How much does camping cost at Marathon Lake?

Camping fees at Marathon Lake range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Marathon Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Marathon Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Marathon Lake before I book?

Yes! Marathon Lake has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Marathon Lake?

Marathon Lake is open March 1st to December 15th.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Marathon Lake?

Yes, Marathon Lake has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Marathon Lake?

Fire policies at Marathon Lake: Campfires are permitted, but specific rules are not detailed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Marathon Lake have?

Marathon Lake has 34 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Marathon Lake?

Pets are not allowed at Marathon Lake. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Marathon Lake?

Marathon Lake offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Marathon Lake?

Popular activities at Marathon Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Marathon Lake

4.56

22 reviews

3451 County Road 520, Raleigh, MS 39153

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Mississippi Swimming Camping Mississippi Spring Camping Mississippi +3 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

463 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open March 1st to De...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

463 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open March 1st to De...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Marathon Lake

$0.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard nonelectric campsites range from $0 to $20 per night, depending on the season and type of reservation. Some fees are non-refundable,...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

601-469-3811

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 22 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulspaciousfriendlywell-maintained

"User reviews highlight Marathon Lake as a serene and family-friendly camping destination. Positive aspects include the cleanliness of the facilities, friendly campground hosts, and a range of recreational activities. However, some visitors noted occasional maintenance issues, such as high grass and insect presence in bathrooms."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

3451 County Road 520, Raleigh, MS 39153

Marathon Lake

3451 County Road 520, Raleigh, MS 39153

Nearby places

Forest, MS (15 miles southeast)

Raleigh, MS (25 miles northeast)

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as groceries, camping equipment, fuel, and essentials are available in Forest, MS, 15 miles from the campground.

Driving directionsFrom Forest, go south on Hwy 35 for 8.5 miles to Homewood. Turn east on Morton-Marathon Road and go 9 miles. Turn south on Forest Service Road 520 and go ½ mile to entrance. Another route would be to go south on Hwy 501. Turn east on Morton-Marathon Rd. and go 3 ½ miles. Turn onto FS Rd 520 and go ½ mile to entrance. From Raleigh, go north on Hwy 35 for 15 miles to Homewood and follow same directions above from Homewood. An alternate route is to take Hwy 18 east to Hwy 501; go north 15 miles: turn east onto Morton-Marathon to FS Rd 520.

The campground is accessible via multiple routes, including paved highways and Forest Service Road 520. It is located approximately 15 miles southeast of Forest, MS, and 25 miles northeast of Raleigh, MS.

Best Time to Camp at Marathon Lake

Summer is the prime season. Water temperatures support swimming and boating, and fishing stays productive through the warmer months. Typical highs run 88–95°F, lows 70–75°F. Humidity is high, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Weekends get busier once the first-come policy kicks in after mid-June, so weekdays offer more space. Winter delivers chilly mornings but comfortable afternoons for hiking when the lake is quieter.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer popular for swimming and family activities; occasional maintenance issues noted during peak season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 1st to December 15th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 1st to December 15th annually. First-come, first-served from June 20th through December 15th.

About Marathon Lake

Marathon Lake Campground sits on a 50-acre lake in Smith County, Mississippi, about 15 minutes from Forest. The campground has 34 sites with electric and water hookups, plus showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. It's first-come, first-served starting June 20. Reviews mention a peaceful atmosphere, a helpful campground host, and facilities that are generally clean but occasionally show maintenance gaps.

Marathon Lake Campground offers versatile camping options, focusing on RV and tent camping. Group facilities like pavilions can also be reserved.

Historical Significance

The campground takes its name from the Marathon Lumber Company, which operated in the area until closing in 1929. The forests visitors see today have regenerated over the nearly century since the timber operations ended.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the prime season. Water temperatures support swimming and boating, and fishing stays productive through the warmer months. Typical highs run 88–95°F, lows 70–75°F. Humidity is high, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Weekends get busier once the first-come policy kicks in after mid-June, so weekdays offer more space. Winter delivers chilly mornings but comfortable afternoons for hiking when the lake is quieter.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details remain unrecorded, Marathon Lake Campground's gently rolling terrain creates natural vantage points and secluded hollows throughout the property. The varied topography adds character to hiking trails and provides diverse microclimates that support the area's rich biodiversity.

