One of six national forests in the state, the Bienville National Forest covers 178,541 acres of land and stretches into four counties in central Mississippi. The Bienville National Forest offers a bed of hardwood trees and pine forests with a lot of lakes, streams and ponds, creating outdoor opportunities like birdwatching, boating, camping, fishing, hiking and horseback riding as well as the chance to spot wildlife, such as deer and wild turkey. You will also find wild hogs and bobcats if you dare to look. Camping is available throughout the year, allowing visitors to choose between hot summers, moderate off-seasons and mild winters for just the right vacation time. With so much to see and do, and the fact that cities like Jackson and Meridian are only a little more than an hour away, the Bienville National Forest makes for a great family vacation all year long.
Where to Camp
Camping in Bienville National Forest
Bienville National Forest, located in central Mississippi, spans parts of Scott, Smith, Jasper, and Newton counties. Named after Jean-Baptiste Bienville, the forest is part of the Southeastern mixed forests ecoregion, featuring a lush blend of pine and oak. Bienville National Forest RV campingallows visitors to enjoy a range of recreational activities, including easy access to hiking, boating, and fishing for bass, bream, and crappie at Marathon Lake and Shongelo Lake. For added convenience, RVs can be rented in RV Share to enhance your camping experience.
Camping near Bienville National Forest offers access to diverse experiences through scenic campgrounds. Clear Springs Campground is set amidst tall pines and mixed hardwoods, featuring a serene 12-acre spring-fed lake perfect for fishing. Marathon Lake Campground, named after the historic Marathon Lumber Company, surrounds a 50-acre lake in Smith County stocked with catfish, bass, crappie, and bream. Shockaloe Trail Base Camp I Campground serves as the gateway to the nationally recognized Shockaloe Trail, where hikers and riders can explore over 60 years of forest management practices, including timber preservation, fire management, and wildlife habitats.
Where to Camp?
Whether you opt for camping in Bienville National Forest or at nearby private campgrounds, there are plenty of choices available to accommodate any budget.
Campgrounds in Bienville National Forest
Clear Springs Campground
$20 per night
Marathon Lake Campground
$20 per night
Shockaloe Trail Base Camp I Campground
$7 per night
Private Campgrounds Near BienvilleNational Forest
Explore campgrounds near Bienville National Forest in Mississippi and the various alternative locations for every type of camping. For RV maintenance during your trip, check out RVshare's dump stations for a list of convenient dump stations in the area. Ideal for families and solo travelers, these campgrounds provide a fantastic base for discovering the region's natural beauty.
Camp Topisaw
$25 per night
Leatherneck On Big Black River
$25 per night
Back Forty Farm
$30 per night
Home Town Host
$30 per night
Great Magnolia
$40 per night
Wildwood
$40 per night
Big Branch Apiary
$45 per night
Wendy Oaks RV Resort
$50 per night
Budget-friendly Campgrounds
Bayou Peninsula
$8 per night
Family Farm Forever
$12 per night
Heart of the Country
$15 per night
Rock Hill Campsite
$18 per night
Black River campsite Mississippi
$23 per night
Family C RV Park
Family C RV Park is a modern campground that offers RV guests asphalt parking, full hookups (30 amp, 50 amp, sewer, water), restrooms with showers, wireless internet, laundry facilities, a playground and boat ramp as well as 8 acres of lake for fishing (for registered guests), boating, and swimming with a beach area.
Shockaloe Base Camp I
For anyone needing a horse-friendly campground, Shockaloe Base Camp I offers 10 mixed tent and RV campsites. Open March 1 through December 15, the campground has plenty of Loblolly pine and hardwood trees to provide shade and privacy. This campground also has vault and wheelchair-friendly toilets. The rate is $7 per day with a maximum of 14 days, and no reservation is needed. The 23-mile Shockaloe Horse Trail is on site.
Roosevelt State Park Campgrounds
Roosevelt State Park offers 109 RV campsites. The campsites are located in wooded areas near the 150-acre fresh-water Shadow Lake. Twenty-seven of these campsites include electricity and water hookups. Eighty-two campsites have sewer hookups along with electricity and water. Campsites feature a bathhouse, showers, laundry, paved RV pads, picnic tables and grills, a swimming area with a beach, and central sewage dumping. Note: A day-use park entrance fee is $4 per vehicle plus an extra $0.50 per person for groups larger than six people.
Marathon Campground
Within walking distance of Marathon Lake and surrounded by pine trees, this campground offers 34 (tent or RV) camping sites, a modern bathhouse, wheelchair-friendly showers, flush toilets, full hookups, a waste station, water, electric, picnic tables, grills, a boat ramp, a swim beach, a hiking trail and fishing. No reservations are needed. Rate is $20 per day, $13 with a senior discount. Note: alcoholic beverages are not permitted and there is no gasoline available in Homewood, MS.
