Located in the southwest of Mississippi, Homochitto National Forest is comprised of 191,839 acres of stunning forest and grassland. Named after the Homochitto River, which is the Native American name for the Big Red River, the National Forest is situated near the cities of Natchez to the west and Brookhaven to the east.
Following reforestation efforts in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Homochitto National Forest quickly developed into a prime recreation spot for those looking to get away with their campervan and relax in the wilderness. The campground is exceptionally well kept, and the picturesque surrounding reflects the concerted effort to keep the area looking tidy. There are over 850 species of plants in Homochitto National Forest, and it was home to the discovery of a new species of stonefly, the Allocapnia stark.
The luscious green area is home to several beautiful lakes and trails. The heavily wooded area is perfect for anyone wanting to explore on their next RV trip. Homochitto National Forest boasts a wide range of activities in both peak and off-season. The area is ideal for hunting, fishing, camping, mountain biking, and hiking, on some of the best trails the South has to offer. Homochitto is also RV-friendly, which makes it perfect for your next vacation. Read on for details about the Clear Spring Campground, the only official campground in the Forest.
Homochitto National Forest is around 32 miles from the nearest town of Natchez and 35 miles from Brookhaven. It is incredibly easy to access using a car, camper, or RV. From either of the cities, you need to take US Highway 83. The National Forest has a maximum RV length of 59 feet, but even rigs at this size won't have an issue navigating the roads within the park. Vehicles like campervans will also be fine throughout.
Once arriving at the park entrance, the main campsite, Clear Springs, is around four miles south of the highway. The roads become slightly more winding off the main round, but they suitable for RVs. Always make sure to check for adverse weather. All of the roads are paved within the recreation area. There are clear routes to the pavilion, parking area, amphitheater, and restrooms. However, take note that slopes are steeper than eight percent, and there are no accessible routes to the beach or fishing area for RVs or other vehicles.
The beautiful Clear Springs Campground, which is nestled among towering trees, has 22 sites available. All of the sites have 50-amp electricity hookups, as well as water hookups. For you RV or trailer, there are dump stations provided, and potted water is accessible all year round. If you are camping, there is a bathhouse and toilets for you to use.
The campsites have easy access to the walking trails that the area has to offer, and fishing at Okhissa Lake is a short drive away. Throughout the Clear Springs Recreation Area the roads are paved. However, large trucks with trailers may need to be cautious because some of the slopes can reach eight percent. For families and big groups, there are large pavilions areas, and each camping spot has a picnic area. Be aware that there are no accessible routes to the beach or fishing areas, but all of the restrooms and bathhouses are ADA-accessible.
The beautiful 12-acre spring-fed Clear Springs Lake is ideal for anyone wanting to cool off and take a swim. There is ample parking for a rig or trailer nearby, as well as three restrooms and a picnic area to enjoy the surroundings. At the lake, there is a roped area suitable for swimming but be aware that there is not a lifeguard on duty. Homochitto National Forest has also placed some restrictions on the times swimming is allowed. Typically swimming is allowed between the March and September. You can also swim at the expansive 1,075-acre Okhissa Lake from a boat, however, swimming from the shoreline is not permitted.
Homochitto National Forest is home to an outstanding day hike. Winding through the expansive Clear Spring Recreation Area is the Richardson Creek Trail. This 10-mile hike navigates through the beautiful recreation area and highlights the best the wilderness has to offer. Traversing over rivers, the loop is considered moderately difficult but is generally quiet and perfect for anyone looking for a good challenge. The trail is open all year-round and allows mountain bikes and dogs, as long as they are kept on a leash.
Home to two beautiful lakes, Clear Springs and Okhissa, Homochitto National Forest is the perfect location to bring your trailer and have a picnic. Okhissa has three large parking areas that can accommodate even big camping trailers and has an incredible 39 miles of shoreline for you to enjoy. Clear Springs boasts a dedicated picnic area among an array of pine and mixed hardwood trees. It has 22 picnic sites that have potable water all year round and quick access to the main hiking trails in the area.
Made famous by the world-renowned fisherman Bill Dance, the main area for fishing at Homochitto is at the expansive Okhissa Lake. The lake has two boat ramps suitable for casual boating fans or those wishing to partake in more serious fishing endeavors. Although, be aware that fishing with trotlines, yo-yos, nets, and throw lines is prohibited on the lake. At Clear Springs lake you will find Largemouth bass, Bream, and Channel catfish, which can all be accessed via the Clear Spring Lake Trail.
Homochitto National Forest has an area entirely dedicated to horse enthusiasts. Brushy Creek Horse Trail is a 5.5-mile trail that allows you to take advantage of the steeper terrain that Mississippi has to offer. The trail is open all year-round and will enable you to explore a quieter and less disturbed part of the forest. However, water is not available, and there is, unfortunately, no restrooms along the way. When horse-riding at Homochitto, it is essential to remember that parking your horse trailer in the day-use area is against the rules.
Situated near the Homochitto Range District is the Woodman Springs Shooting Range. This shooting shelter is perfect for anyone wanting to get some practice, and it is open all year round. As well as four shooting tables, it also comes equipped with 25, 50, and 100-yard markers, and the range is open from sunrise to sunset. Due to the nature of the shelter, there is not an attendant on duty, but all gun handling rules must be followed.
