De Soto National Forest Camping

If you’re looking for a true Southern wilderness escape, De Soto National Forest camping offers a perfect mix of pine forests, slow-moving rivers, and quiet solitude. This massive forest in Mississippi is your gateway to some of the region’s best outdoor experiences, from peaceful paddling to rustic overnight stays.

With over half a million acres, it’s easy to find your own slice of nature here. Whether you prefer a developed campground with amenities or a remote spot you can only reach by boat, this guide will help you plan your trip. Let’s look at what makes camping here so special.

Camping in De Soto National Forest is all about choice. You can find everything from sites with electric hookups to primitive backcountry areas. The forest is divided into several ranger districts, each with its own character and camping options.

The landscape is defined by longleaf pine forests, blackwater creeks, and the unique “pitcher plant” bogs. The weather is generally mild, but summers can be hot and humid, so plan accordingly. Always check the official USDA Forest Service website for alerts, like prescribed burns or temporary closures, before you head out.

Types of Campgrounds Available

You have three main styles of camping to pick from in De Soto.

Developed Campgrounds: These are your best bet for a comfortable basecamp. Sites often include picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and access to restrooms with vault toilets. A few, like the ones at Paul B. Johnson State Park (which lies within the forest), even offer electric and water hookups. They are great for families and larger RVs.
Designated Dispersed Sites: These are primitive, free campsites located along certain forest service roads. They usually have a cleared area, a fire ring, and maybe a table. You won’t find toilets or water here, so you must be self-sufficient. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Backcountry Camping: For the most adventurous, you can camp anywhere in the national forest unless posted otherwise. This means hiking or paddling in to find your own spot. You must follow Leave No Trace principles strictly, packing out all waste and camping at least 200 feet from any water source.

Top Campgrounds in De Soto National Forest

Here are a few standout campgrounds to consider for your trip.

Big Biloxi Recreation Area

This is a favorite for its beautiful setting on the Big Biloxi River. The sites are spacious and shaded, perfect for tents and smaller trailers. You can spend your days fishing, swimming in the designated area, or hiking the trails that start right from the campground. The sound of the river makes for wonderful sleeping conditions.

Turkey Fork Lake

Located near Laurel, this area centers around a 55-acre lake. It’s ideal if you want to combine camping with fishing for bass and bream or paddling a calm lake. The campground is well-maintained and offers a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. The lake loop trail is an easy hike for all ages.

Black Creek Campground

This is the spot for paddlers. It serves as a key access point for the legendary Black Creek, a National Wild and Scenic River. You can camp here before or after a multi-day canoe trip. The sites are basic but scenic, placing you right at the edge of Mississippi’s only designated wild river.

Essential Planning Tips

A little planning goes a long way to ensure a smooth trip. Here are some key things to remember.

Reservations: Most developed campgrounds in De Soto can be reserved through Recreation.gov. For popular areas and holiday weekends, booking ahead is smart. Dispersed sites are always first-come, first-served.
Fees: Developed sites typically range from $10 to $30 per night. Dispersed camping is usually free. Always have cash or a check ready, as some fee tubes may not accept cards.
Water: Do not rely on drinking water being available, even at some developed sites. Always bring all the drinking water you’ll need, or have a reliable filter or purification method for treating water from natural sources.
Cell Service: Assume you will have little to no cell phone reception in most of the forest. Download offline maps and any important information before you arrive.

What to Pack for Your Trip

Packing right is crucial for comfort and safety. Beyond your standard camping gear, focus on these items for De Soto.

Bug Protection: This is non-negotiable. Pack strong insect repellent (DEET or picaridin), a head net for severe areas, and permethrin-treated clothing. Mosquitoes and ticks are very common.
Rain Gear: Sudden showers are frequent. A quality rain jacket and a tarp or rainfly for your camp are essential.
Navigation: A physical map and compass are vital backups for GPS. The forest roads can be confusing and are not always well-marked.
Fire Starter: While you can gather dead and downed wood, bringing your own firestarter or newspaper is a good idea, especially after rain.
Swimwear & Water Shoes: The creeks and rivers are a major part of the experience. Water shoes protect your feet from rocky bottoms.

Must-Do Activities While Camping

Your days in De Soto can be as active or as relaxed as you want. Here are the top activities to build into your itinerary.

Paddling Black Creek

A multi-day canoe or kayak trip down Black Creek is a highlight. You can plan a 2- to 4-day trip, camping on sandbars along the way. The water is tea-colored and calm, flowing through a deep, scenic gorge. Several outfitters in the area offer shuttle services and rentals if you don’t have your own boat.

