Mississippi Spring Turkey Hunting: Best RV Base Camps
As the chill of winter fades into the balmy embrace of spring, Mississippi’s woodlands come alive with the resonant gobbles of wild turkeys. For hunters, this season represents the pinnacle of outdoor adventure—a thrilling pursuit that combines patience, skill, and a deep connection to nature. Mississippi, with its diverse landscapes ranging from piney woods to hardwood bottoms and river deltas, boasts one of the healthiest wild turkey populations in the Southeast, estimated at around 250,000 birds. The spring turkey season typically runs from mid-March to the end of April, offering ample opportunities for both resident and non-resident hunters to bag a longbeard. But what elevates this experience? Pairing it with the freedom of RV camping. Imagine waking up in your cozy rig, steps away from prime hunting grounds, with all the comforts of home at your fingertips. No rushed commutes or cramped hotel rooms—just you, your gear, and the call of the wild.
RV base camps are ideal for turkey hunters because they provide flexibility, convenience, and a way to immerse yourself fully in the environment. You can scout at dawn, hunt through the morning, and retreat to your RV for a hot meal or nap without breaking stride. Plus, with Mississippi’s extensive network of public lands— including national forests and wildlife management areas (WMAs)—there are plenty of spots where you can park your rig near the action. In this guide, we’ll explore four standout turkey-hunting locations in Mississippi, each with nearby RV parks that serve as perfect base camps. We’ll also highlight how Great American RV SuperStores in Hattiesburg and Tupelo can equip you for the journey, from sales and service to stocking up on top-tier parts and accessories. Whether you’re a seasoned gobbler chaser or a newbie gearing up for your first hunt, these spots will make your Mississippi spring turkey adventure unforgettable.
Before diving in, a quick note on regulations: Always check the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) for the latest season dates, bag limits (usually three gobblers per hunter), and permit requirements. Youth hunts often kick off earlier, and public lands may have draw systems or specific rules. Now, let’s talk turkey.
1. Bienville National Forest and WMA: Central Mississippi’s Gobbler Haven
Nestled in the heart of Mississippi, Bienville National Forest spans nearly 180,000 acres across Scott, Smith, Jasper, and Newton counties, encompassing the Bienville and Caney Creek WMAs. This area is a turkey hunter’s dream, known for its mature pine forests interspersed with hardwood ridges, creeks, and food plots that attract flocks year-round. According to MDWFP data, central Mississippi consistently ranks high for harvest success, with Bienville often cited as one of the top public lands for spring gobblers. The terrain here is rolling but accessible, with plenty of logging roads for quiet approaches. Turkeys roost in the tall pines and feed on acorns, insects, and green browse in the understory. Early season sees hens drawing in toms with yelps echoing through the woods, while later in April, you might find stragglers on the fringes of clearcuts.
What makes Bienville especially appealing for RV hunters is its proximity to quality campgrounds. Roosevelt State Park, just a short drive east near Morton, offers 110 RV sites with full hookups (50/30/20-amp electric, water, and sewer), picnic tables, grills, and scenic views of Shadow Lake. It’s a family-friendly spot with amenities like laundry facilities, a boat launch, and hiking trails—perfect for non-hunting companions. Rates start around $28 per night, and reservations can be made through the MDWFP website. For a more rustic feel, Marathon Lake Campground within the national forest provides pull-through sites with electric and water hookups, surrounded by towering trees. It’s first-come, first-served, so arrive early during peak season.
Hunting tips: Focus on the WMA’s food plots and creek bottoms at first light. Use soft tree yelps to locate roosted birds, then set up with decoys in open areas. Be mindful of other hunters—Bienville sees moderate pressure, but spreading out minimizes crowds. After a successful hunt, clean your bird at camp and fire up the grill for fresh turkey tenders.
This location’s central position also makes it convenient for stocking up. If you’re coming from the south, swing by Great American RV SuperStores in Hattiesburg for any last-minute needs.
2. Homochitto National Forest: Southwestern Gobbling Grounds
In southwestern Mississippi, Homochitto National Forest covers about 190,000 acres in counties like Amite, Franklin, and Wilkinson, making it a hotspot in Region 4—the state’s traditional turkey powerhouse. The forest’s mix of loblolly pines, oaks, and cypress swamps provides ideal habitat for Eastern wild turkeys, with high densities reported in recent surveys. Gobblers here are vocal, often responding aggressively to calls, especially in the hardwood bottoms where they strut and display. The area’s sandy soils and diverse undergrowth support abundant food sources, leading to healthy birds with impressive beards and spurs. Spring rains can create muddy conditions, but that’s when turkeys congregate on higher ground, making them easier to pattern.
