- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
“First-ish” Camping Trip - Looking for Suggestions
Posted on 9/14/22 at 2:55 pm
Posted on 9/14/22 at 2:55 pm
Thought this might be a good board to ask, so here goes.
My 7 year is loving camping…we started a couple of years ago in the backyard (we are in the county near Hattiesburg, MS…so sort of “in the woods”), he took to it instantly.
Earlier this year, when he was 6, we did our first “real” trip to Paul B Johnson state park. We used the tent, but did a camp site vs. primitive, mostly for access to toilets and the lake. He absolutely loved it.
He wants to “go somewhere with woods and mountains”. I’d like to try stay within 4-6 hours of Hattiesburg so the travel isn’t too terrible, so was thinking somewhere in central/north Alabama with the foothills may check the boxes, but open to any other suggestions.
Will likely try primitive this time (he is unusually excited about getting to poop in the woods), we usually bring our bikes, hike, fishing gear, swimming stuff, etc. etc.
Appreciate any and all suggestions.
My 7 year is loving camping…we started a couple of years ago in the backyard (we are in the county near Hattiesburg, MS…so sort of “in the woods”), he took to it instantly.
Earlier this year, when he was 6, we did our first “real” trip to Paul B Johnson state park. We used the tent, but did a camp site vs. primitive, mostly for access to toilets and the lake. He absolutely loved it.
He wants to “go somewhere with woods and mountains”. I’d like to try stay within 4-6 hours of Hattiesburg so the travel isn’t too terrible, so was thinking somewhere in central/north Alabama with the foothills may check the boxes, but open to any other suggestions.
Will likely try primitive this time (he is unusually excited about getting to poop in the woods), we usually bring our bikes, hike, fishing gear, swimming stuff, etc. etc.
Appreciate any and all suggestions.
14
Posted on 9/14/22 at 3:03 pm to LSU Delirium
There's some spots along the Buffalo National River in north Arkansas that are close to being within 6 hours away. I've stayed at the Tyler Bend Campground a few times. It has designated sites and bathroom facilities but I've seen signs for primitive locations nearby.
Posted on 9/14/22 at 3:04 pm to LSU Delirium
quote:
(he is unusually excited about getting to poop in the woods),
That’s awesome
My guess would be to look up national forests within the driving range you mentioned. Most of them allow primitive camping in the majority of the forest. Keep in mind, hunting season is around the corner though, so be smart about it.
Posted on 9/14/22 at 3:17 pm to LSU Delirium
Not really answering your question as to somewhere 4-6hrs away but have you taken a ride through Little Black Creek in Lumberton, MS? Get a map at their office and take a ride. It checks many of the boxes of things you want to do except it’s probably within an hr or so of your house.
Posted on 9/14/22 at 3:51 pm to LSU Delirium
Research Cherokee Rock Village and Foster Falls. Neither check all boxes, but the areas are safe and offer primitive camping with some water and toilets. The former is closer (beautiful and cool AF to hike around), you can research rivers that are close to finish off your wish list.
This post was edited on 9/14/22 at 3:53 pm
Posted on 9/14/22 at 4:22 pm to LSU Delirium
Cloudland canyon state park near Trenton, GA is just across the Alabama state line and located in northwest GA. It’s under 6 hours from you.
Posted on 9/14/22 at 4:48 pm to LSU Delirium
Agree with the Buffalo River suggestion. I used go to the area once a year and ride my motorcycle. Really nice area. Lots of trails , water and woods.
Posted on 9/14/22 at 5:07 pm to LSU Delirium
Tishomingo State Park, set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northeastern Mississippi, features many small waterfalls. The fern-filled surroundings and giant rock formations enhance their beauty.
LINK
LINK
Posted on 9/14/22 at 9:55 pm to LSU Delirium
De Soto state park near Ft Payne, Al is nice.
Posted on 9/15/22 at 5:05 am to Kashmir
Arkansas has a ton of beautiful spots. I used to backpack the Eagle Rock loop trail in the Ouachita Mountains. Less rugged options abound though. Mt. Magazine and Petit Jean state parks are spectacular.
Posted on 9/15/22 at 6:05 am to LSU Delirium
We enjoy Paul B Johnson as well. We went this spring and have another trip booked in March.
A place that I’ve been looking at but haven’t booked yet is Bucks Pocket state park in Alabama. It’s in the woods/mountains and a large creek runs through it . Bucks Pocket State Park in Alabama
A place that I’ve been looking at but haven’t booked yet is Bucks Pocket state park in Alabama. It’s in the woods/mountains and a large creek runs through it . Bucks Pocket State Park in Alabama
Posted on 9/15/22 at 6:54 am to LSU Delirium
A list:
KIDS CAMP LIST (remember to always wash them for Poison Ivy….even hours afterward)
-trash bags
-pistol (if allowed)
-Toilet paper
-alcohol wipe
-Bug Spray
-Sun block
-First Aid Kit
-knife
-lighter
-soap
-swimmers ear stuff
-Blow up mattress & pads
-Sleeping bag
-Camping Chair
-Hammock
-Tent
-Bug Net
-Dry Bags
-Flashlight / headlamp
-Batteries
-Wireless charger
-Kids Life jackets
-paddles
Btw, this is a great thing to do. As a kid, I never got that opportunity. But my kids love camping.
