Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA

The Great Outdoors

Camp in a travel trailer near Meridian, MS, and head to Bienville National Forest near Forest, which lies just over an hour’s drive west of the RV campground. It’s named for the 18th-century colonist Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville and is traversed by the upper reaches of the Leaf and Strong Rivers. Anglers can try their luck at luring bass, bream, and crappie in Marathon and Shongelo Lakes while there are three Wildlife Management Areas where hunting for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and other game is permitted.Closer to Meridian is Bonita Lakes Park, which centers around three lakes on the eastern edge of the city. It sprawls across 3,300 acres and provides plenty of recreational opportunities for local residents, including hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. Stretch your legs on one of the nature trails or take advantage of the mountain biking routes that wind along the lake shores.Meridian campers are also within easy access of Okatibbee Lake, which was created following the construction of the Okatibbee Dam in 1968. Aside from being used for flood control and municipal drinking water, the lake is also a popular recreational destination for boating, fishing, and camping. You can take a dip from one of the swimming beaches or stroll along the lakeshore, with hunting opportunities in designated areas of the surrounding flooded woodlands.

Exploring the City

Camping at Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA offers easy access to the supermarkets and services in Meridian, which is just 15 minutes’ drive east. There are gas stations here if you need to fill up your RV rental, as well as plenty of fast-food restaurants, diners, and cafes if you don’t feel like cooking.While you’re visiting the city, take time to explore the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum, which occupies the last intact steam engine factory in the United States. Join a guided tour of the Soulé Steam Feed Works or coincide your visit with the annual Soulé Live Steam Festival, which showcases the history of steam engines through live demonstrations. Another museum not to miss is the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, which honors the “Father of Country Music.” Browse the historical and personal artifacts related to this legendary musician’s life and work, including some of his former instruments.If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss a visit to the Dentzel Antique Carousel at Highland Park, which was manufactured in 1896 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It arrived in Meridian in 1909 and has occupied the same location in Highland Park ever since. Ride what is the only remaining original carousel built from a Dentzel blueprint left in the world, with the structure meticulously renovated in the 1980s and 1990s.Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA can also be used as a base for visiting Jackson, which lies just over 90 minutes’ drive to the east. It’s renowned for its sights associated with the Civil Rights Movement, many of which are highlighted along the statewide Mississippi Freedom Trail that runs through the city. See the home of African-American civil rights activist Medgar Evers at the time of his assassination and admire the striking Mississippi State Capitol building, which is designed in an elegant Beaux-Arts architectural style. Families can head to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in LeFleur’s Bluff State Park where you’ll also find an aquarium and scenic nature trails.Whether you want to enjoy the recreational pursuits of eastern Mississippi or explore the sights of Meridian and Jackson, book an RV in Lauderdale County and start planning your next vacation!