Camping Along the Natchez Trace

[SpeakEasy]

The National Park Service has a website that gives a list of all the campgrounds ON and NEAR the parkway. However, it doesn't give enough information for my needs. So, I took some time and explored each one's website and looked up each on on RV Park Reviews. I created a Word document that includes hyperlinks to each campground's website. There are 20 or so campgrounds on the list.

I thought people here might appreciate the information I collected all in one place. For each campground I copied and pasted a few sentences from their website, I wrote down the RV Park Review rating, I made a couple notes of things that jumped out at me after reading a few reviews, and I wrote down information about prices. At the time I was making this I wasn't thinking about sharing it, so the prices reflect my perspective: senior citizen prices and holder of an America the Beautiful Senior Pass.

Here is my list, without the hyperlinks:

==>River View RV Park – Mile -0 – Vidalia, MS
“We are located on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River in Vidalia, Louisiana, a sportsman's paradise.  We are just across the bridge from Historic Natchez, Mississippi, the oldest settlement on the Mississippi.  We are open year round & there is always something to do or see in our area.  Our area offers wonderful opportunities for hunting or fishing, touring the many Antebellum homes in Natchez, exploring the Natchez Trace or simply relaxing & watching the river traffic as the barges & paddleboats go by.  We have 135 Full Hook Up sites in our main park, Wi-Fi, 2 furnished cottages, primitive camping, clubhouse, pool, hot tub, playground, a 1.5 mile concrete walking path on the riverfront, 24 hour laundry facility, private restrooms & showers,  supply store, meeting room, propane, security, RV storage, and a friendly, helpful staff!  We like utilizing Workampers, so if you are interested, please go to our Workamper Page for more details”

Rated 8.2

Has hot tub and pool

Has sites right on the Mississippi so you can watch boat traffic.

$45 for prime, concrete sites; $41 for prime grass sites

==>Natchez State Park – Mile 8.1 – Natchez, MS
“Natchez State Park is located just 10 miles north historic Natchez, the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River. Prior to the Civil War, over half of the millionaires in the entire United States lived in Natchez, constructing elegant mansions unrivaled in size and elegance by any in the nation. Most of these splendid homes were spared during the Civil War, and many are now open for tours. Natchez State Park is also famous in its own right. The largest bass in Mississippi history, a largemouth weighing 18.15 pounds, was caught in Natchez lake in 1992”

Rated 8.0

Sites are available – even on Easter, but no waterfront sites.

One reviewer says, “not a destination” OK for a one-night stay

$22 for an electric site.

==>Grand Gulf Military Park - Mile 37.5 – Port Gibson, MS
In May of 1962, the Grand Gulf Military Monument Park was officially opened, dedicated to preserving the memory of both the town and the battle in which occurred there. Located eight miles northwest of Port Gibson, Mississippi off Highway 61, this 400 acre landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes Fort Cobun and Fort Wade, the Grand Gulf Cemetery, a museum, campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, an observation tower, and several restored buildings dating back to Grand Gulf's heyday.
Park guests can step back in time and relive history as it was made. Beginning at the museum, you can trace the development of Grand Gulf through early photographs, maps, scale models, and authentic artifacts found in the area. Coaches and carriages bear silent witness to the days when Grand Gulf was bustling with people; while Union and Confederate uniforms, cannon balls, and muskets remain to tell of the fierce fighting that took place during the latter stage of the Civil War.
The old town of Grand Gulf has an interesting history and the museum displays items from the early days of the booming town. Also in the museum are items such as a Mastodon bone, Civil War artifacts, items used and paper artifacts from the early 1800's up to the 1950's. Day visitors & campers are surprised at this wonderful park and museum. In the near future come and visit the past, at Grand Gulf.

Rated 8.5

8 miles off the highway, “but worth the drive”

It looks like they don’t take reservations, but there seems to be no shortage of availability.

$23 per night (senior rate) includes museum admission. Full hookups.