Natural Features and SceneryThe 50-acre lake anchors the campground, surrounded by mature hardwoods and pines growing in the region's characteristic red clay soils. Shoreline trails wind through the forest, and the lake produces morning mist in warmer months. Wildlife includes deer, visible at dawn, and a variety of bird species. The elevation sits at 463 feet. Reviewers note the setting feels secluded despite being close to town. Some complained about high grass in camping areas during their visits.

Geological RegionNestled in the heart of Smith County, Mississippi, Marathon Lake Campground showcases the region's distinctive landscape where ancient geological forces have shaped a terrain of gentle hills and fertile valleys. The 50-acre lake, cradled by mature forests, exemplifies the natural seclusion that makes this corner of Mississippi special. Here, the characteristic red clay soils support a diverse ecosystem of hardwoods and pines, while the lake itself provides a window into the area's complex hydrology. This secluded sanctuary offers visitors an authentic taste of Mississippi's natural heritage, far from the crowds and noise of more developed destinations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Unspecified

Check-out

Unspecified

Stay Limit

Unspecified

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unspecified

Groups

Two pavilions are available for group reservations by contacting the local Forest Service Office.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe 34 sites are distributed near the lake with water and electric hookups. Reviews describe them as spacious with room for RVs and tents, though site spacing and loop structure aren't detailed in the source material.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or through on-site Scan and Pay systems.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable for first-come, first-served campers from June 20th through December 15th annually.

Cancellation PolicyScan and Pay payments are non-refundable and modifications are not allowed. Reservation cancellations incur a $10 fee and may forfeit the first night's payment depending on timing.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the official documentation or user reviews.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious in user reviews, with ample room for RVs and tents.

PrivacySites are described as being near the water and offering some degree of separation, but no specific details about privacy levels are provided.

Total Campsites34 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites close to the lake for the best views and proximity to water activities.

Need help booking Marathon Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Marathon Lake provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including biking, hiking, boating, picnicking, fishing, camping, swimming, wildlife viewing, and volleyball. The lake is well-stocked with catfish, bass, and crappie for fishing enthusiasts.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include high grass in camping areas, insects in sanitation facilities, and limited swimming access.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted, but specific rules are not detailed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Unspecified

Emergency ServicesForest General Hospital, located in Forest, MS, approximately 15 miles from the campground.

Trash & RecyclingA dump station is available on-site for trash disposal. No information on recycling facilities has been provided.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located adjacent to Marathon Lake, a 50-acre body of water.

Camp HostVolunteer campground hosts are generally present to assist visitors.

Weather at Marathon Lake

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

22 reviews

Top-Rated

Marathon Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Marathon Lake as a serene and family-friendly camping destination. Positive aspects include the cleanliness of the facilities, friendly campground hosts, and a range of recreational activities. However, some visitors noted occasional maintenance issues, such as high grass and insect presence in bathrooms.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praise the campground for its peaceful atmosphere, spacious sites, and well-maintained facilities. The presence of a friendly and helpful campground host is also a recurring...

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes occasional maintenance lapses, such as high grass in camping areas, and the presence of insects in restrooms. One user noted that the showers were out of service during...

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Download the Recreation.gov app before arriving as cell service might be limited. Bring a volleyball and other recreational equipment, as these are not provided. Ensure you have state-required...

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as quiet and peaceful during the off-season, with fewer visitors. Summer is popular for swimming and family activities, though maintenance issues may arise during peak...

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely love this place!! Bathrooms were clean; the camp areas were well kept up." - Melissa Reese. "My family has enjoyed this Lake for three generations. The camping spots are the best and...

Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsites are not highlighted in the reviews, although users note that sites near the water are desirable.

Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.

Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.

Based on 22 reviews

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Last updated April 4, 2026

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Marathon Lake