How much does camping cost at Turkey Fork Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Turkey Fork Recreation Area range from $20-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Turkey Fork Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Turkey Fork 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 Turkey Fork Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Turkey Fork Recreation Area has 4 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 Turkey Fork Recreation Area?

Turkey Fork 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 Turkey Fork Recreation Area?

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

How many campsites does Turkey Fork Recreation Area have?

Turkey Fork Recreation Area has 28 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Turkey Fork Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Turkey Fork 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 Turkey Fork Recreation Area?

Turkey Fork 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 Turkey Fork Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Turkey Fork Recreation Area include Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Turkey Fork Recreation Area

4.58

77 reviews

Chickasawhay Ranger District, 968 Highway South, Laurel, MS 39443

Top 12% in MSFall

Romantic GetawaySwimmingTent CampingSummer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Mississippi#1 Forest Camping Mississippi#2 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Mississippi#3 +5 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

269 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Chickasawhay Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

269 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Chickasawhay Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Turkey Fork Recreation Area

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV Electric: $20.00; Turkey Fork Pavilion: $40.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$40.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

601-428-0594

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Chickasawhay Ranger District, 968 Highway South, Laurel, MS 39443

Turkey Fork Recreation Area

Chickasawhay Ranger District, 968 Highway South, Laurel, MS 39443

Nearby places

Hattiesburg (21 miles), Richton (12 miles), Mobile, Alabama (55 miles), Sandhill (2 miles)

Driving directionsFrom Hattiesburg: Travel East on U.S. Hwy. 42 approximately 21 miles to Richton. From Richton continue east on Hwy. 42 approximately 12 miles to Sandhill. From Laurel: Travel South on Hwy. 15 approximately 27 miles to Richton. Turn left onto U.S. Hwy. 42 and travel 12 miles to Sandhill. From Mobile, Alabama: Drive approximately 55 miles on U.S. Hwy. 45 North to the MS-AL state lines and travel west on Hwy. 42 for 19 miles to Mississippi County Road 232. Turn left (south) and travel two miles to Turkey Fork.

Weather at Turkey Fork Recreation Area

Current alerts(1)

Ski hours are 10:00am to 6:00 pm Jet propelled boats or boats with open exhaust systems are not allowed on the lake Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet If possible, please keep a copy of your camping reservation on the dashboard of your vehicle.

Best Time to Camp at Turkey Fork Recreation Area

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable, consistent weather and the widest range of activities — crisp mornings in the mid-40s to mid-50s °F and warm afternoons around 65–75 °F with much lower humidity. Boating, late-season swimming, and prime fishing are all excellent as the reservoir cools, while trails are ideal for hikes beneath longleaf pines and understory color contrasts. Weekends see moderate crowds but weekdays are quiet; note that parts of DeSoto National Forest allow hunting in November,so Peak months: October, November, April, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in MS

Described as best season: cooler mornings, lower humidity and comfortable reservoir activities.

Planning Tips

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

About Turkey Fork Recreation Area

Turkey Fork Recreation Area sits in the Chickasawhay Ranger District of National Forests in Mississippi, near Laurel. This small, low-elevation campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station. Campers swim, fish, and hike beneath longleaf pines, and the area operates seasonally during peak months with a 14-day stay limit.

Turkey Fork Recreation Area offers RV camping with electric and water hookups, as well as primitive tent camping. Group camping and specialized lodging such as cabins or yurts are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable, consistent weather and the widest range of activities — crisp mornings in the mid-40s to mid-50s °F and warm afternoons around 65–75 °F with much lower humidity. Boating, late-season swimming, and prime fishing are all excellent as the reservoir cools, while trails are ideal for hikes beneath longleaf pines and understory color contrasts. Weekends see moderate crowds but weekdays are quiet; note that parts of DeSoto National Forest allow hunting in November,so Peak months: October, November, April, May

Elevation269 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe reservoir fills a basin carved by ancient creek beds through sandy Gulf Coastal Plain soils. Longleaf pines dominate the forest canopy, with understory vegetation that shifts with the seasons. The water attracts herons and osprey. RV sites have direct views of the reservoir, while the primitive tent area sits farther back in the pines without water views. Two sandy swim beaches line the shore, and a floating pier extends into the reservoir. The elevation here is 269 feet.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is mentioned; the campground is focused on RV and tent camping accommodations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests per site not explicitly detailed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov and its app.

AccessibilityAccessible grills are mentioned, and the campground host presence suggests a level of support for accessibility; however, no detailed information about ADA-compliant features is provided.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as large and accommodating.

PrivacyPrivacy varies; RV sites generally have good views of the water, while the primitive tent sites are criticized for their location away from the lake and lack of scenic views.

Total Campsites28 campsites

Recommended SitesOpt for RV sites close to the water for lakefront views. Avoid primitive sites if proximity to the lake or driving access is essential.

Best CampsitesSite 6 gets strong reviews. The RV loop sites generally offer the best water access and views. Primitive sites require hauling gear manually and don't provide reservoir views, which disappoints some tent campers.

Need help booking Turkey Fork Recreation Area?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Turkey Fork Recreation Area is equipped with a variety of amenities catering to both comfort and recreation. The campground features three bathhouses, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, a boat ramp, and a floating dock. There are flush toilets and showers available in the bathhouse, and a dump station is provided for RVs. Campers have the option of reservable and first-come, first-serve RV sites with water and electric hookups. A campground host is on-site. Additionally, the area includes a ¾ mile hiking trail connecting the day-use area to the camping area.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Turkey Fork Recreation Area provides a range of outdoor activities including fishing, water sports, camping, picnicking, and hiking. The 240-acre lake is a key feature, stocked with bass, crappie, and bluegill for fishing enthusiasts.

Swimming

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

77 reviews

Top-Rated

Turkey Fork Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally highlight the campground's peaceful and scenic environment, suitability for RVs, and variety of activities. However, tent camping options are criticized for their less ideal location and lack of water views.

Review Summaries

Based on 77 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects noted by users include the scenic beauty, the peacefulness of the environment, the availability of fishing, and the cleanliness of the facilities. The RV sites were particularly...

Based on 77 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users criticized the tent camping areas for being poorly located without lake views and requiring campers to carry their gear from parking areas. Specific critiques included poor cell service...

Based on 77 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #6 (RV Loop) received a 4-star rating from user 'Ed S.'

Based on 77 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cash for the honor system, especially for first-come, first-serve sites. T-Mobile users should not expect service, and winter campers should be prepared for cold restroom conditions due to...

Based on 77 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The location is popular year-round, but users note that winter camping can be challenging due to unheated facilities. Fishing success and overall comfort are likely influenced by seasonal weather...

Based on 77 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice small campground with electric & water at each site & a dump station with potable water.' - J Campbells 2. 'Deep in the woods of Greene County, MS. If you want a peaceful, safe, and friendly...

Based on 77 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is generally supported by features such as accessible grills, but detailed feedback from users with disabilities is absent.

Based on 77 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no specific complaints or praises were noted about pet-related policies.

Based on 77 reviews

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Campgrounds

National Forests in Mississippi

Turkey Fork Recreation Area