Waterside camping in Mississippi with campfires
Find history, recreation, and scenery in the Magnolia State of Mississippi.
- Mississippi
Popular camping styles for Mississippi
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterside camping in Mississippi with campfires guide
Overview
Mississippi’s Gulf Coast might be the most well-known camping area in this Southern state, but excellent options can also be found further inland. Tour the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, find a patch of the Appalachian Mountains, or set up on lakeshores. Campers will find 25 state parks, numerous National Park Service units, recreation areas, and national forests, as well as deluxe RV parks and everything in between.
Where to go
Mississippi’s Gulf Coast
Some of the state’s most divine camping is found along the Gulf Coast. Gulf Islands National Seashore protects over 135,000 acres of the mainland and barrier islands in Mississippi and Florida. Hike amid the sand dunes, hit the waters in a boat or kayak, go deep-sea fishing, or explore wonders under the waters. Further inland, Clark Creek Nature Area is a fascinating landscape, with 700 acres of bluffs and pines. The National Park Service’s Davis Bayou Campground can accommodate tent and RV camping within the National Seashore. Private RV parks and glamping rentals can be found in beachside towns like Ocean Springs and Biloxi. Or, venture along the coast to find Gulfport and Bay St. Louis and more.
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
One way to explore the state is with a drive along the NPS’s Natchez Trace Parkway. Crossing three states, the bulk of the parkway runs diagonally across Mississippi along a 444-mile route paralleling the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. It offers a trek through time, following pathways formed by Native Americans, early European settlers, and more. The National Park Serve offers three first-come-first-served primitive campgrounds along the Natchez Trace. Campsites are free and can accommodate both tents and RVs. Plan a longer stop in Natchez, which has several private RV parks and glamping options, including Natchez State Park. This town overlooks the Mississippi River and offers a lot of character.
Northern Mississippi
Northern Mississippi is home to the state’s mountains. They may not be as high as other peaks, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t scenic. This small section of the Appalachians is home to Tishomingo State Park, an unexpected land of ferns, waterfalls, and craggy bluffs. A wooded campground offers RV sites and primitive tent camping. Two grand lakes provide recreation and scenery. Sardis Lake is a popular camping area to the west, and Bay Springs Lake is a favorite in the east. The Army Corps of Engineers operates several waterfront campgrounds.