KIDS CAMP LIST (remember to always wash them for Poison Ivy….even hours afterward)
-trash bags
-pistol (if allowed)
-Toilet paper
-alcohol wipe
-Bug Spray
-Sun block
-First Aid Kit
-knife
-lighter
-soap
-swimmers ear stuff
-Blow up mattress & pads
-Sleeping bag
-Camping Chair
-Hammock
-Tent
-Bug Net
-Dry Bags
-Flashlight / headlamp
-Batteries
-Wireless charger
-Kids Life jackets
-paddles
Btw, this is a great thing to do. As a kid, I never got that opportunity. But my kids love camping.
This post was edited on 9/15/22 at 7:01 am
Posted on 9/15/22 at 7:07 am to GCTigahs
I did an overnight float on Black Creek once and camped on a sandbar, was really nice
Posted on 9/15/22 at 7:26 am to LSU Delirium
Oak Mountain in Birmingham checks those boxes.
Posted on 9/15/22 at 9:03 am to LSUengr
quote:
Oak Mountain in Birmingham checks those boxes.
This is my suggestion as well.
Posted on 9/15/22 at 9:06 am to LSU Delirium
Sipsey Wilderness in the Bankhead National Forest
Primitive with a good system of trails, many along river banks, and a good number of short bluffs. Probably farthest south expanse of Hemlocks with the usual Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron. Here's a little look . . . link
eta: Several more (easy) trails on that link and you don't have to go far because it's pretty much wilderness once you park. With a youngster I'd suggest camping near car and doing a short day hike.
Primitive with a good system of trails, many along river banks, and a good number of short bluffs. Probably farthest south expanse of Hemlocks with the usual Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron. Here's a little look . . . link
eta: Several more (easy) trails on that link and you don't have to go far because it's pretty much wilderness once you park. With a youngster I'd suggest camping near car and doing a short day hike.
This post was edited on 9/15/22 at 5:48 pm
Posted on 9/15/22 at 10:06 am to Flanders
quote:
Cloudland canyon state park near Trenton, GA is just across the Alabama state line and located in northwest GA. It’s under 6 hours from you.
This is a great suggestion.
Posted on 9/15/22 at 6:06 pm to LSU Delirium
Overnight float on Black Creek.
Posted on 9/15/22 at 6:52 pm to LSU Delirium
If you are in Hattiesburg, Black Creek is a no brainer due to its proximity. As noted above, you can canoe it, but there is also a 40 mile trail. Most like the Wilderness Section. I've taken young kids several times. Park, hike two miles, light a giant fire and let them play.
Posted on 10/16/22 at 8:57 am to Grebe
Just wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions here. We had an amazing trip.
Although I really was hoping we could make it to Cloudland Canyon or the Ozarks, due to logistics we settled on Oak Mountain. (To make the trip work this weekend we needed to leave right after lunch on Thursday when he got out for fall break, and I didn’t want to be finding the site/unloading/setting up in the dark on my first trip somewhere).
Oak Mountain is a really, really nice park….super clean, facilities in great shape, and tons to do (Hiking all over [including to the Peavine Falls], beach, bikes all around lake and campground, great playground, treetop trail, fishing, animal rehab center,). They also had a mountain bike race going on which gave us even more to do: LINK
There were “too many people around” to poop in the woods, so he wants to go somewhere more remote next time where we can camp “by ourselves”. So I’ll be looking for something we can hike to or a little less crowded for our next adventure.
Thanks again to everyone here. It was a great “first-ish” camping trip and he is already asking when we can go back.
>
Although I really was hoping we could make it to Cloudland Canyon or the Ozarks, due to logistics we settled on Oak Mountain. (To make the trip work this weekend we needed to leave right after lunch on Thursday when he got out for fall break, and I didn’t want to be finding the site/unloading/setting up in the dark on my first trip somewhere).
Oak Mountain is a really, really nice park….super clean, facilities in great shape, and tons to do (Hiking all over [including to the Peavine Falls], beach, bikes all around lake and campground, great playground, treetop trail, fishing, animal rehab center,). They also had a mountain bike race going on which gave us even more to do: LINK
There were “too many people around” to poop in the woods, so he wants to go somewhere more remote next time where we can camp “by ourselves”. So I’ll be looking for something we can hike to or a little less crowded for our next adventure.
Thanks again to everyone here. It was a great “first-ish” camping trip and he is already asking when we can go back.
> 
Page 1 of 2
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News