Hiking the Trails

The forest has a network of trails, from short nature walks to long-distance paths.

Tuxachanie Trail: This 12-mile National Recreation Trail is a gem. It’s a flat, easy hike through pine forests and past historic sites from an old WWII POW camp. You can do shorter out-and-back sections.
Black Creek Trail: This 41-mile trail parallels the river and is part of the National Scenic Trail system. It’s perfect for a long day hike or a backpacking overnighter.

Fishing and Wildlife Viewing

The lakes, rivers, and creeks are home to bass, catfish, and bream. A valid Mississippi fishing license is required. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and even the occasional alligator near water sources. Birdwatchers can spot red-cockaded woodpeckers, a threatened species that depends on the longleaf pine ecosystem.

Visiting the Pitcher Plant Bogs

One of the most unique features of De Soto are its pitcher plant bogs. These open, sunny wetlands are home to carnivorous plants like trumpet pitchers and sundews. The Forest Service maintains boardwalks at the Pitcher Plant Bog site near the Chickasawhay District for easy viewing. Please stay on the boardwalk to protect this fragile environment.

Leave No Trace Principles for De Soto

Protecting this beautiful forest is everyone’s job. Follow these adapted LNT principles closely.

Plan Ahead: Know the regulations for the specific area you’re visiting. Prepare for extreme weather and bring a way to pack out trash.
Camp on Durable Surfaces: Use established campsites. In the backcountry, choose a spot on rock, sand, gravel, or dry grass—never on vegetation near a bog or creek bank.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, including food scraps and toilet paper. For human waste, dig a cathole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water, trails, and camp. Cover it completely when finished.
Leave What You Find: Don’t pick plants, disturb historical structures, or take rocks. Leave everything as you found it for the next person.
Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use existing fire rings. Keep fires small and only use sticks you can break by hand from the ground. Drown your fire completely until it’s cool to the touch.
Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance. Never feed animals, as it alters their natural behavior and is harmful. Store your food securely.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Keep noise levels down, especially at night. Yield to hikers and equestrians on the trail.

Seasonal Considerations

The best time for De Soto National Forest camping depends on your preferences.

Fall (Oct-Nov): Arguably the best season. Temperatures are mild, humidity drops, and bugs are less intense. The foliage can be beautiful.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Cool and often damp, but rarely freezing for long. Excellent for hiking without sweat, and you’ll have the forest mostly to yourself. Just be prepared for cold nights.
Spring (Mar-May): Very pleasant, but this is when insects start to emerge. Wildflowers, including the pitcher plants, are in bloom. It can be busy on weekends.
Summer (Jun-Sep): Hot, humid, and buggy. If you camp in summer, choose a site near water for swimming, plan activities for early morning, and be fanatical about bug spray. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.

FAQs About Camping in De Soto National Forest

Are there any campgrounds with shower facilities?
Yes, but they are limited. The Paul B. Johnson State Park campground, located within the forest boundaries, has bathhouses with hot showers. Most USDA-run campgrounds in De Soto itself only have vault toilets.

Can I have a campfire?
Usually, yes, in provided rings. However, always check for active fire bans or restrictions, especially during dry periods in summer or fall. These are posted at ranger stations and sometimes on the forest website.

What is the closest town for supplies?
Hattiesburg is the largest nearby city and has full grocery stores, outdoor retailers, and gear shops. Smaller towns like Wiggins, Laurel, and Brooklyn also have basic supplies and convenience stores.

Are pets allowed at the campgrounds?
Pets are generally allowed in the national forest but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. You must clean up after your pet. Always double-check the rules for your specific campground.

Is dispersed camping really free?
Yes, camping at designated dispersed sites along forest service roads is free. Remember, these sites have no amenities, so you must bring everything you need and pack out all your trash.

How do I find the dispersed camping areas?
Stop by a local ranger station for a motor vehicle use map (MVUM). This free map shows all the legal forest service roads where you can park and camp. The staff can also point you to popular areas.

What wildlife precautions should I take?
Store all food, trash, and scented items in your vehicle or in a bear-proof container. While black bears are rare, they are present. More common are raccoons and opossums that will raid an unattended cooler. Also, always check for ticks on yourself and your pets after being outdoors.

Final Thoughts Before You Go

De Soto National Forest camping provides a genuine opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in a unique Southern landscape. The key to a great trip is preparation: bringing enough water, packing serious bug defense, and having a good map. Respect the forest by following Leave No Trace, and you’ll help preserve its quiet magic for future visitors. The memories of paddling a dark creek, hiking a silent pine trail, or watching a sunset over a bog are well worth the effort it takes to plan.