When you think of Jackson, Mississippi, the smells of shrimp and grits and the sounds of blues and gospel music might come to mind. While these southern staples are great reasons to visit Jackson, this large-city-with-a-small-town-feel has much more to offer. The greater Jackson area is an outdoor adventurer’s playground, with a handful of state parks and recreation areas located just outside the city. Mississippi locals and visitors can enjoy ample hunting, hiking, fishing and camping.
To help you make the most of your warm weather weekend plans, we selected five destinations within a four hour drive of Jackson, complete with activity and campground recommendations.
Make Jackson your outdoor adventure hub for these weekend camping getaways.
1. Roosevelt State Park (35 minutes)
What to Do: Located between Meridian and Jackson, this local favorite is a quintessential family camping destination. Roosevelt State Park overlooks the Bienville National Forest, and the 150-acre freshwater lake is open for waterskiing, boating and tubing. If watersports aren’t your thing, the park has nature trails for hiking and biking, as well as picnic areas, tennis courts and a softball field. Check out the event calendar for annual attractions like the Bluegrass Festival and Fourth of July Celebration.
Where to Camp: The spacious and welcoming Roosevelt State Park campground boasts over 100 RV and tent campsites, 15 vacation cabins and a group facility. Campers can enjoy family-friendly amenities such as a playground, disc golf course and media center. Book now.
2. Lake Lincoln State Park (1 hour)
What to Do: If you’re looking for somewhere to disconnect and escape for a few days, add Lake Lincoln State Park to your Mississippi bucket list. Nestled in a grove of hardwood trees, the recreation area is the ideal setting for relaxing and enjoying nature with a good book. For active visitors, Lake Lincoln State Park offers boating, kayaking and jetskiing on the water, as well as a designated swimming beach, scenic hiking and walking trails, and a volleyball court.
Where to Camp: Lake Lincoln State Park is home to over 70 campsites and a handful of cabins and cottages for visitors seeking more comfortable shelter. The modern campground offers a boat ramp, picnic areas, grills, fire rings and a playground for the kids. Book now.
Photo Source: Brian Norwood, CC BY 2.0, commons.wikimedia
Recommended: 5 Epic Weekend Camping Getaways from Austin, Texas
3. Leroy Percy State Park (1 hour, 40 minutes)
What to Do: Exploring Leroy Percy State Park feels like you’re taking a step back in time. It’s Mississippi’s oldest state park, and it’s known for calming nature scenes of sprawling ancient oaks, cypress trees and fresh water springs. The Leroy Percy State Park area includes a wildlife preserve and is a go-to destination for hunters in search of deer, dove and duck. Visitors can enjoy the park’s boat ramp for water sports and fishing, or the hiking trails, playing fields and volleyball court on land.
Where to Camp: A smaller Mississippi campground, Leroy Percy State Park offers 16 campsites, non-marked tent camping areas and eight vacation cabins. For visitors traveling together, the group-friendly campsite is suitable for up to 48 (yes, 48!) people. Book now.
Recommended: 5 Epic Weekend Camping Getaways from Wichita, Kansas
4. Natchez State Park (1 hour, 30 minutes)
What to Do: If you’re an American history buff or architecture fan, Natchez State Park should be your next Mississippi camping destination. The park is located 10 miles from the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River, offering convenient access to incredible historic mansions that are open for guided tours. Natchez State Park is considered one of the state’s best fishing areas, as the largest bass in Mississippi history was caught on Natchez Lake (18.15 pounds!). The park land also offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, lake swimming, boating and birdwatching.
Where to Camp: The Natchez State Park campground offers something for everyone, with 50 campsites and 10 lakeside vacation cabins. Campground amenities include barbeque pits, fire rings, picnic areas, a bathhouse, ranger station and more. Book now.
5. Percy Quin State Park (1 hour, 20 minutes)
What to Do: This nature haven belongs on every Mississippi bucket list. Percy Quin State Park has it all — seasonal flowers, rolling hills, lakeside views and a bonus 18-hole golf course. The 490-acre Lake Tangipahoa is the state park’s star attraction. Spend a day on the lake boating, water skiing, fishing or swimming. On land, explore hiking and biking trails, or take advantage of birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities. Enjoy a well-deserved break at the game room or picnic pavilion.
Where to Camp: Visitors have many camping options at Percy Quin State Park. There are 100 traditional campsites, including a spacious group site. The park also offers two golf course villas and nine motel rooms for upgraded accommodations. Book now.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!