For RV base camps, Clear Springs Recreation Area inside the forest is a gem, with 22 sites offering electric and water hookups amid lush greenery. It’s near a sparkling lake for fishing downtime, and sites are spacious for larger rigs. Brushy Creek Ranch, on the forest’s edge, adds a touch of luxury with full-hookup RV sites, a swimming pool, and even horse pens if you’re into equestrian adventures. Priced affordably at $35-45 per night, it includes trails leading directly into national forest land—talk about doorstep hunting!
Pro tips: Scout for fresh scratches and tracks along forest roads. Mid-morning is prime time when toms separate from hens. Pack bug spray for ticks and mosquitoes, and consider a Thermacell for your blind. Homochitto’s size means you can find solitude if you venture off main paths.
Conveniently, this region is accessible from Hattiesburg, where Great American RV SuperStores can handle any rig tweaks before you hit the woods.
3. Delta National Forest: Northern Floodplain Pursuits
Up in the Mississippi Delta, Delta National Forest sprawls across 60,000 acres in Sharkey and Issaquena counties, offering a unique twist on turkey hunting with its bottomland hardwoods, oxbow lakes, and cypress brakes. This is big gobbler country, where birds thrive on the fertile soils and abundant mast crops like acorns and pecans. The forest is part of the state’s northwestern public lands, which include nearby Holly Springs and Tombigbee National Forests, but Delta stands out for its remote feel and high success rates. Turkeys here roost over water and feed in open fields, making for dramatic hunts amid the eerie beauty of flooded timber.
RV options abound for comfort seekers. Askew’s Landing RV Campground near Edwards provides shaded, lakeside sites with full hookups, restrooms, and Wi-Fi—ideal for families. It’s about 30 miles east but worth the drive for its peaceful vibe and proximity to Jackson. Closer in, Perry Farms on Lake George offers 35 RV spaces with electric and water, plus access to hunting lodges if you want to mix it up. Rates hover around $25-35, and it’s near Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for bonus waterfowl scouting (though that’s fall fare).
Hunting advice: Use boat access for deeper swamp areas—many turkeys hang out in inaccessible spots. Friction calls work wonders in the humid air, and decoy setups in dry clearings can seal the deal. Watch for alligators and snakes, but they’re more bark than bite.
For northern travelers, Great American RV SuperStores in Tupelo is a must-stop for supplies en route.
4. Tallahala Wildlife Management Area: Eastern Ridge Rendezvous
Southeast of Jackson in Jasper and Newton counties, Tallahala WMA occupies portions of the Bienville National Forest but deserves its own spotlight for turkey hunting. This 28,000-acre tract features ridges, creeks, and mixed forests that support robust turkey numbers, often highlighted in MDWFP’s top WMA lists. The area’s elevation changes create natural funnels for bird movement, and prescribed burns keep the understory open for spotting strutting toms. It’s less crowded than some central spots, offering a more intimate hunt.
Base your RV at Country Living RV Park near Lake, with asphalt pads, full hookups, and easy access off I-20. It’s a no-frills but reliable option at $30 nightly. For more amenities, Kosciusko RV Park to the north provides showers, laundry, and proximity to additional WMAs.
Tips: Hunt the ridges at dawn for fly-down action. Soft clucks and purrs mimic content hens to draw in wary birds. Pack rain gear—spring showers are common.
Gear Up at Great American RV SuperStores
No RV turkey hunting trip is complete without proper preparation, and that’s where Great American RV SuperStores shine. With locations in Hattiesburg (off I-59 at Exit 67, 7696 US 49) and Tupelo (off I-22 at Exit 76, 55 Wallace Drive in Belden), these superstores are conveniently positioned for Mississippi adventurers. Whether you’re buying a new rig, servicing your current one, or grabbing parts, their teams offer expert advice and same-day appointments. Hattiesburg is perfect for southern hunters heading to Homochitto or Bienville, while Tupelo serves northern routes to Delta or Tallahala.
Their camping stores stock everything for RV maintenance and upgrades, featuring top brands like CAMCO for sewer solutions, Blue Ox for towing gear, Andersen Hitches for secure connections, B&W for hitches, Dometic for appliances, Champion for generators, WFCO for converters, Furrion for entertainment systems, Hughes Autoformers for power protection, Lippert for components, MaxxAir for ventilation, AP Products for seals, Dicor for roofing, RV Designer for interiors, MORryde for suspensions, Firman for power equipment, Winegard for antennas, Valterra for valves, Thetford for sanitation, and Stromberg Carlson for accessories. Need a new awning or solar panel? They’ve got it. Their RVTI-certified techs handle all makes and models, ensuring your RV is trail-ready for those bumpy forest roads.
Wrapping Up Your Mississippi Turkey Quest
Mississippi’s spring turkey season isn’t just a hunt—it’s a rite of passage, blending adrenaline with the serenity of RV living. From the gobble-filled pines of Bienville to the swampy calls of Delta, these base camps offer the best of both worlds. Prepare at Great American RV SuperStores, hit the road, and create memories that last. Safe travels, and may your calls be answered with thunderous gobbles!
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