Turkey Fork Recreation Area
4.3914 reviewsChickasawhay Ranger District, 968 Highway South, Laurel, MS 39443
Quick Facts
Price
$20 - $40/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
28 campsites
Season
Open January 1 to De...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$20 - $40/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
28 campsites
Season
Open January 1 to De...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsTurkey Fork Recreation Area
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
RV sites during peak season cost $20 per night. Group shelters cost $40 per night. Additional reservation fees include $8 for online bookings and $3...
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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$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$60.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider601-428-0594
What Campers Say
4.39
Recommended
Based on 14 reviews
55 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulcleanwatersites
"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."
Fees & Passes at Turkey Fork Recreation Area
$20 - $40/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled up to the day before check-in with a $10 fee and forfeiture of the firs...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Chickasawhay Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Turkey Fork Recreation Area
Autumn unveils Turkey Fork at its finest, when gentle breezes rustle through the pines and comfortable 70-degree days invite endless outdoor adventures. The fall season brings remarkably stable weather patterns—think crisp mornings perfect for hiking, warm afternoons ideal for swimming, and cool evenings made for campfire stories. With minimal rainfall and moderate temperatures throughout the season, you'll find Mother Nature in her most cooperative mood. While occasional wind gusts add character to the landscape, they rarely interfere with water activities or camping comfort, making this shoulder season a hidden gem for those seeking perfect camping conditions without summer's crowds.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open January 1 to December 31. Reservations start June 21, 2025.
About Turkey Fork Recreation Area
Nestled within the heart of DeSoto National Forest, Turkey Fork Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore its crown jewel—a pristine 240-acre reservoir that mirrors the surrounding pine canopy. This waterfront paradise offers 20 modern RV sites complete with full hookups for those seeking comfort in nature, alongside 8 secluded primitive sites for adventurers craving a more rustic experience. Three well-maintained bathhouses ensure convenience never compromises your wilderness escape. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn to chase bass across the glassy water, lounging at one of two sandy swim beaches, or casting a line from the floating pier as sunset paints the sky, Turkey Fork transforms every moment into an outdoor memory worth treasuring.
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.
Historical SignificanceWhile the natural splendor of Turkey Fork speaks for itself, the area remains delightfully uncommercialized—a place where the forest's timeless rhythms take precedence over human history, allowing visitors to write their own stories against this pristine backdrop.
Weather and SeasonsAutumn unveils Turkey Fork at its finest, when gentle breezes rustle through the pines and comfortable 70-degree days invite endless outdoor adventures. The fall season brings remarkably stable weather patterns—think crisp mornings perfect for hiking, warm afternoons ideal for swimming, and cool evenings made for campfire stories. With minimal rainfall and moderate temperatures throughout the season, you'll find Mother Nature in her most cooperative mood. While occasional wind gusts add character to the landscape, they rarely interfere with water activities or camping comfort, making this shoulder season a hidden gem for those seeking perfect camping conditions without summer's crowds.
ElevationThe gently rolling terrain of Turkey Fork creates natural amphitheaters of forest and water, where each campsite offers its own unique perspective of the reservoir below and the pine-studded hills beyond.
Natural Features and SceneryTurkey Fork Reservoir stretches like a sapphire jewel through 240 acres of Mississippi pine forest, its fingers reaching into hidden coves where ancient trees lean over the water's edge. This aquatic playground teems with largemouth bass that test anglers' skills, while schools of crappie and bluegill provide endless entertainment for families fishing from the shore. The surrounding woodland creates a natural cathedral of towering pines, their needles carpeting the forest floor and releasing that distinctive evergreen perfume with each footstep. Morning mist rises from the water's surface, while great blue herons patrol the shallows and osprey circle overhead—a reminder that you're sharing this sanctuary with its original inhabitants.
Geological RegionDeep in the pine belt of south Mississippi, Turkey Fork Recreation Area showcases the unique beauty of the DeSoto National Forest ecosystem. This region, where ancient creek beds carved through sandy soils to create the perfect basin for today's reservoir, represents the Gulf Coastal Plain at its most inviting. The marriage of water and woodland creates diverse habitats that support everything from towering longleaf pines to delicate wildflowers, while the reservoir itself serves as a testament to thoughtful land management that enhances rather than diminishes the natural landscape.
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Campsite details
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.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as large and accommodating.
Sites 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 CampsitesOpt for RV sites close to the water for lakefront views. Avoid primitive sites if proximity to the lake or driving access is essential.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutRV campsites are arranged in a loop, with primitive sites located farther away from the reservoir.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen January 1 to December 31. Reservations start June 21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov and its app.
Walk-in AvailabilityRV campsites are available first-come, first-served, alongside reservable options.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to the day before check-in with a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee for individual campsites. Late cancellations are not eligible for refunds if not communicated in advance. Adjustments to reservation dates within the original booking period are free but switching dates entirely incurs a $10 fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
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.
Hiking
A ¾-mile hiking trail connects the day-use area to the camping area. The trail is suitable for casual hikers.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity with the lake stocked with bass, crappie, and bluegill. However, one reviewer mentioned 'fish were not biting,' indicating that success may vary.Swimming
The recreation area features two dedicated swim areas, making it suitable for swimming enthusiasts. Safety measures were not explicitly detailed.Boating
Boating is supported with a boat ramp and floating pier available. Water skiing is also permitted during designated hours (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Jet-propelled boats or those with open exhaust systems are not allowed.Water Sports
Water skiing and other water-related activities are popular, facilitated by the boat ramp and floating pier.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within fire rings provided at each site.
Hazards
General hazardsNo sewer hookups are available for RVs, though a dump station exists. Primitive sites lack water views and require manual equipment transport.
Weather at Turkey Fork Recreation Area
55
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Laurel, MS. Includes both hospital and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities, including dumpsters, are available, but recycling options are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSituated next to Turkey Fork Reservoir with swimming areas, fishing piers, and a boat ramp.
Common complaintsPrimitive sites are far from the water, lack views, and require manual transport of camping gear. Cold restroom experiences in winter due to screened areas.
HostA campground host is present on-site.
Campground Map
Chickasawhay Ranger District, 968 Highway South, Laurel, MS 39443
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.
Roads to the campground are paved and accessible year-round. However, user reviews mention challenges with Google directions, making manual navigation preferable when approaching the campground.Nearby places
Hattiesburg (21 miles), Richton (12 miles), Mobile, Alabama (55 miles), Sandhill (2 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest access for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel is in Richton, MS, approximately 12 miles from the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
14 reviews
Turkey Fork Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 14 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 14 reviewsShow more
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 14 reviewsShow more
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 14 reviewsShow more
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 14 reviewsShow more
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 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #6 (RV Loop) received a 4-star rating from user 'Ed S.'
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is generally supported by features such as accessible grills, but detailed feedback from users with disabilities is absent.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and no specific complaints or praises were noted about pet-related policies.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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