Camping Gems - Places to Go in Mississippi
Mississippi Gulf Coast
Set on the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi Gulf Coast offers warm waters for swimming and water sports, incredible golfing, and a variety of cultural activities. Head to one of the Gulf Coast towns -- Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis, Ocean Springs, and Pass Christian -- to explore miles of sandy beaches and gentle ocean surf. You can try your hand at sport fishing for deep-water fish like mackerel and snapper, take a shrimping trip, or visit one of the lovely ante-bellum mansions in the area.
Biloxi
With miles of white-sand beaches, a thriving arts scene, and vibrant town festivals, Biloxi is an ideal romantic getaway. Sailing, boating, and fishing are popular pursuits in this area, so you'll find plenty of fishing charters and boats for rent. Enjoy some golfing, explore the town, and don't miss the April Crawfish Festival or the May Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival.
Natchez Trace Parkway
The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates an ancient trail that connected southern portions of the Mississippi River, through Alabama, to salt licks in today's central Tennessee. Today, visitors can experience this National Scenic Byway and All-American Road through driving, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping
Vicksburg National Military Park
Vicksburg was a fortress located on high ground guarding the Mississippi River. Its surrender on July 4, 1863, coupled with the fall of Port Hudson, Louisiana, divided the South, and gave the North undisputed control of the Mississippi River. The Vicksburg battlefield includes 1,330 monuments and markers, a 16 mile tour road, a restored Union gunboat, and a National Cemetery.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Located on the Isle aux Oies River, this grand estate garden includes a conservatory, nature walk, water features, and several themed gardens. Here you'll find a beautifully restored 15-room mansion containing priceless furnishings, surrounded by the breathtaking 65-acre floral garden. (12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore, 251-973-2217)
Bonita Lakes, Meridian
This 3,300-acre park includes three lakes, the Long Creek Reservoir, and the Lakeview Golf Course. Let is its nearly natural state this park has nature trails, jogging and walking paths, horseback riding areas, paddle boats, and fishing areas. There's also a boat ramp, if you bring your own craft. (Hwy 19 South, near I-20/59 exchange, 601-485-1920)
Gulf Islands National Seashore
The gorgeous barrier islands are an outdoor playground. This National Seashore runs from Gulf Breeze, Florida to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, giving visitors the chance to go biking, hiking, fishing, boating, sailing, and swimming on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Featured wildlife includes beach mice, otters, dolphins, and many shorebirds and song birds.
The Oaks, Jackson
This small antebellum cottage is where General Sherman stayed in 1863 while he was taking control of Jackson. To see another restored cottage visit the Manship House (1857) (420 East Fortification Street, 601-961-4724). As you tour this house make sure and note the wood graining and marbling done by Charles Henry Manship, the ornamental painter who built the house in 1857. (823 N Jefferson St., 601-353-9339)
Lake Okatibbee
Fish for largemouth and striped bass, crappie, and catfish on this beautiful lake in the Pascagoula River Basin. This 3,800 acre lake has not only campsites but also boat ramps, great fishing, swimming, water skiing, hiking, and picnicking sites. (Okatibbee Dam Road, 601-626-8068)
Natchez
Romantic Natchez has amazing history and great southern hospitality. Take a ride on the Natchez Trolley, head out on a Historic City Tour, or choose a Carriage Tour. With more than 500 structures built before the Civil War, you are going to want to be sure and wander down some of the town's streets, like Wall Street where you'll find the Governor Holmes House, the Adams County Court House, the William Mercer House, and White Wings. |
Mississippi