Tishomingo State Park totally surprised us in the best way. With its rocky terrain, scenic trails, and laid-back campground, this Mississippi gem feels more like the foothills of the Appalachians than anything you’d expect in the Deep South. Whether you’re into hiking, disc golf, or just unwinding in the woods, this park has a little something for everyone. Here’s our full guide to camping at Tishomingo, plus what to know before you go.
Tishomingo State Park Campground
105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873
https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/park/tishomingo-state-park
Tishomingo State Park has something for every kind of camper, whether you’re into cozy cabins, full hookup RV sites, or good old-fashioned primitive camping under the stars. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Cabins & Cottages
If you’re looking for a comfy stay without bringing your whole house on wheels, the park offers six rustic cabins and one modern cottage:
6 Rustic Cabins: These aren’t just any cabins- they’ve got that charming, woodsy vibe with real stone fireplaces and just the right amount of comfort.
- Each one is a little different in layout, which adds to the charm
- They sleep up to 4 people
- Fully equipped with the basics: kitchen gear, bed and bath linens
- Heated and cooled so you’re good to go in any season
- Cabin 5 is handicap accessible
- No pets allowed in these cabins
Cottage #7: This is the most modern option on site- great if you want more space and a slightly updated feel.
- Two bedrooms, an open-concept den and dining area, plus a full kitchen
- Comes with bed/bath linens and basic kitchen equipment
- Sleeps 4 comfortably
- Handicap accessible
- No pets allowed here either
Tishomingo Developed Campground
For RVers or tent campers who like a few more amenities, the developed campground area has 61 well-spaced sites tucked into a peaceful wooded setting along Haynes Lake.
- All sites are paved and include:
- Picnic table
- Grill
- Water and electric hookups
- Sites 1–37: Standard electric and water
- Sites 38–61: Premium sites with 50/30/20 amp electric, water, and sewer
- Lots of shade, plus you’re close to trails and the lake
Primitive Camping at Tishomingo State Park
If you’re feeling a little more rugged or just want that true “get away from it all” experience, there are two primitive camping areas with a total of 14 sites.
- Each primitive site includes:
- Picnic table
- Grill
- Fire ring
- No water or electricity at the sites, but nearby access to restrooms, showers, and water
- These sites are first come, first served only, so plan accordingly!
Tishomingo State Park Campground Amenities
The Developed Campground has 2 showerhouses with flush toilets and showers. The larger one also has a set of coin laundry machines for campers. There is a dump station right behind the chapel, and trash dumpsters on the road into camp.
Tishomingo State Park Camping Costs
- Regular RV/Tent Sites: $27/night weekdays, $30/night weekends
- Premium RV Sites: $40/night weekdays, $44/night weekends
- Primitive Tent Sites: $17/night
Our Review of Tishomingo State Park Campground
We stayed at Tishomingo State Park for just over a week as part of our spring in the south hitting state high points. Overall, we liked the park itself. The lake was the best part of the campground, and there were plenty of activities to do in the park itself.
We would have loved to have gotten one of the premium sites. Besides being full hook-up, they’re newly remodeled sites and looked SUPER nice. They all have nice wide parking pads and some have been re-leveled for better views of the lake. We happened to be there during local spring break, though, so the campground was really busy.
Our site was nice, but a little disconcerting to get into. The parking pad was fairly smooth and level, but it was on top of a hill. Off the sides of the pads it dropped down fast all around us. It also meant we needed a stool in addition to our steps, and it was still a big step up and down. It definitely made getting groceries in challenging (for me, who’s 5’ tall at least).
The best part of our site, though, was the amazing view of the lake out our back window. Our built-in desk is in the back of the RV so we got to watch the lake all day while we worked. I definitely kept my trusty binoculars handy!
We peeked in the bigger of the two of the two showerhouses and it looked very clean, but we didn’t use it because it has only curtains and no locking stall doors. The dump station was close enough for dumping our gray tank with the toter mid-stay, so we were fine not using the showerhouse.
Things to Do at Tishomingo State Park
Whether you’re the adventurous type or just looking to chill in nature, Tishomingo’s got a pretty sweet lineup of things to keep you busy (or help you unplug and do absolutely nothing- your call).
Here’s what you can get into while you’re there:
- Disc Golf: Not just one… but three disc golf courses. It’s kind of a big deal here. Whether you’re a beginner or bring your own custom discs, there’s plenty of room to play and explore different layouts.
We played two of the three courses (one was under construction) during our visit and had a blast. We’re not experts, but we play a decent amount of disc golf and always use our Innova discs. This set of 3 (driver, midrange, putter) is perfect for getting started.
- Fishing & Boating on Haynes Lake: The lake is perfect for casting a line or cruising around in a kayak or canoe. Quiet, peaceful, and usually not too crowded. Great for early morning or sunset paddles.
- Hiking: Tishomingo has some of the most scenic trails in Mississippi, seriously, the terrain here feels way more like the foothills than flat Delta land. Expect rocky outcrops, shady forest trails, and the occasional surprise view.
- Swinging Bridge & CCC Landmarks: Don’t miss the famous swinging bridge, it’s a must-do photo op and just a cool piece of history. The park has several structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), so if you’re into that vintage National Parks feel, you’ll love spotting them around the park.
- Rock Climbing: Yes, rock climbing in Mississippi! Tishomingo is one of the few spots in the state where you can boulder and climb on natural rock. Bring your gear and enjoy the sandstone. Rock climbing is by permit only.
- Playgrounds: Great if you’re camping with kids or just need to let them run off some energy.
- Swimming Pool: There is a pool on site, but heads up- it hasn’t been open for a while. Worth checking in with the park if that’s a make-or-break for your trip.
Things to Do Near Tishomingo State Park
The best thing (in our opinion) to do near Tishomingo is the explore the Natchez Trace Parkway. The park is right on the Parkway and there is so much to explore and see in either direction.
For more on what to see in this stretch of the Parkway, check out our post:
Driving the Natchez Trace Parkway: A Complete Guide to Mile Markers 261–320
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