==>Rocky Springs – Mile 54.8 – A Park Service Campground – right on the Parkway
“Specifically I'd like to talk about the Rocky Springs Campground which is located on the Parkway about 1/2 way between Jackson, MS and Natchez. The campground is administered by the National Park Service as part of the parkway. Rocky Springs is located in a very rural area. There are no towns or cities close by. Black bears have been known to wander through the area but are extremely rare. Don't expect to see one. Surrounded by thick forests Rocky Springs consists of a campground, hiking trails, a picnic area and historic areas. First, the campground. Camping at Rocky Springs is free. Campsites are on a first come, first serve basis. Most are shaded, with a picnic table, and accommodate tents to fairly large motor homes. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. There are a couple of modern bathrooms in the camping area, but no showers. Campfires are OK if conditions permit. Would suggest you bring your own firewood, since only downed wood can be used and it can be hard to find. We've been camping at Rocky Springs on a regular basis for 30 years. Take a short hike, wade in the creek, then return to your campsite and enjoy the sounds of the night. We are often sung to sleep by the distant howl of coyotes. Rocky Springs also has a picnic area with nice, shaded tables and grills. There is a bathroom in the picnic area. Finally, there are the remains of a ghost town. The only building still standing is a historic church built in the early 1800's. (note that the church is actually outside of the park, but there is a trail & is accessible from the park) Fall and spring are our favorite times to visit the park. A spring treat are the beautiful dogwoods which are abundant in the picnic area. In the fall you'll find the same trees have changed to brilliant red. Mosquitoes can be an issue during the summer so be sure to take plenty of repellent. Raccoons will probably visit your campsite at night so be sure food is secured. Enjoy!”

Rated 7.6

No reservations.

Has restrooms but no hookups.

$0

==>Springridge Mobile Estates and RV Park – Mile 89 – Clinton, MS
“Conveniently located in Clinton, Mississippi just two blocks South of Interstate 20 Exit 36 on the West side of Jackson. Whether you're looking for a safe, family friendly community located within a school district that is regularly ranked as one of the top public school districts in Mississippi or just a peaceful convenient location to call home, Springridge offers the best of all worlds.”

Rated 5.3

$33 full hookups. Dump fee is $5.

==>Timber Lake Campground at Barnett Reservoir – Mile 102 – Brandon, MS
“Timberlake Campground boasts of being one of the finest recreational destinations in the Southeast. Some of the many assets found at Timberlake include a recreation building with  TV room, laundry, outdoor tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Other amenities include grills, picnic tables, a boat launch, full hook-ups, a comfort station, access to bike trails and disc golf…all adjacent to the beautiful Barnett Reservoir.
Campers can enjoy a resident manager, nightly and permanent RV sites with water, electricity and sewer, or choose pop-up tent sites with water and electricity.
For the best of both worlds, Timberlake combines the great outdoors with nearby shopping centers and a variety of restaurants to suit anyone's taste.”

Rated 7.7

Has waterfront sites (on reservoir)

Has lots of long-term residents.

Has a “nice, but small” swimming pool.

Can’t find anything about reservations.

$28 senior rate for a “premium” site.

==>Jeff Busby Campground – Mile 193.1 - A Park Service Campground – right on the Parkway – Tupelo, MS
“Jeff Busby campground includes an 18-site campground, picnic tables, restrooms, trails, exhibits and an overlook atop Little Mountain. Campground sites are on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Pull-through and back-in sites are available. Campgrounds are typically busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends.”

Rated 8.4

No reservations.

Has restrooms but no hookups.

$0

==>Stinkin’ Jim’s Horse Park and Campground – Mile 230 – Houston, MS

Rated 8.3

Lots of comments about the great hospitality, but one negative review about them being “a bunch of drunks.”

website is out of commission, so no info on rates or reservations.

==>Davis Lake Campground – Mile 243.1 - A Park Service Campground – right on the Parkway –
“Davis Lake Recreation Area is home to beautiful Davis Lake, Campground and Day Use Area, popular for all kinds of recreational opportunities, including swimming, fishing, boating, birding and wildlife viewing. The surrounding scenic forests make Davis Lake a picturesque place to spend quality time outdoors.”

Rated 8.9

$20 but we’d get a 50% discount because it is run by the Forest Service.

==>Natchez Trace RV Park – Mile 251.6 – Tupelo, MS
“Although we are from Wisconsin and Illinois, we picked the hills on the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway for our retirement years. Now we want you to enjoy the natural beauty of this area with us.
Nestled in the heart of North Misissippi's rolling hills, our campground offers a perfect place to relax for an evening or a week of evenings. Located just minutes from the excitement of Tupelo, one of Mississippi's fastest growing cities.
Have a Blessed Day- Jerry and Diane”


Rated 7.2

They have a pool.

“Not a destination site, but an excellent choice for an overnight”

No information on website about rates.

