Marathon Lake

Star4.61
20 reviews
3451 County Road 520, Raleigh, MS 39153
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

463 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open March 1st to De...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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,...
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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

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
601-469-3811
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What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 20 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."

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Campground Map

3451 County Road 520, Raleigh, MS 39153

Marathon Lake

3451 County Road 520, Raleigh, MS 39153

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Marathon Lake

Marathon Lake welcomes visitors with Mississippi's signature hospitality year-round, offering distinct seasonal experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Summer brings warm, languid days perfect for swimming and lakeside lounging, while gentle breezes provide natural air conditioning under the forest canopy. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp, peaceful haven where chilly mornings give way to comfortable afternoons ideal for hiking and exploration. Throughout the year, occasional rain showers refresh the landscape, followed by stretches of clear, dry weather that showcase the region's natural beauty at its finest.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer popular for swimming and family activities; some maintenance issues noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Off-season quieter and peaceful; campground open through Dec 15 for fall visits.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens March 1; spring offers mild weather, lake scenery and wildlife viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed mid-Dec to Mar; winter season not available.

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

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Smith County, Mississippi, Marathon Lake Campground offers a peaceful retreat where time slows down and nature takes center stage. This hidden gem centers around a pristine 50-acre lake, where morning mist dances across the water and the only sounds are birdsong and gentle waves lapping the shore. Whether you're pitching your tent at one of the well-appointed campsites complete with water and electricity, gathering family under shaded picnic shelters, or cooling off at the inviting swimming beach, Marathon Lake provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories. Miles of hiking trails wind through the surrounding forest, while modern sanitation facilities ensure your comfort throughout your stay.
Marathon Lake Campground offers versatile camping options, focusing on RV and tent camping. Group facilities like pavilions can also be reserved.
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Best Campsites

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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.
HikingThe campground features a hiking trail that is 1.7 miles long. The trail is described as a small loop around the lake, offering scenic and tranquil views.
FishingThe 50-acre Marathon Lake is stocked with catfish, bass, and crappie, with bream fishing also available. Fishing is permitted, subject to state requirements and limits.
SwimmingThe designated swimming area includes a sandy beach. Reviews have noted that the swimming experience is enjoyable, although one visitor mentioned that the water was off to the showers after swimming.
BikingBiking is listed as an available activity, although no specific trails or details are provided.
BoatingA boat launch is available. While boat motors are allowed, only no-wake zones are enforced to maintain a tranquil environment.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlighted activity, though specific species or recommended viewing areas are not detailed.
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Policies & Safety

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

Weather at Marathon Lake

Reviews

4.6
20 reviews
Top-Rated
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 20 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...
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Based on 20 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...
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Based on 20 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...
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Based on 20 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...
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Based on 20 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...
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Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsites are not highlighted in the reviews, although users note that sites near the water are desirable.
Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 20 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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