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De Soto/Turkey Fork
Overview
Tucked deep within the expansive De Soto National Forest, the Turkey Fork Recreation Area offers a serene lakeside escape near Richton, Mississippi. Centered around a beautiful 240-acre reservoir, this park provides a tranquil environment where the gentle rustle of pine needles replaces the noise of the highway. It is a managed federal recreation site that balances natural beauty with necessary comforts, making it a favorite for those who appreciate the quiet piney woods and the slow-paced charm of the Deep South.
Location & Surroundings
Located in the Chickasawhay Ranger District, this park is surrounded by thousands of acres of protected forest land. The Turkey Fork Reservoir serves as the focal point, with campsites shaded by a thick canopy of southern pines and mixed hardwoods. While the park feels delightfully secluded, it remains easily accessible from the town of Richton, providing a perfect home base for exploring the unique ecosystems and rolling hills of southeastern Mississippi. The lack of light pollution here makes for exceptional stargazing on clear nights.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground caters to RV travelers with several key features designed for a functional and comfortable stay in the forest:
- Spacious RV sites equipped with water and 30/50-amp electrical hookups.
- Access to clean bathhouses featuring hot showers and flushing toilets.
- A concrete boat ramp and multiple fishing piers for easy reservoir access.
- A designated sandy swimming beach and covered picnic pavilions for day use.
These amenities ensure that while you are immersed in nature, you still have the conveniences required for a multi-day trip.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activity, from fishing for largemouth bass, bream, and catfish to paddling a kayak across the glassy surface of the reservoir. The surrounding forest offers miles of opportunities for nature photography and birdwatching. Beyond the park boundaries, visitors can explore the wider Chickasawhay River area or take a short drive into Richton for local supplies and small-town hospitality. The area is particularly popular during the spring and fall when the Mississippi climate is most temperate for hiking.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature-focused RVers who prefer a rustic, scenic environment over a high-traffic commercial resort. Families will appreciate the safe swimming areas and easy lake access, while solo travelers and couples will enjoy the profound peace and quiet. If your travel style involves unplugging and reconnecting with the outdoors, De Soto/Turkey Fork provides the perfect backdrop for a quiet Mississippi getaway where the primary entertainment is the great outdoors.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
James Bryant
Really nice rv sites. Only complaint is no sewer connection available. Does have a dump available. Isolated but only 15 miles from Richton which has available groceries, fuel, and fast foods. Can't beat the price and wish they would open up more sites for reservations due to size of our motorhome.
Dymm Witt
Nice little Campground in the DeSoto National Forest. Sites 1 through 10 can be reserved on recreation.gov, the remainder are first come, first served, and are paid in cash or check at the kiosk. $20 a night for electric and water, but with the annual or lifetime pass it's only $13. We only gave it a four-star because the trash can situation is a little bizarre. There is a huge construction type dumpster outside the camping area at the trailer dump station. It was open and overflowing with trash.
Nikki
Beautiful park! Very quiet and clean campground. We had a cardinal bird visitor who wanted to help us clean up all our crumbs of food dropped. Lots of wildlife and nice little fishing area. Bathrooms are very basic and relatively clean. Only bad thing I can say is that we had no power when we arrived and tried to call someone to ask for help but could not get ahold of anybody! Turns out the power was just out in the area and was restored shortly after we got there but someone answering the phone for weekend campers would be helpful.
Tommy Matthews
Very nice campground, well maintained and super quiet!
TrdLtly
Nice quiet campground in December. Note that water is heated, but bathrooms are NOT. They are screened and vented.