Explore Brandon, Mississippi
Brandon, Mississippi started as a settlement of 31 people in 1828. It remained a small settlement until the Mississippi and Alabama Company built a railroad originating in Jackson and ending in Brandon that became operational in 1850. The completion of the project boosted the town's economy and put it on the map as a tourist destination. Since then, the railroad was moved about a mile north and remains operational at its new location in Value. In the 1860s, Union soldiers set fire to Brandon, and the Civil War disrupted every aspect of life in the community. The residents rebuilt the city, but much of the downtown area was later destroyed again by a fire in 1924. Nowadays, the historic downtown district is alive and thriving, offering the city's 25,000 residents and visitors a variety of charming boutiques, restaurants, and other businesses.
City parks in Brandon include Bill Vance, Shiloh Park, and Brandon City Park. You can check out the Shiloh Splash Park if the kids in your group would enjoy battling each other with water cannons or cooling off in a 50-gallon dump bucket. When it's time to eat, some of the highly rated restaurants in the city are The Lost Pizza Company and Kismet's Restaurant. Shaggy's on the Rez offers a more formal dining experience with waterfront views.
After absorbing what the town offers, you can direct your Brandon, Mississippi RV rental towards nearby Jackson, Mississippi to visit the Smith Robertson Museum. There, you can delve into art exhibits, photographs, and displays that make this region's African American history come alive. Before you leave, don't forget to take a few selfies at the magnificently restored building to remember your trip.
Best National Forests Near Brandon, Mississippi
Bienville National Forest offers two recreation areas around the 50-acre Marathon Lake and Shongelo Lake. These lakes each have camping areas. At Marathon Lake, you can swim or launch a boat and fish for catfish, bass, and crappie. There, you'll find 34 campsites offering water and electricity hookups. Two bathhouses and a dump station are also available. Ranger Trail provides an easy hike where you can take your dog for a stroll while Shockloe Trail is longer and steeper if you are looking for a challenge.
RV camping is offered in 57 primitive campsites at the 60,898-acre Delta National Forest. These sites include gravel pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern posts. Stop by the nearby Delta Work Center to refill your water tanks with potable water. Activities in this forest include big game hunting, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing. Check out the Alligator Lake Trail and the Blue Lake Nature Trail for epic wildlife viewing.
The Brushy Creek Waterfall is a must-see highlight at the 190,000-acre Homochitto National Forest. Hiking enthusiasts will also want to check out the Brushy Creek Loop Trail and the Richardson Creek Trail. Other fun things to do here include birding, stargazing, and fishing. Mountain biking enthusiasts should not leave the area without visiting the Clear Springs trail network.
Events Near Brandon, Mississippi
Mississippi State Fair - If you'll be in Mississippi during the month of October, stop at the fairgrounds in nearby Jackson to see live entertainment, view livestock exhibits, enjoy carnival rides, play games, and take part in fun contests at this event.
The Cathead Jam Music Festival - Head to the Cathead Distillery in Jackson, Mississippi in June to participate in a festival celebrating Mississippi's unique musical heritage.
Roosevelt Ice Bowl Disc Golf Tournament - This event will appeal to the disc golf enthusiasts in your group and happens every February at the Roosevelt State Park in Morton, Mississippi.
Popular RV Parks and Campgrounds Near Brandon, Mississippi
If camping right within Brandon appeals to you, try the pet-friendly Goshen Springs Campground. Amenities at Goshen Springs include a swimming pool, restrooms, showers, and electric hookups.
Swinging Bridge RV Park in Byram, Mississippi is a pet-friendly facility offering accommodations for all RV types, including fifth-wheels and toy haulers. Amenities at this campground include concrete pads, a swimming pool, a pond, hot showers, and laundry facilities.
The Wendy Oaks RV Resort, located in Florence, Mississippi, is adjacent to a stunning 8-acre lake. Campers at this facility can fish off the campground's dock, and the campsites have full hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings.
RV Dump Stations Near Brandon, Mississippi
You will inevitably need to empty the waste tanks in your Brandon, Mississippi RV rental. Fortunately, there a several nearby dump stations. Your nearest option can be found in Brandon at the Goshen Springs Campground. The station is free for guests, and there is a small fee if you are not staying overnight.
Another nearby dump station is at the Pilot Flying J Travel Plazas #678 in Pearl, Mississippi. This big-rig-friendly location is open 24 hours a day year-round. If you have a Flying J membership card, you can use the dump station for a $10 fee; a Pilot Flying J RV Plus Card gets you a reduced fee of $5.
About 22 miles from Brandon is the Springridge Mobile Estates & RV Park, located in Clinton. The dump station is closed on Sundays, and they charge a $5 fee if you are not a guest.
