Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, is located in the west-central region of the state, along the Pearl River. The county transitioned from Spanish to American administration in 1810, which was also the same year it got included in the Mississippi Territory and brought under the jurisdiction of the United States Constitution. The city was named after Andrew Jackson, who was recognized for his involvement in the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. Andrew Jackson was also the seventh president of the United States. The city was established the same year (1812) as the state capital, with the location chosen due to the convergence of various transit routes, most notably the Pearl River and the Natchez Trace.
Jackson is also known as the "City with Soul." It has produced many well-known blues, gospel, folklore, and jazz performers. Jackson serves as a significant hub for transportation and distribution. The city's thriving telecommunication sector is also crucial to the economy, along with poultry processing and the production of car parts. Industrial, agricultural, and recreational benefits have come from a flood control project on the Pearl River built in the 1960s. Jackson is also renowned for its genuine Southern hospitality and nationally famous universities.
The leisure and entertainment possibilities in Jackson will appeal to you. Country clubbers will feel at home in Jackson's vibrant social scene, while cultural enthusiasts will have much to experience and explore. The Mississippi Museum of Art and the Eudora Welty House & Garden are small but well-kept museums. In addition, the famous Fondren district, located downtown, has a thriving collection of restaurants, pubs, and entertainment places.
Campgrounds Near Jackson, Mississippi
One campground you can consider for parking your RV when touring Jackson is the Swinging Bridge RV Park. This park is relatively big and is located south of Jackson. It has a private pond, and as a bonus, visitors can easily access Trahon Creek. A mile from Swinging Bridge RV Park are convenience stores like Walgreens and Walmart, where you can shop for essential supplies. The campsites in this RV park have picnic tables and are shaded. This park is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
You can also camp at Wendy Oaks RV Park, which is on U.S. Highway 49. This campsite provides easy access to neighborhood conveniences. You can also fish or swim in the tiny, private lake accessible from Wendy Oaks RV Resort. In addition, this campground has good internet connectivity in areas around the office and is situated next to a petrol station.
The LeFleur's Bluff State Park, located in Northern Jackson, is a 305-acre park with extensive nature paths. Fishing is permitted at LeFleur's Bluff State Park. This campsite also has a playground and is open throughout the year.
State Parks Near Jackson, Mississippi
While you enjoy your visit to Jackson, you can also tour the great state parks in the area. One incredible park to visit is Golden Memorial State Park. This park honors the one-room school that formerly stood on the land it was built on. Golden Memorial State Park was built after the American Civil War. Visitors can enjoy this park thanks to its picnic tables, grills, and two pavilions. This park has several hiking paths to take nature walks and a 15-acre spring-fed lake stocked with fish.
Between the Mississippi cities of Meridian and Jackson sits Roosevelt State Park, which provides various outdoor leisure opportunities and stunning scenery. Take a breather at the scenic overlook for a 360-degree overview of the Bienville National Forest, which looks incredible in the fall.
Leroy Percy State Park features a lot of material that explains various historical events. The ruins of an active river may still be seen in this park, together with the fauna, cypress trees, and lakes that are now nourished by smaller rivers and streams. This park has 16 back-in RV spots, a public restroom with flushing toilets, and a playground for kids to play. Warm showers are available, but only in one area within the facility. In addition, you are sure to come across spectacular prehistoric habitats while hiking on this park's recreational paths.
National Sites Near Jackson, Mississippi
Aside from national and state parks, your tour to Jackson will also feature great national sites. You can visit Poverty Point National Monument, which is a 402-acre area comprising North America's biggest and most complex Late Archaic earthwork habitation and ceremonial site. Hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor experiences are available in the area, ranging from soothing to strenuous. In addition, you can learn about the distinct culture of North Louisiana via a celebration of music, crafts, and food. Cotton, aviation, and Coca-Cola museums, among others, will appeal to history enthusiasts.
Natchez Trace Parkway is also a spectacular sight to see. A simple hunting track that served as a convenient location for Native Americans to set up camp was all that the original Natchez Trace was at first. Today, visitors touring Natchez Trace Parkway may go back in time and visit historic Civil War battlegrounds, old Native American burial mounds, and even the location of the mysterious death of renowned explorer Meriwether Lewis. Natchez Trace offers everything, from horseback riding and bicycling to fishing, camping, and hiking. This site is close to Pope's Tavern and Museum.
You will enjoy learning about the motivating history of Medgar and Myrlie Evers National Monument. Medgar Evers was a civil rights martyr. As a result, his home, where he resided with his wife and co-activist, Myrlie Evers, was turned into a museum and a national historic landmark. After touring this national monument, you can also visit the nearby Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
National Forest Near Jackson, Mississippi
National forests near Jackson are not only breathtaking but also filled with a variety of fun outdoor activities. Bienville National Forest is an area you should visit when exploring the Jackson area. In addition to the possibility of seeing wild animals like deer and wild turkeys, Bienville National Forest offers fun outdoor activities, including birding, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. The forest also provides you with a ton of opportunities to enjoy nature. You can swim in Shongelo Lake, take in the sights along the Shockaloe Trail, or go geocaching for fun. You can also fish for catfish, bass, and crappie at Marathon Lake. Afterward, you can relax, eat lunch or dinner at the Marathon Campground, and enjoy the evening stargazing.
Delta National Forest is ideal for an outdoor trip by yourself or with family. You can enjoy wild camping in the woods at permitted locations. You can also try your hand at river catfish fishing. Also, keep an eye out for the northern mockingbird, the state bird of Mississippi, or the white-tailed deer, the state animal. Boating is another beautiful way to pass the day while camping in this forest.
Another forest you'd want to explore is Homochitto National Forest. This 190,000-acre forest showcases the best of nature. Visitors notably adore the 12-acre Clear Spring Lake, which is perfect for picnics, relaxation, stargazing, and wildlife viewing and is flanked by a sandy beach and lush forest grass. Today, the neighboring Clear Springs Trail is regarded as one of the best mountain biking routes in the region. Okhissa Lake, a 1075-acre body of water in Homochitto National Forest, is an excellent place for boating, fishing, picnicking, and swimming.
