How much does camping cost at Chewalla Lake Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Chewalla Lake Recreation Area range from $7-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Chewalla Lake Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Chewalla Lake Recreation Area 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 Chewalla Lake Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Chewalla Lake Recreation Area has 20 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 Chewalla Lake Recreation Area?

Chewalla Lake Recreation Area is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Chewalla Lake Recreation Area?

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

How many campsites does Chewalla Lake Recreation Area have?

Chewalla Lake Recreation Area has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Chewalla Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Chewalla Lake Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Chewalla Lake Recreation Area?

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

What activities can I do at Chewalla Lake Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Chewalla Lake Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Chewalla Lake Recreation Area

3.09

129 reviews

726 Chewalla Lake Rd, Holly Springs MS, 38659

Featured in:Swimming Camping Mississippi

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

466 ft

Price

$7 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

466 ft

Price

$7 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Chewalla Lake Recreation Area

$7.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

S&P Standard Nonelectric: $7.00; S&P Standard: $20.00; SHELTER ELECTRIC: $40.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $7.00. Plus...

Standard Site Fee$7.00

Hookup Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$40.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

662-236-6550, THE OXFORD OFFICE IS OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 7:30AM - 4:00PM, CLOSED SATURDAY/SUNDAY AND ALL FEDERAL HOLIDAYS.

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

726 Chewalla Lake Rd, Holly Springs MS, 38659

Chewalla Lake Recreation Area

726 Chewalla Lake Rd, Holly Springs MS, 38659

Nearby places

Holly Springs: 8.5 miles northwest, Memphis TN: approximately 50 miles north

Weather at Chewalla Lake Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Chewalla Lake Recreation Area

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best overall outdoor experience at Chewalla Lake — daytime highs typically sit in the mid-60s to mid-70s °F (18–24 °C) with crisp mornings in the 40s–50s °F (4–13 °C). This is peak time for hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing as the hardwoods and dogwoods show autumn color, mosquitoes are reduced, and lake paddling is pleasant without summer heat. Weekdays are generally quiet while weekends can be moderately busier, so plan midweek visits for the Peak months: October, November, April, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall called best season: mild temps, fall color, fewer bugs and good paddling conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Chewalla Lake Recreation Area

Chewalla Lake Recreation Area sits near Holly Springs in Mississippi's National Forests, operated by the US Forest Service. This mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups alongside a fishing and swimming lake surrounded by hardwoods and dogwoods. Campers hike forest trails, launch boats, and watch wildlife in a quiet setting, though maintenance and facility upkeep have been inconsistent according to visitor reports.

Chewalla Lake Recreation Area accommodates RV campers and prohibits tent camping due to closed bathrooms. Options include electric/water hookup sites, non-electric sites, and a rentable shelter. Group camping specifics and cabin or glamping options are absent.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best overall outdoor experience at Chewalla Lake — daytime highs typically sit in the mid-60s to mid-70s °F (18–24 °C) with crisp mornings in the 40s–50s °F (4–13 °C). This is peak time for hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing as the hardwoods and dogwoods show autumn color, mosquitoes are reduced, and lake paddling is pleasant without summer heat. Weekdays are generally quiet while weekends can be moderately busier, so plan midweek visits for the Peak months: October, November, April, May

Elevation466 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense stands of pine, oak, sweet gum, and dogwood cover the campground at 466 feet elevation. The terrain shows distinctive erosion gullies left from past farming, now softened by vegetation and marked with split-rail fences. In spring, dogwoods bloom white against the canopy. Fall brings gold and crimson hardwood color. The lake itself is central to the recreation area, surrounded by forest that provides shade at many sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo details are available regarding hotel-style lodging accommodations within the park.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No maximum stay limit mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limits mentioned per site.

Groups

Group camping details, such as people and vehicle limits, are not provided.

Tents

Tents are not 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 online, contact center, mobile app, or in person.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are minimally discussed in sources or reviews. One user mentioned that campsites are dispersed and not too close together, but specific details regarding ADA compliance or accessible facilities are absent.

Site SizeSites vary in size with some equipped for RVs with water and electric hookups. "Spot #2 had everything we needed for electrical and water hook up," mentioned one reviewer. Tent camping is currently prohibited.

PrivacyPrivacy levels differ; some reviewers appreciated the spacing of campsites, while others noted overgrown and neglected sites.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose RV-compatible sites with hookups for a better experience as tent camping is currently restricted. Sites closer to the lake offer better views.

Best CampsitesSite #2 gets mentioned in reviews for reliable electrical and water hookups and proximity to the lake. Beyond that, reviews indicate inconsistent service quality at other sites, with some overgrown or neglected.

Need help booking Chewalla Lake Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Chewalla Lake Recreation Area offers a mix of amenities including campsites for RV and tent camping, picnic tables, fire rings, and water/electric hookups at RV sites. Reviews mention facilities such as basketball courts, playgrounds, boat ramp, lake access, scenic overlooks, BBQ grills, dump station, and pets allowed. "Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring," as stated in the official description. However, some user reviews mention discrepancies like locked bathrooms and temporary stalls due to vandalism or maintenance issues.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Chewalla Lake Recreation Area offers a range of activities including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. "Swimming on a sandy beach, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, and catfish" are highlighted in the official overview. User reviews confirm these activities, though conditions may vary due to maintenance or vandalism.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

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Policies & Safety

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.1

129 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Chewalla Lake Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Chewalla Lake Recreation Area highlight peaceful surroundings, recreational activities, and affordability. However, concerns about facility closures, vandalism, and maintenance issues appear frequently. "Wonderful park," and "nice quiet place," are common praises, but others report "trash everywhere" and "locked bathrooms."

Review Summaries

Based on 129 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include serene atmosphere, spacious campsites, good fishing conditions, and helpful campground hosts. "Quiet, peaceful camping," and "beautiful lake," are recurring themes in reviews.

Based on 129 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues raised include facility closures (bathrooms, showers), vandalism, trash accumulation, and poor road conditions. "Trash everywhere," "locked bathrooms," and "overgrown, unkept...

Based on 129 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite reviews include: - "Found my campsite easily, but my power and my neighbor's power was not turned on until late that night." (2020) - "Campsite 003 had trash and bottles...

Based on 129 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cash for fees, firewood, extra trash bags, and personal toilet supplies due to facility closures. "Minimize ticks by raking undergrowth," noted one reviewer.

Based on 129 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Facilities appear to have suffered closures from COVID-19 and vandalism, with many reviews from 2021 pointing out significant maintenance issues. Recent reviews from 2023 suggest partial reopening...

Based on 129 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Chewalla Lake is just what we were looking for...a place in nature." (2019) - "Such a peaceful camping experience!" (2019) - "Sadly, the hooligans have vandalized the campgrounds so they're...

Based on 129 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-specific feedback is limited, though reviews mention dispersed campsites with space. No clear ADA compliance details are available.

Based on 129 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. "Pets are welcome, on leashes," mentioned one reviewer, though another noted that pets are not allowed on the beach.

Based on 129 reviews

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