Although it may seem like an unconventional choice for your next vacation, Mississippi is an incredibly unique state with tons to offer new travelers. From the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to the teeming Gulf Coast, you can find everything you’re looking for in the Magnolia State.

Renting an RV in Mississippi is no sweat and you’ll be happy you did it. Enjoy all of the comforts of home while taking in the beauty of the natural landscape. The unparalleled independence of RV travel lets you explore and camp on your terms.

Why Renting an RV in Mississippi Is the Way to Go

Mississippi is overflowing with southern hospitality and small-town charm. Stop in one of Mississippi’s many historic towns and keep an eye out for a live blues performance and some incredible southern comfort food on your way to your next park.

Traveling in an RV is the best way to interact with friendly locals and enjoy this slice of Americana. The state is one of the best places to experience the famous Southern Hospitality, and Mississippi wants to have visitors come and experience everything this great state has to offer.

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10 Magnificent Places to See in Mississippi in Your Rental RV

Mississippi is divided into five distinct regions. The northeastern hills region is at the tail end of the Appalachian Mountain range with beautiful streams and lakes. It contains several Civil War battlefields.

The Mississippi Delta region in the northwest portion of the state is a rich agricultural center and is also noted as the “birthplace of the blues”.

To the east, you will find the ‘pines’ region, full of lush forests and world-class golf courses.

Along the southwest border with Louisiana, the capital/river region contains the bustling capital of Jackson as well as many important historical sites from the Civil War era.

Finally, the coastal region along the Gulf of Mexico is considered “the playground of the south," featuring a dazzling array of watersport opportunities, casinos, restaurants, and shops.

With so much to see and do in Mississippi, we have compiled a list of 10 must-see attractions to make the most out of your RV adventure.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

The chain of protected Gulf Islands spreads from the Florida panhandle over to the Mississippi coast. There are many water sport activities available, including swimming, snorkeling, fishing, waterfowl hunting, and boating. Also, consider a ferry trip out to Ship Island where you can tour historic Fort Massachusetts. Your best bet for RV accommodations is the Bayou Davis campground. A total of 49 campsites are RV-friendly and offer water and electrical hookups. Please be aware that fires are only allowed in provided fire rings or charcoal grills.

RVs near Gulf Islands National Seashore

Cypress Swamps

Cypress trees are iconic in Mississippi and are a crucial part of the swamp ecosystem. Their root systems have the unique ability to thrive underwater, and mature forests rising out of the swamp is a striking spectacle that feels otherworldly. One of the best ways to enjoy these unique trees is a stroll on the Boardwalk Trail via the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The closest RV campground would be Timberlake, about 20 miles from the swamps. More than 100 sites offer full hookup access. The campground is also seated on the beautiful Barnett Reservoir, so bring your fishing poles.

RVs near Cypress Swamp

Elvis Presley Museum

On January 8th, 1935, ‘The King’ was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. At the Elvis Presley Museum, you can walk the grounds where Elvis grew up, exploring the home in which he was born and his childhood church where he connected with his love for music. The museum is open seven days a week and $15 will buy a ticket to see everything.

There are five RV parking spots at the museum, but no camping is available on-site. Nearby at the Elvis Presley Campground on Elvis Presley Lake (much love for ‘The King’, here), you can find 16 RV sites with electric and water hookups. Access to the lake is also easy and fishing for largemouth bass is solid. Learn more about the Elvis Presley Museum.

RVs near the Elvis Presley Museum

Geyser Falls

You’ll find fun for the whole family at Mississippi’s largest waterpark complex. Across Geyser Falls’ 23-acre water wonderland, you’ll find 12 major water slides, a lazy river, a massive wave pool, and so much more. You can even rent a cabana for the day to have a private relaxation area for you and your guests.

There aren’t many great RV camping options right near the waterpark, however, a 30-mile trip up north to Kosciusko offers a bunch of solid options for parks with good amenities. Kosciusko would be a good home base for a visit to the Cypress Swamps, too. Learn more about Geyser Falls.

RVs near Geyser Falls

Mississippi Petrified Forest

Over 30 million years ago, a prehistoric log jam occurred in present-day Flora, Mississippi. Today, it is a beautiful area with incredible petrified timber and abundant wildlife. Stroll along the nature trail to see many different examples of petrified wood features and visit the museum to learn about the ancient geologic history of the area. Kids can also enjoy the gem mining flume and you even get to keep whatever you find!

RV camping is available onsite at the petrified forest with full hookup access. Rates are very reasonable ($22+tax/night) and leashed dogs are welcome guests.

