Turkey Fork Recreation Area

Star4.70
77 reviews
Chickasawhay Ranger District, 968 Highway South, Laurel, MS 39443
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

269 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open January 1 to De...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Chickasawhay Ranger District 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
Turkey 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

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Provider
601-428-0594
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What Campers Say

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 77 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."

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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

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Swimming, boating and water-skiing make summer appealing.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 13% in MS

Overview: 'Autumn unveils Turkey Fork at its finest' with stable weather and pleasant days.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Mild weather and water activities resume; popular season for fishing and paddling.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but reviews note unheated facilities and tougher winter comfort/fishing.

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.
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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.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

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.
HikingA ¾-mile hiking trail connects the day-use area to the camping area. The trail is suitable for casual hikers.
FishingFishing 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.
SwimmingThe recreation area features two dedicated swim areas, making it suitable for swimming enthusiasts. Safety measures were not explicitly detailed.
BoatingBoating 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
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo 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

Reviews

4.7
77 reviews
Top-Rated
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 77 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #6 (RV Loop) received a 4-star rating from user 'Ed S.'
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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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