, perfect for spending some time in the great outdoors.

Here are our favorite places to go tent camping in Mississippi.

1. Tishomingo State Park – Tishomingo

Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Tishomingo State Park is steeped in history and scenic beauty. The famous Natchez Trace Parkway, the premier highway of the early 1800s and a modern scenic parkway, runs directly through the park.

Today's visitors to Tishomingo State Park discover the same timeless natural beauty that enchanted the Indians centuries ago. Tishomingo offers a unique landscape of massive rock formations and fern-filled crevices found nowhere else in Mississippi.

Massive boulders blanketed in moss dot the hillsides, and colorful wildflowers border trails once walked by Native Americans.

2. Puskus Lake Recreation Area – Oxford

The Puskus Lake Recreation Area is a lovely place to enjoy the natural beauty of the Holly Springs National Forest. Those looking for an alternative to crowded, concrete recreation areas will delight in Puskus Lake's natural beauty and quiet setting.

Its remote setting convenient to Oxford provides a perfect atmosphere for camping, fishing, hiking, and relaxing.

3. Natchez Trace Parkway – Tupelo

There are more than a dozen campgrounds along the Natchez Trace Parkway corridor, three in the park, and many others just outside the park. The three Parkway campgrounds are free, primitive, and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

They do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations. They are spread out along the Parkway: Rocky Springs (Milepost 54), Jeff Busby (Milepost 193.1) and Meriwether Lewis (Milepost 385).

Many of the other campgrounds along the Parkway corridor offer electricity, showers, and dump stations.

4. Buccaneer State Park – Waveland

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina, the most devastating storm in the history of the United States, came ashore. Winds of over 160 MPH and a tidal surge of nearly 30 feet completely destroyed all of Buccaneer State Park's structures, waterpark, and support facilities.

The park has been under varying stages of reconstruction over the last eight years. The final phase of reconstruction was completed in November of 2013.

Today, Buccaneer has been beautifully restored great for RV camping in Mississippi.

5. Clear Springs Recreation Area – Meadville

The campground, adjacent to Clear Spring Lake, has two loops. One is along a ridge above the lake and the other is at the lakeside.

Most campsites offer a delightful view. The pavilion in the day-use area is the only indication of it's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) origin.

In general, the campground is beautiful, picturesque, and reflects “loving” care. One unusual feature is a bicycle shower located at the trailhead of Tally's Trail.

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6. Arkabutla Lake – Hernanda

Located in both Tate and DeSoto counties in north Mississippi, Arkabutla Lake’s remote location is an ideal setting for a serene retreat. However, if you are looking for a vacation full of fun and excitement, don’t worry… Arkabutla is still the right destination for you!

Located just 30 minutes from Memphis, TN, and Tunica, MS, there is no limit to the fun awaiting you and your family.

7. Davis Bayou Campground – Ocean Springs

The Davis Bayou Area is the only Mississippi area at Gulf Islands National Seashore accessible by car. The area offers many recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy including fishing, hiking, biking, birdwatching, picnicking, and ranger-led programs.

There are no swimming beaches in the Davis Bayou Area.

8. Piney Grove – New Site

The Piney Grove Campground is on Bay Springs Lake, along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in northeastern Mississippi. It's ideal for families and groups of friends looking for lots of water recreation.

9. Paul B. Johnson State Park – Hattiesburg

Located in the heart of Mississippi's pine belt region, Paul B. Johnson is the gateway to a natural wonderland marked by majestic long-leaf and loblolly pines, delicate dogwoods, and ancient oaks. The deep forests surrounding Paul B. Johnson State Park provide a picturesque setting for a variety of outdoor activities.

10. Hugh White State Park – Grenada

Located on scenic Grenada Lake, Hugh White State Park offers the finest outdoor recreation amenities available, all nestled in a setting unmatched in natural beauty. Grenada Lake is best known as a haven for crappie fishermen but is also well-stocked with bass, bream, and catfish.

Hugh White State Park is centrally located between Memphis, Tennessee, and Jackson, Mississippi.

Watch this Arkabutla Lake visit by Rat-race Runaways:

The Magnolia State is never short of amazing destinations. All these state parks, beautiful Mississippi campgrounds map, and rich history will make a memorable trip for you and your family.

Start booking those tickets and have a great time in Mississippi!

Do you have a favorite camping spot in Mississippi that wasn’t included on this list? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on June 21, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.