Home to several natural forests, Mississippi is an excellent camping destination. Some of the best camping spots are located in the southernmost forests. The state has some of the best camping sites, with most of them distributed along forest roads.
Besides, there are a handful of state-managed free campsites that are equally exciting. If you are a free camping traveller, you will find Mississippi exceptional. Depending on what works for you, there are many campsites you can choose from. This article discusses some of the free campgrounds available in the state of Mississippi.
Natchez Trace Parkway
Address: Natchez Trace Pkwy, United States
Phone: 1-800-305-7417
This park is also known as the “Old Natchez Trace”. It is a historic forest trail in Mississippi that extends around 710 km from Nashville, TN, to Natchez, Mississippi. It also links Cumberland, Tennessee and Mississippi rivers. The Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent location for camping and hiking.
It offers free RV camping given its large grounds. Note that this park works on a first-come, first-serve basis. It has essential amenities like toilets, bathhouses and water. Some campgrounds are connected to electricity. Some of the other activities you can engage in while here include fishing, horse riding, canoeing, swimming, among others.
Brushy Creek Horse Area
Phone: (601) 965-1600
This is one of the most lucrative outdoor recreation destinations in Mississippi. Sitting on a massive 6,500 acres, this site has the largest public recreation land in the state. It has an appealing blend of grassland, native prairie, riparian, and timber habitats.
Furthermore, it has a 690-acre lake which is the deepest artificial pool in the state. It also has an extensive network of trails that make it possible to engage in various activities. Fishing is one of the most common activities available here. With the lake providing 21 miles of shoreline and several fishing jetties, this campground is a beehive of exciting activities.
The availability of a 35-mile trail also makes it possible to engage in snow blowing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and country skiing. The Brushy Creek Horse Area has essential amenities like toilets, electricity, bathrooms, and water.
Airey Recreation Area
Address: 188 City Rd, Perkinston, MS 39573, USA
Managed by the United States Forest Service, Airey Recreation Area is located within the De Soto National Forest. This campground is an ideal location for camping and hiking, given that the Tuxachanie Trail passes just nearby. Other activities like bird watching are also available for spirit rejuvenation.
The location has several campsites, with each having picnic tables. Group camping is accepted here, meaning you are free to bring friends and family. There is a 3-acre lake for fun activities like fishing and canoeing. The facility also allows free RV camping, making it even better. Essential amenities like water and toilets are available for use.
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
Phone: (205)373-8705
This is easily an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. From camping to fishing to picnicking, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway has all to offer. The campground has a river section that stretches from Amory, Mississippi, to Demopolis, Alabama. It encompasses four locks and dams, as well as a length of 149 miles.
Furthermore, it has a canal section that stretches north from Amory, Mississippi, to Jamie Lock and Dam near Dennis, Mississippi. Some of the activities you can engage in while here include boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking. Furthermore, the campground has toilets, water, bathrooms and some campsite are connected to electricity.
Chewalla Lake Recreation Area
Address: 726 Chewalla Lake Rd, Holly Springs, MS 38635, United States
Phone: +1662-236-6550
Located in the Holly Springs Ranger District in north Mississippi, the Chewalla Lake Recreation Area is an exciting location to camp. While here, you can enjoy activities like swimming and relaxing on the lake shores. You can also participate in fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
It is important to note that RV camping is available at this facility. Chewalla Lake Recreation Area has 36 campgrounds, with nine of them connected to electricity. Some of the activities awaiting you at this campground include boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking.
Davis Bayou Campground
Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, United States
Phone: +1228-230-4136
Located east of downtown Ocean Springs, Davis Bayou Campground is another exciting destination for camping in Mississippi. Davis Bayou Campground is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. You can enjoy several fun activities; they include; hiking trails, biking, fishing, and boating.
Note that RV camping is available at this campground that works on a first-come, first-serve basis. Essential amenities in the form of flushable toilets, bathhouses, and water are also available. The campground is large enough to accommodate RVs up to 45 feet long
Bienville National Forest
Address: Lake, MS 39092, United States
Phone: +1601-469-3811
Bienville National Forest is located in central Mississippi. It is a natural reserve that features over 150,000 acres of land. For campers and hikers, this is an excellent location to consider. There are several miles of hiking trails that you can use for other activities like horse riding. There are also nature trails that can be fun for nature walks.
The forest has multi-use trails that are ideal for horseback riding and biking. If you are a hunter, this is a tranquil environment for you, with the forest populated with deers. This area is also ideal for birdwatching, with rare species of birds found within. The campground has all the essential amenities like water, flushable toilets, bathrooms, and electricity.
American Legion Post 33
Address: 1126 Judge Sekul Ave Biloxi MS. 39530
This is another exciting camping destination in Mississippi. It has paved roads that are ideal for fun activities like skateboarding, skating, bike riding, and horse riding. The campground has up to 15 campsites, with the maximum RV length unlimited.
For pet owners, this campground is ideal for you. Furthermore, the campground has essential amenities like toilets and bathhouses. You can also have access to basic bar food daily, with fun events organized on Friday and Saturday nights.
Bethel Mountain Bike Trail
Address: Saucier, MS 39574, United States
This 14.8 kilometres lightly trafficked loop trail is located in Saucier, MS. The Bethel Mountain Bike Trail features a river and is ideal for all skill levels. In most cases, the trail is used for mountain biking and hiking. If you have pet dogs, they can also use this trail. Given its large area, this campground allows RV camping.
Some of the other activities you can participate in include birdwatching, nature walks and hiking. Essential amenities like toilets, bathrooms and water are available. The campground has several campsites, with seven of them connected to electricity.
Bienville WMA – Clinton Rd – Forest, Mississippi
Located along the Clinton Road Forest in Mississippi, Bienville WMA is an exciting campsite you should consider. It is part of the large Bienville National Forest that covers a portion of Mississippi. This campground has a large area that provides an ideal environment for camping and hiking. Note that this facility doesn’t accept reservations as it works on a first-come, first-serve basis. Important amenities like toilets, water, bathrooms, and electricity are available.
Bigfoot Horse Camp & Trail – Perkinston, Mississippi
Address: 206 Government Road 440 | Perkinston, MS 39573
Phone: (601) 528-6180
Located in the De Soto National Forest in Mississippi, Big Foot Horse Trail and Camp is a campground you should consider. It has a large area with essential amenities like water, flushable toilets, and bathrooms. There are several campsites that are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The large fields make this site an excellent location for activities like hiking, nature walks, birdwatching, and bike riding. Furthermore, it has several picnic tables scattered throughout the area. They are equipped with fire rings, grills and benches for warmth and comfort.
