Holly Springs National Forest awaits you in northern Mississippi as your next RV destination. Nestled amongst a rustic, country landscape, you’ll be greeted with pine forests and lush hardwoods. There are plenty of outdoor activities that will get you out of the campervan and into this southern wilderness. Anglers can catch their fish of the day at one of the lakes or on the Tippah River. If you love the water, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking are popular. There are a number of hiking and horseback riding trails dotted throughout the Forest, which range from easy to difficult. If you have a need for speed, several ATV trails will guide you through the serene pinelands.
Holly Springs National Forest features two very different recreational and RV camping areas, Chewalla Lake and Puskus Lake. Chewalla Lake offers pristine beaches surrounded by charming grassy areas and picnic areas next to the water. This area holds special significance for Native Americans since there was once a ceremonial mound located here. Puskus Lake is a remote, peaceful place with pure nature and no one around to bother you. No matter what brings you to Mississippi in your camper, you’ll love exploring the 150,000 acres of Holly Springs National Forest.
Holly Springs National Forest is located in northern Mississippi, just over an hour from Memphis, TN. Oxford, MS is one of the closest towns where you can stock up on gas and supplies. Navigating to the Forest should be a breeze since there are several major and small roads that criss-cross the area. You’ll drive through some beautiful scenery from farmlands to pinelands. You might want to take it a bit slower if you are driving a big rig or towing a trailer on some of the smaller, remote roads. Watch out for fallen branches and trees since this area is heavily forested. Parking is available at the recreation areas, including the campgrounds at Chewalla Lake and Puskus Lake.
Chewalla Lake Campground is a popular RV camping spot, offering gorgeous views of the beautiful 260-acre lake. Chewalla offers 32 campsites equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings. Some sites even feature electric and water hookups. There are also public showers, flush toilets, and drinking water on the campgrounds. You can enjoy all sorts of fun on the lake by heading to the swimming area, fishing pier, or boat launches. If that’s not enough, then you can check out the picnic areas, basketball court, and playground. Pets are allowed and must be leashed. RVs and trailers up to 60 feet long are welcome. Most visitors who come to Holly Springs National Forest choose Chewalla over Puskus, mainly for its accessibility and numerous amenities.
If you are looking for a more rustic, quiet camping experience, then you should head to Puskus Lake Recreation Area and Campground. Open year-round, this campground offers 19 primitive campsites with grills and picnic tables. Vault toilets and potable water is available. What this campground lacks in amenities, it makes up for with natural beauty and outdoor adventure. This is the perfect campground for anglers since the 96-acre lake makes for excellent fishing of bass, bluegrill, and catfish. Boat ramps and fishing piers are located on-site. If you want to get some exercise, there are two hiking trails within walking distance. After all that outdoor fun, you can enjoy a picnic at one of the 13 picnic sites. This is the more remote of the two campground, receiving fewer visitors and promising a more private getaway than the neighboring Chewalla Lake Recreation Area.
Don’t forget your swim gear or picnic basket in the camper when you head to Holly Springs National Forest. Chewalla Lake is one of the nicest recreation areas in this part of the country, offering calm waters and well-trimmed grass. The warmest months of the year are perfect for swimming along the serene waters of the lake. After you splash around in the water, gather the whole family for some lunch at one of the 40 picnic tables. You can enjoy a peaceful picnic under the shade of rustic pines.
Chewalla Lake and Puskus Lake offer everything you need for a perfect fishing day. Both lakes are enormous and are lined with plenty of boating docks, as well as cozy picnic areas. Chewalla Lake, the bigger of the two, spans 260 acres and is more easily accessible. Puskus Lake at its 96 acres is more remote and secluded. Both lakes promise an ideal day for anglers, where you can catch crappie, bass, trout, bream, perch, sauger, and walleye. Puskus lake, in particular, is home to the rare local species of the alligator gar. If you prefer fishing from the shore you can head over to the Little Tallahatchie River or the Tippah River.
Holly Springs National Forest offers several trails to stretch your legs outside of the RV. If you are with children or looking for an easy hike, check out the half-mile Baker’s Pond Trail. You can get a glimpse of the Wolf River and might spot from songbirds like the yellow warbler or the ruby-crowned kinglet. If you’d like some scenic waterfront views, try the hiking trails near Puskus Lake. For those desiring a longer hike, head out on the three-mile North Cypress Non-Motorized Trail to explore more of the forest.
The best time to go kayaking or canoeing is in the spring, when the water levels are high enough to navigate with ease. Chewalla Lake and Puskus Lake both feature boat launches, so you can cruise out on the water with ease. Several companies offer rentals and guided trips along the Wolf River. You can start in the park itself at the Little Tallahatchie River and paddle your way to the amazing Sardis Lake, just outside the western border of the National Forest.
Bikers and horseback riders will want to get out of the camping trailer and head to the North Cypress Non-Motorized Trail. You can ride through over three miles of rustic trail surrounded by pine forests with lake views. If you are camping with pets this is a great place to give the dog for a walk. Enjoy a picnic on the way back since there is a serne picnic area and restrooms at the trailhead.
This area of Mississippi is home to some interesting wildlife, so don’t forget to pack your binoculars in your Airstream. You can spot many creatures scurrying through the forest like raccoons, opossum, and muskrats. Beavers and otters live by the lakes and rivers. The white-tailed deer is another common sighting in the Forest. Bears and coyotes are also known to wander around these woods so always exercise caution while hiking.
