How much does camping cost at Marathon Lake?

Camping fees at Marathon Lake range from $5-$20/night. 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 3 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 01 to December 15. 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.

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.

Marathon Lake

4.56

22 reviews

3451 County Road 520, Raleigh, MS 39153

Top 2% in MSSummer

Romantic GetawayPeace & QuietSwimmingSummer 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

Quick Facts

463 ft

Price

$5 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open March 1st to De...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

463 ft

Price

$5 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open March 1st to De...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Marathon Lake

$5.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $20.00; ScanPay 2: $5.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

N/AN/A

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Marathon Lake

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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)

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.

Weather at Marathon Lake

Current alerts(3)

Boat motors are permissible with the restriction of no wake.
Fishing is allowed, State requirements and limits apply.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Best Time to Camp at Marathon Lake

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm water for swimming and boating, long daylight for hiking and biking, and consistently productive fishing on the 50-acre lake (typical highs 88–95°F, lows 70–75°F). Many amenities are available and the lake is at its liveliest — expect morning mist, active wildlife, and peak lake recreation, though humidity and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Weekends are busier and campsites are first-come, first-served from June 20 onward, so plan weekdays or early Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 2% in MS

Prime season for swimming, boating and fishing; beach and facilities in use.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 01 to December 15. 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 is a Forest Service campground in National Forests in Mississippi, near Forest. This mid-sized facility sits beside a 50-acre lake and offers tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups, plus showers and flush toilets. Campers fish, boat, hike, and enjoy spacious sites in a quiet wooded setting with an attentive campground host.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm water for swimming and boating, long daylight for hiking and biking, and consistently productive fishing on the 50-acre lake (typical highs 88–95°F, lows 70–75°F). Many amenities are available and the lake is at its liveliest — expect morning mist, active wildlife, and peak lake recreation, though humidity and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Weekends are busier and campsites are first-come, first-served from June 20 onward, so plan weekdays or early Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: January, February

Elevation463 ft above sea level

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.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available, but the campground features 34 campsites equipped with water and electricity.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the official description or reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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

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.

Best CampsitesReviewers highlight spacious sites near the water for their scenic views and quiet setting. No specific site numbers appear in the available data.

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

Marathon Lake offers a wide range of amenities designed for a comfortable camping experience. Facilities include 34 campsites with water and electricity, 14 picnic tables, a sand volleyball court (ball not provided), BBQ grills, and two reservable pavilions. Campers can enjoy a boat launch, a designated swimming area with a sandy beach, and a 1.7-mile hiking trail. Sanitation facilities include showers, flush toilets, and a dump station for trash. Water fountains are also available on-site. The campground features a volunteer host who is present most of the time to assist visitors.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

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

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

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