==>Trace State Park – Mile 259.7 – Belden, MS
“Trace State Park offers a quiet, natural retreat located just minutes from the excitement of Tupelo, one of Mississippi's fastest growing cities. Trace State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities ranging from fishing and water sports to exploring miles of secluded nature trails. Trace State Park also adds to Mississippi's History as within the park was once called the home of one America's early and colorful pioneers, Davy Crockett. Crockett lived here as a horse trader with the Chickasaw Indians after his defeat for re-election to Congress in his home state of Tennessee. It was while living here he learned of his friend, Sam Houston's plight in Texas and traveled there to help and was later killed in the Battle of the Alamo”

Rated 8.5

NOTE: Their website indicates that the main lake is drained and closed.

$28 for premium campsites

==>Tombigbee State Park – Mile 263.6 – Tupelo, MS
“Located just six miles south of Tupelo, Mississippi - Tombigbee State Park offers the finest in outdoor recreation opportunities minutes from one of Mississippi's premier shopping, dining, and entertainment areas. Tupelo is the site of the bi-annual Tupelo Furniture Market, home of the Elvis Presley Birthplace, and the headquarters of the Natchez Trace Parkway.”

Rated 8.2

$28 for premium campsites

==>Campground at Barnes Crossing – Mile 266 – Tupelo, MS
“The Campgrounds at Barnes Crossing can be part of your home away from home!

Located in a beautiful secluded wooded area just outside of Tupelo, MS, just a stones throw away from the Natchez Trace Parkway. We are 1/2 mile from over 30 restaurants and The Mall at Barnes Crossing, the largest mall in North Mississippi with over 100 stores and let's not forget WALMART!

Also enjoy the scenery of our flowers, birds and squirrels through out the campground.

We offer FULL HOOK-UPS, FREE Cable TV & WIFI Access at every site!

Rates are available per Day, Week or Month.

RV parts and a full service center at Camper City (local).”

Rated 8.2

$43 for a full-hookup site

==>Piney Grove Campground – Mile 293.5 – COE Campground
“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.”


Rated 8.7

Beautiful, paved COE typical sites.

Waterfront sites are $24, and we’d get a 50% discount.

==>Tishomingo State Park – Mile 303.9 – Tishomingo, MS
“Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Tishomingo State Park is steeped in history and scenic beauty. Archaeological excavations confirm the presence of Paleo Indians in the area now encompassed by the park as early as 7000 B.C.! The park takes its name from the leader of the Chickasaw nation, Chief Tishomingo. 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.”


Rated 7.3

Some reviewers report deferred maintenance and neglect.

$28 for premium campsites

==>Colbert County Rose Trail Park – Mile 320 – Tuscumbia, AL
no comments from owners.

A county park

no reviews

$9 for seniors for water/electric sites

==>David Crockett State Park – Mile 369.9 – Lawrence County, TN
“David Crockett State Park has a total of 111 sites including 8 primitive sites in Campground #1.  Many of the sites are equipped with a table, fire ring/grill combo, 30-amp electric and water hookups.
Centralized bathhouses provide hot showers and restrooms. A dump station is available for self-contained rigs.
Campsites may be reserved by calling the park or online. Stay limit is two weeks during peak season and 28 days during the off-season. Campground #1 (along Shoal Creek) is open from April 15 through November 15. Campground #2 is open year round.”

Rated 7.3

Hilly; hard to find a level site.

$24 per night for site with water and electric.

==>Thousand Trails – Mile 380 – Hohenwald, TN
“A beautifully wooded RV camp in Tennessee is within reach when you book a Natchez Trace RV Camping trip. Don't forget your camera! This picturesque Tennessee RV campground features 830 acres of stunning views in a relaxing environment. There's also plenty to do at Natchez Trace. Take a pontoon tour on our 3-mile lake. Anglers can fish for bass, shellcracker and crappie.
Exploring outside Natchez Trace RV Camping can be just as exciting. Located just southwest of Nashville, Natchez Trace RV Camping offers guests easy access to this active city full of nightlife, museums, live entertainment, theme parks and more. Furthermore, interesting day trips include Loretta Lynn's Dude Ranch in Hurricane Mills and the home of President James Polk in Columbia.”

Rated 3

Nuf said.

==>Meriwether Lewis NPS Campground - Mile 385.9 – Park Service Campground

Rated 8.6

No reservations.

Has restrooms but no hookups.

$0

==>Fall Hollow Village – Mile 391 – Hohenwald, TN
“Our primitive sites include areas in an "open field" with partial or no shade, or in the woods. There are 3 "beach area" sites in the woods, where you can camp right on Big Swan Creek, or you can choose to go deeper into the woods for a more rustic experience.”


Rated 6.6


$30 for full hookup, 30-amp service.

[Lwiddis]

Very helpful for those unfamiliar with the Trace....even from a Yankee.

[Rede2]

Thank you for posting this!

[Isaac-1]

thanks