the Elvis Presley Museum, Mississippi
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
When you think about Elvis Presley, you’re probably thinking about the time he spent in Tennessee, making a career for himself in Nashville or his famous home Graceland in Memphis. But the birthplace of The King, the place where it all started, was in Tupelo, Mississippi. About 100,000 visitors come to the King’s first home every year.
The Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum in Tupelo, MS isn’t just his family’s original two-room home. It’s also a large museum dedicated to his life and career as the King of Rock and Roll. The town of Tupelo had a big effect on the music Elvis would go on to make famous—like the gospel he heard in church, and the blues so prominent in the south at the time.
Elvis was born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. His parents, Vernon and Gladys, were not well off. In fact, quite the opposite. His father borrowed money to build a small, two-room house that the family would live in—and where The King himself would be born. They would only live in this house for a few years until they were forced to move.
They lived in various places inside Tupelo until they moved to Memphis when Elvis was 13 years old. The house still stands today as a testament to Elvis’ humble roots. While his original $12.95 guitar doesn’t reside at the museum, when you’re looking at this house it becomes all the more incredible that they could even afford to buy it for him. You can tour the house alone if you’re quickly passing through and don’t have time to see the rest of the museum and grounds.
Gospel music had a huge influence on Elvis’ life and in his music. He first heard it at The Assembly of God Pentecostal Church in Tupelo. The music and the preaching he heard in this church had a profound effect on Elvis, and he would go on to blend these elements together with R&B, blues, and country music later in his career, redefining rock and roll.
This church now sits on the museum grounds. You can walk in and sit in the pews he did as a child, and imagine yourself as a young Presley. There’s also a small chapel nearby, a memorial devoted to Elvis. It’s something he always wished to have, and it’s a popular spot for meditation, as well as small events.
There are plenty of museums across the south dedicated to Elvis and his burgeoning rock and roll career. This museum, on the other hand, is dedicated to the years Elvis Presley spent in Tupelo, Mississippi, as a young boy. For 13 years, he and his family called this place home. The impact this town had on his formative years can’t be ignored.
The museum is loaded with artifacts related to Tupelo and how they tie to the life young Elvis lived here. There are also photomurals, pictures of Elvis’ youth, and other elements that depict his lifestyle—which was rife with money struggles. There are also audiovisual exhibits that give you deeper insight into his young life.
Visiting the birthplace of such an iconic rock and roll artist is often emotional for a lot of fans. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the history and the roots that he grew here. For the people who have listened to every song he’s sung, it’s an emotional experience to spend time where he grew up.
The museum has a decent plot of land along with it, and they call this area Reflections. It’s a quiet, natural place that’s meant for visitors to enjoy and reflect on the youth of their favorite musician. There’s a large pond with a “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” and fountains that are all meant to put you at peace.
The grounds surrounding the museum and birthplace are meant for walking. The museum has built the area up with several pavilions, an outdoor amphitheater, and picnic areas. It’s a great place to get out and stretch your legs after a long RV trip.
Near the Overlook Pavilion is also a bronze statue called BECOMING. You’ll see a small statue of young Elvis holding an acoustic guitar on his lap. Above him, there’s a much older, more rock star-era Elvis, standing in his famous jumpsuit. It’s a perfect photo opportunity.
Located quite near the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum, the Campground at Barnes Crossing gives you a little nature to enjoy with your otherwise urban camping experience. It’s secluded, so you’ll get plenty of quiet nights, resting comfortably in your RV which has the benefit of full hookups—including TV and wifi. The sites are shady, and there are clean restrooms and showers available as well.
Founded and owned by a couple of retirees who came south looking for comfort in the hills of the Natchez Trace, Natchez Trace RV Park is nestled just outside of Tupelo. Big-rig friendly and open year-round, there are several amenities that you’ll enjoy while camping here. The quiet and solitude, for example, will offer plenty of relaxation. There’s also a swimming pool and two fishing ponds. And of course, full hookups for your rental RV.
Want to keep your themed trip going? You can stay at Elvis Presley Lake and Campground. Just outside Tupelo, there’s a 322-acre lake that’s named for the King himself. It offers 16 camping sites, all with electric and water hookups. There’s also a dumpsite in the grounds as well.
A short six miles from Tupelo is Tombigbee State Park. It offers 20 sites for RVs, and they encourage reservations. There’s a bathhouse and a laundry facility onsite, plus a dumpsite. All 20 sites offer electricity and water hookups, while 18 of them also offer sewer. There’s also a picnic table, grill, and fire ring at every site to enjoy.
A 300-acre lake located near Saltillo, the campground at Lake Lamar Bruce is a small area with 11 sites. These do have electric and water hookups. There’s also plenty of good fishing to be had on the lake, with bluegill, crappie, largemouth, walleye, and more found inside. It’s a quiet place to come back to after a day on the road seeing sights.
There’s no dining inside the Elvis Presley Museum. If you need a snack, though, pack one onto the grounds to enjoy at the picnic pavilion. You can prepare it in the kitchen of your RV, throw it in a basket, and enjoy it near where the King himself used to walk. Legend has it Elvis really enjoyed fried pickles, bacon-topped meatloaf, and lemon meringue pie, so maybe consider putting those on your menu.
The town of Tupelo has a surprising number of local restaurants sure to satisfy your appetite. You’ll find deli sandwiches and barbecue joints, burger places, and breakfast diners. There are also ethnic restaurants like Thai and Mexican. You’ll also definitely find plenty of places with the southern classics, like fried chicken, meatloaf, gulf oysters, and shrimp and grits.
Tupelo has plenty of family-friendly places for the pickier eaters in your RV, as well. You’ll have no trouble tracking down pizza or chicken fingers if you need to. Meanwhile, the King would surely approve of the many fine restaurants in the area these days.