Mississippi is the perfect place for all those who love to explore the great outdoors. We’re one of America’s most densely forested states (about 60 percent of the state covered by tree canopies) with numerous national and state forests offering hiking trails and other outdoor recreation opportunities. There are plentiful lakes, rivers, and Gulf Coast barrier islands to explore, too! For campers seeking a more luxurious camping experience, furnished platform tents and cabin rentals are through Tentrr, VRBO, and other booking services. Be sure to check websites for seasonal information, operating hours, fees, and important rules and policies before traveling.
Mississippi has six barrier islands, including four that are part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Horn Island, a local favorite, can be reached via private charters that operate along the coast. The undeveloped island is a local favorite that offers a “wild” island experience. Camping is permitted, but be aware that Horn Island is a wilderness area – there are no facilities or park staff on the island.
Visitors to Mississippi are often surprised by the abundance of forested lands found throughout the state. But even longtime residents are struck by the natural beauty of Tishomingo State Park, with its massive rock formations, hidden waterfalls, and historic swinging bridge. A campground of 61 campsites is available for RV camping, and two primitive camping areas provide 17 additional campsites. Reservations may be made up to 24 months in advance.
Situated in a scenic setting on the Gulf of Mexico, Waveland’s Buccaneer State Park features more than 200 premium developed campsites with full amenities including sewer. The park offers amenities including scenic nature trails, 18-hole disc golf, and a large playground. Buccaneer Bay, a 4.5-acre waterpark (admission charged), features waterslides and a wave pool.
LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is a scenic oasis in the heart of Mississippi’s capital city. The park offers 28 campsites suitable for tents or RVs (equipped with water and electrical hook-ups). The state park is home to a 50-acre lake, a nine-hole golf course, and a museum complex that includes the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, and a state-of-the-art playground offering 30,000 square feet of activities for children ages 6 months to 12 years old.
Black Creek is recognized as a National Wild & Scenic River thanks to its natural, cultural, and recreational value. The creek, which is located within the De Soto National Forest, offers six launch points for canoes with rentals available from local providers. Primitive camping is allowed all along the stream within the National Forest, and a number of trails can be accessed near the river.
Photo by Flickr user Tim Palmer. Used with permission.
Blue Bluff Campground and Recreation Area is on the Aberdeen Lake section of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in Mississippi. The scenic recreation area offers both a campground and day-use area that’s popular for picnicking, fishing, and swimming. Tours of the nearby Aberdeen Lock and Dam can also be scheduled. Note: Campsites must be reserved in advance at Recreation.gov.
Located just off the Natchez Trace near Port Gibson, Rocky Springs Campground offers visitors an opportunity to camp near the “ghost town” of Rocky Springs, a small town that was abandoned by its residents for a variety of reasons in the 1930s. Visitors can enjoy primitive camping on a 22-site campground (available first come, first served) with picnic tables, restrooms, and self-guided walking trails through the old town site, the spring, and nearby Owens Creek Waterfall.
Percy Quin State Park is located in McComb, just 30 minutes from New Orleans, in a scenic setting featuring rolling hills along the shores of Lake Tangipahoa. The park offers 100 RV campsites, 27 cabins, 4 cottages, 2 golf villas, 9 motel rooms, and a group camp facility.
Sunset at Percy Quin photo by Flickr user Bart Everson, used under CC BY 2.0 license.