RVs near Mississippi Petrified Forest

Dunn’s Falls

In the eastern portion of the state, Dunn’s Falls is worth a visit. The 65-foot falls are the tallest in the state and were man-made in 1850 to power a grain mill (the remnants are still there). Within the park, you can also find a scenic three-mile hiking trail and some of the most scenic swimming areas around.

Primitive camping sites are available; however, no RV access is allowed. If you travel 18 miles to the northeast, Bonita Lakes RV Park in Meridian has over 100 sites with full hookup access. A little pond on-site also offers some fishing fun. Learn more about Dunn’s Falls.

RVs near Dunn's Falls

Gulf Coast Gator Ranch

Walk among some of the largest and most fierce predators on the planet as you tour the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch. Enjoy heart-racing fun as you explore over 100 acres of southern Mississippi swampland with opportunities to feed and photograph these incredible animals. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a guided fan boat tour for an exclusive experience.

If you would like to spend the night nearby, check out Riverside RV Park a few miles north in Moss Point. There are plenty of full hookup sites available at an incredible $20 nightly rate.

RVs near Gulf Coast Gator Ranch

Arkabutla Lake

Up north, just 30 minutes from Memphis, Arkabutla Lake is an idyllic lakeside camping destination surrounded by 30,000 acres of forest. A unique aspect of the lake is its consistently favorable winds for sailing activities, so if you’ve always wanted to learn, this would be a great time to rent a small boat or catamaran.

You will find three ‘class A’ campgrounds, with over 200 sites suitable for RV camping. All feature water and electrical hookups. The South Abutment Campground has sites right near the shoreline for supreme views and lake access. Learn more about Arkabutla Lake.

RVs near Arkabutla Lake

Windsor Ruins

Step back in time and visit the iconic Windsor Ruins. Once the site of the Windsor Plantation, a massive fire in 1890 destroyed everything but the ornate 45-foot-tall columns. It is one of the most photographed locations in the state and stands as a reminder of the country’s tumultuous past.

If you’d like to camp nearby, Gray’s RV Park & Campground offers full hookup sites. You’ll have quick access to highway 61 and a small fishing pond on the property.

RVs near Windsor Ruins

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge consists of over 42,000 acres of woodland in east-central Mississippi and serves as a protective environment for many species of migratory birds, deer, fish, and native plants. Expansive hiking trails and boardwalks will connect you with this pristine land and its flourishing wildlife. In the summer, be sure to pack some insect repellent because these woods are also home to plenty of mosquitoes.

To protect wildlife, no camping is allowed at the refuge. The Belaire RV Park up in nearby Starkville can take care of you, though. Enjoy one of the 30 spacious sites with full hookups and a great little fishing pond. Learn more about Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.

RVs near Noxubee Wildlife Refuge

Campgrounds and RV Parks in Mississippi

Although many of these attractions do not offer onsite RV camping, outdoor living is a way of life in Mississippi, so you will never be too far from RV accommodations. Take a look at Good Sam campgrounds for great options near each of your destinations.

Since Mississippi is on the Gulf coast, it’s important to be mindful of hurricane season. If you are camping in late summer or fall, be aware of the hurricane evacuation protocols for your campground. These wicked storms are notorious for their unpredictability so being prepared is very important to ensure a fun and safe RVing experience.

Things to Know About Renting an RV in Mississippi

Things to Note About Camping in Mississippi

You will likely be traveling through a lot of rural areas in Mississippi where cell service might be scarce. If you rely on your cell phone for navigation purposes, you may want to consider bringing/renting/buying a proper GPS unit. These rely on a satellite connection so if you can see the sky, you’ll have a connection.

In the southern part of the state, you also need to be on the lookout for alligators. These large reptiles are notorious for making themselves welcome in unwelcome places, so exercise caution during your outdoor activities and near any body of water. Good Sam has compiled a list of campgrounds in Mississippi you can check out here.

Dry Camping or Boondocking in Mississippi

If you are looking to get away from it all, dry camping or boondocking is your best RV option to isolate yourself. Boondocking means that there are no hookups available (e.g. sewer, electrical, water), and your RV unit is operating independently.

A great place to do this is on public land identified by the Bureau of Land Management. Unfortunately, Mississippi does not have any of this type of land available for RV camping. Not to worry, though, many campgrounds (of which there are plenty throughout the state) will let you dry camp if all of their hookup spots are taken and they have additional space.

There are also some businesses within the state that will let you park overnight in their parking lots. Rest stops are also a good option for RVers who just need a place to park overnight, so they can then move on to their next destination in this great state.