Explore the variety of hiking trails in Bienville National Forest, from fun walks to challenging treks.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Ranger Trail
Distance: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Shockaloe Horse Trail
Distance: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Office Trail
Distance: 0.75 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Challenging Trails for Hikers
Shockaloe Trail
Distance: 9.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Lakeside Trails
Marathon Lake Recreation Area Trail
Distance: 2.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Ranger Trail
Located within Bienville National Forest, the Ranger Trail offers visitors a short trek through the woodlands surrounded by local wildlife. Look for white-tailed deer and wild turkey while you hike.
Length: 0.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Shockaloe Trail
For biking, hiking, horseback riding and running, this 23-mile, dog-friendly and nationally recognized loop trail is listed in the National Register of Trails. It offers hikers and riders a flat pathway that takes about 2 days to complete. You will cross a number of small streams, creeks and water holes, so it is a good idea to have an extra pair of socks handy. Look for deer and quail during your hike. Dogs need to be kept on a leash, and it is recommended that you wear orange during deer hunting season.
Length: 23 miles
Intensity: Easy to Moderate
Things to Do
Activities in Bienville National Forest
Here are some interesting things to do in BienvilleNational Forest:
Lake and pond fishing are both accessible here. Cast a line at Beaver Lake, Clear Springs, Marathon Lake, Shongelo Lake, Tishkill Lake, or the Greentree Reservoir, where you can reel in bass, crappie, bream, and more in peaceful surroundings.
Explore the natural beauty of Clear Springs, Marathon Lake, Shongelo Lake, and the nationally recognized Shockaloe Trail, each offering unique paths through the forest.
Enjoy a quiet meal surrounded by nature at Clear Springs, Marathon Lake, and Shongelo Lake. Group facilities are available at Marathon Lake and Shongelo Lake for larger gatherings.
Cool off at designated swimming spots in Marathon Lake and Shongelo Lake, perfect for a refreshing summer dip.
Identifying Flora and Fauna
The National Forest offers plenty of natural beauty and wildlife to experience, as well. You can find wild turkeys, coyotes, unique birds and deer roaming the forest as well as spot unique flowers and plants native to the area. Go for a leisurely walk or simply relax among the pine trees.
How to Get There
How to get to Bienville National Forest
Address: Lake, MS 39092
Fee: Entry fee $0
By Car
From Hattiesburg:Take US-49 N and drive for 37.1 miles to MS-35 N in Mount Olive. Continue on MS-35 N for 27.1 miles to County Rd 18-9 in Smith County to reach Bienville National Forest.
Morton: From I-20, take Exit 77 and follow Highway 13 north to Highway 80. Turn right onto Highway 80 and drive about 4 miles until you see a US Forest Service sign for the "National Forest Service Trail." Turn left and continue for approximately 6 miles; the headquarters will be on your left.
By Air
The nearest airports to Bienville National Forest are:
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN): From the airport, you can rent a car and drive approximately 40 miles east to the forest, following directions via US 49 N to MS-35 N in Mount Olive and follow County Rd 18-9 in Smith County for 27 miles.
Meridian Regional Airport (MEI): Take US-11 N to get onto I-20 W/I-59 S. Drive for about 21 minutes (23.7 miles) and take Exit 109 to MS-15 S/Eastside Dr in Newton. Continue on US-80 W for 13 minutes (10.3 miles) to MS-505 S in Lawrence to reach Bienville National Forest.
Seasonal Restrictions
In Bienville National Forest, seasonal restrictions primarily affect hunting and fishing activities, which are regulated by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Specific hunting seasons are in place for species such as white-tailed deer, turkey, squirrel, and waterfowl, with bag limits and designated areas to ensure sustainable wildlife management. Fishing also follows seasonal regulations with limits on species, catch sizes, and designated fishing zones. Additionally, certain recreational activities like camping may be restricted or have limited availability during certain seasons due to weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow, affecting access to specific areas of the forest.
Fees in the BienvilleNational Forest
In Bienville National Forest, entry fees are generally applied to specific recreation areas, and day-use fees are required for activities like swimming, picnicking, and hiking. Other areas, including the Marathon Lake Recreation Area, may also charge fees for camping and day use. While most general access to the forest is free, certain activities, like horseback riding on designated trails, may require a permit or additional fees depending on the location and activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Bienville National Forest
What is the closest town to Bienville National Forest?
Lake, Mississippi is one of the closest towns to the Bienville National Forest. There are restaurants, shops, and other places campers can stock up or rest for a few days.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Bienville National Forest?
Yes, you can kayak, canoe, and raft in Bienville National Forest. There are many large lakes, as well as smaller bodies of water where paddling and rafting is available.
How many hiking trails does Bienville National Forest have?
There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails in Bienville National Forest. You'll find trails for every ability, from easy strolls to arduous hikes and everything in between!
Is Bienville National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Bienville National Forest is open year-round. The mild weather and moderate climate mean that visitors can hike, bike, canoe, and more in any season!
Is there a fee to get into Bienville National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into Bienville National Forest. However, there are permits or fees required for certain recreation areas, and for activities like camping in certain parts of the forest.
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