Blue Lake Recreation Area
Blue Lake Recreation Area
Blue Lake Recreation Area
$3.50 - $7.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$7.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping costs $7 per night unless discounted for Access or Senior pass holders, who pay $3.50 per night. Day use is free and does not require a fee.
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About this campground
Nestled within Mississippi's verdant wilderness, Blue Lake Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine waters and peaceful forest setting. This hidden gem offers free day-use facilities where families gather around shaded picnic tables and fire up grills for lakeside cookouts. Anglers cast their lines from the shore or launch small watercraft from the convenient boat ramp, while three intimate campsites provide a serene escape for those seeking an overnight adventure. A gentle 2-mile nature trail winds through the surrounding forest, revealing educational markers that tell the story of this diverse ecosystem.
Blue Lake Recreation Area includes three campsites that require reservations. The site is geared towards primitive camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile Blue Lake's recorded history remains quietly tucked away in the forest's memory, the area serves as a testament to Mississippi's enduring natural heritage and the conservation efforts that preserve these wild spaces for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsSpring awakens Blue Lake with perfect camping weather, as wildflowers bloom and comfortable temperatures invite exploration. Fall paints the forest in brilliant hues while crisp air and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Summer transforms the landscape into a lush, green sanctuary, though visitors should prepare for the Deep South's signature warmth and humidity during these months. The shoulder seasons truly shine here, offering the most pleasant conditions for hiking, fishing, and sleeping under the stars.
ElevationBlue Lake rests gently within Mississippi's rolling lowlands, where the subtle topography creates the perfect basin for this tranquil body of water and its surrounding recreational areas.
Natural Features and SceneryA mirror-like lake reflects towering pines and hardwoods that frame this peaceful retreat, creating a natural amphitheater of green. Visitors consistently praise the area's restorative beauty, describing it as an ideal spot to unwind and reconnect with nature. The interplay of water and forest creates diverse habitats that support local wildlife, while dappled sunlight filters through the canopy to illuminate quiet corners perfect for contemplation. Though some areas show signs of nature reclaiming certain facilities, this only adds to the authentic, undisturbed character that makes Blue Lake special.
Geological RegionBlue Lake exemplifies the unique character of the Mississippi Delta region within the Delta National Forest. This distinctive landscape, shaped by ancient river systems and rich alluvial soils, supports a remarkable tapestry of lakes, wetlands, and bottomland hardwood forests. The area showcases the Delta's characteristic flat terrain interspersed with oxbow lakes and dense woodland, creating a haven for both wildlife and visitors seeking to experience one of America's most ecologically significant regions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo detailed information about accessibility features.
Sites SizeThree campsites are available by reservation only.
Sites PrivacyNo information provided about the level of privacy at the campsites.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesWhile user reviews appreciate the area's beauty, they suggest maintenance issues may affect site quality.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are highlighted as the 'best' within the campground.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Day use only, no overnight stays allowed.
Check-out
Day use only, no overnight stays allowed.
Stay Limit
- Operational hours specify day use only
- overnight camping is restricted, creating an implicit stay limit for camping at night.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific information about the number of guests permitted per site is provided.
Groups
No group sites mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSite layout includes three campsites, picnicking areas, a nature trail, and a lake for fishing and boating.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is marked as open but specifies day-use only, indirectly limiting some seasonal activity.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are required for campsites at Blue Lake Recreation Area. No platform details, such as websites or apps, are provided.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campsites are reservation-only, suggesting limited or no walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not mentioned in the source materials.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Blue Lake Recreation Area offers recreational opportunities such as picnicking, fishing, non-motorized boating, and an educational nature trail.
Hiking
The site features a 2-mile educational nature trail.Fishing
Fishing is allowed in the lake or pond.Boating
A boat launch is available for non-motorized boating activities.Winter Activities
No information about winter-specific activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating is supported.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Grills are available for picnicking, but there are no explicit rules regarding open campfires.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews indicate flooding has affected the area in the past, and concerns are raised about limited maintenance and abandoned sites.
Active alertsNo active alerts are explicitly provided, though user reviews highlight past flooding.
Weather forecast
89
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly listed. However, Ranger District Offices in Mississippi are identified as locations to purchase passes, suggesting a possible emergency contact point.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information.
Trash and recyclingNo details provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near a lake, offering fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include limited upkeep, abandoned sites, and the lack of potable water.
HostHost information is not provided.
Campground Map
Blue Lake Recreation Area
Driving directionsFrom Rolling Fork, take Hwy. 16 east towards Holly Bluff for approximately 7.5 miles. Turn right (south) onto Forest Road 715 for approximately 3.5 miles. Turn left into Blue Lake Recreation Area.
The route primarily involves paved highways (Hwy. 16) and forest roads. Forest Road 715 appears accessible year-round, but there is no mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Rolling Fork, MS: approximately 11 miles (travel time not explicitly stated in sources).
Nearby supplies
No explicit information is provided about grocery or camping supply locations nearby
proximity to Rolling Fork may provide access to essentials.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews

Blue Lake Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present a mixed perspective. Some appreciate the natural beauty and recreational opportunities, while others criticize the site's maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users have highlighted the area's relaxing environment, opportunities for day or overnight camping, and hunting nearby.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
One reviewer noted that the campground seemed abandoned, with some sites appearing unused for an extended period. They also mentioned maintenance issues, especially post-flooding.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No user-specific tips or recommendations provided.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Users do not explicitly comment on seasonal trends, though flooding issues were mentioned in one review.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'A great place to relax and do some day or overnight camping, also hunting opportunities in the area.' 2. 'There had been a flood a few days before we got there but this place has been abandoned....
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews about particular campsites detailed.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews addressing accessibility directly.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews addressing pet policies or experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025