On a visit to Mississippi, some travelers seek out Elvis Presley’s birthplace in Tupelo. Others bisect the state on I-55, taking in the understated charms of Jackson, the capital, along the way. But snowbirds who want to feel the Magnolia State’s rhythms head down U.S. Highway 61. Laying a downbeat on the western edge of the state, this legendary route passes through 40 communities along its 300 miles, each contributing to the Old-South history, architecture, military engagements, festivals, antique shops, hospitality and, of course, music, for which U.S. 61 is known.
Among the rice, soybean and cotton crops that surround Tunica, RVers can try their luck at the gaming casinos, the latest crop to spring from Mississippi’s fields. As the home of the blues, Clarksdale seduces fans of the heartfelt sound, partly because the guitar virtuoso Robert Johnson was said to have sold his soul at a crossroads outside of town, and partly because it houses the Delta Blues Museum, which displays memorabilia from Muddy Waters and B.B. King, among others.
In Vicksburg National Military Park, history buffs and everyday Americans can almost feel the dignity of the 47-day Civil War siege that is commemorated in this 1,800-acre park. A Mississippi River boat trip, a tour of the Old Court House Museum and a stop at the Biedenham Coca-Cola Museum, where the sweet elixir was first bottled, round out a visit to Vicksburg.
A tour of Natchez, with its elegant antebellum homes, and a drive along the lush Natchez Trace may conclude snowbirds’ U.S. 61 excursion before they head southeast to the Gulf Coast. But the journey has just begun, since the pirate history in the area, the scenic beauty of the Gulf Island National Seashore and the energy of Biloxi and Pascagoula provide enough backbeat to keep guests dancing all winter. Call (800) 927-6378.
BAY ST. LOUIS
Casino Magic RV Park & Marina
Facilities: Good paved interior roads, no tents. Restrooms and showers; security; public phone; laundry; food service. Sites: 100 total, full hookups (30/50 amps), paved, patios, mostly shaded; 6 pull-through (30×40); back-in (40×55); big-rig sites; 7-day maximum stay. Recreation: Jordan River: freshwater fishing, boating, ramp, dock. Heated pool; spa. Contact: 711 Casino Magic Drive, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi 39520; (800) 562-4425; www.casinomagic-baystlouis.com.
BILOXI
Mazalea Travel Park
Facilities: Good paved interior units. Restrooms and showers; dump station; security; public phone; laundry; groceries; RV supplies; LP-gas. Sites: 126 total, 121 available, full hookups (30/50 amps), 121 paved, patios, mostly shaded; 37 pull-through (25×100); back-in (25×45); big-rig sites, 2 tent sites, 2 rental units. Modem hookup in office; Satellite TV. Recreation: Shuffleboard; horseshoes; recreation hall; game room; planned activities; playground. Contact: 8220 West Oaklawn Road, Biloxi Mississippi 39532; (800) 877-8575; www.southernrvparks.com. A Good Sam Park.
Parker’s Landing RV Park
Facilities: Good paved interior roads. Restrooms and showers; dump station; security; public phone; laundry; groceries; limited RV supplies; LP-gas. Sites: 98 total, full hookups (30/50 amps), paved, patios, some shaded; 20 pull-through (30×80); back-in (28×75); big-rig sites; 5 tent sites; 6 rental units. Modem hookup in office; cable TV. Recreation: Parker’s Creek: freshwater fishing, boat ramp, pool, recreation hall, planned activities. Contact: 7577 E. Oaklawn Drive, Biloxi, Mississippi 39532; (228) 392-7717; [email protected]. A Good Sam Park.
Southern Comfort Camping Resort
Facilities: Good paved interior roads. Restrooms and showers; dump station; security; public phone; laundry; limited RV supplies; LP-gas. Sites: 115 total, hookups (30/50 amps), 83 gravel, 10 grass, 17 dirt, patios, some shaded; 56 pull-through (30×50); back-in (30×50); 16 tent sites. Cable TV. Recreation: Pool; horseshoes; game room. Contact: 1766 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, Mississippi 39531; (877) 302-1700. A Good Sam Park.
EDWARDS
Askew’s Landing Campground
Facilities: Good gravel interior roads. Restrooms and showers; dump station; security; public phone; laundry; groceries; limited RV supplies; firewood. Sites: 99 total, hookups (30/50 amps), grass, some shaded; 51 pull-through (30×60); back-in (30×60); big-rig sites; mostly side-by-side hookups. Central modem hookup; 20 tent sites. Recreation: Askew Lake: freshwater fishing, tackle, boat ramp; pool; horseshoes; recreation hall; recreation field; playground. Contact: 3412 Askew Ferry Road, Edwards, Mississippi 39066; (877) 601-2331; www.askewslanding.com. A Good Sam Park.
GULF PORT
Baywood RV Park & Campground
Facilities: Good paved interior roads. Restrooms and showers; dump station; public phone; laundry; groceries; limited RV supplies; LP-gas. Sites: 114 total; 49 available, full hookups (30/50 amps), paved, mostly shaded; pull through (24×60); back-in (24×50); big-rig sites. Satellite TV. Recreation: Pond; freshwater fishing; pool; recreation hall; playground. Contact: 1100 Cowan Road, Gulfport, Mississippi 39507; (888) 747-4840; www.southernrvparks.com. A Good Sam Park. OCEAN SPRINGS
Camp-Journey’s End
Facilities: Good paved interior roads. Restrooms and showers; dump station; security; public phone; laundry; groceries; RV supplies; LP-gas. Sites: 110 total, hookups (30 amps), 55 paved, 55 grass, patios, mostly shaded; 32 pull-through (25×60); back-in (25×60); 14 tent sites; 3 rental units. Central modem hookup; cable TV. Recreation: Fort Bayou: freshwater fishing, tackle, boating, ramp, dock. Pool; horseshoes; recreation hall; recreation field; playground; planned activities. Contact: 7501 Highway 57, Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39565; (228) 875-2100. A Good Sam Park.
For more campgrounds in Mississippi, visit Good Sam RV campground directory.
