The best campgrounds near Columbia, Mississippi with swimming

Columbia draws swimmers with its rivers and hidden swimming holes, offering over 540 campsites tailored to those who want water access just steps from their tent or camper. Expect sites with showers, campfires allowed, and toilets—essentials sorted. Prices average $30 a night, with some options dipping as low as $25. You’ll find campsites like Camp Topisaw (392 reviews) where you can slip into the creek to cool off, or All You Need Institute (193 reviews) for a dip after a day hiking or horseback riding. The Escape (62 reviews) keeps things simple and close to the water. Bring your fishing gear—anglers stay busy here. In Columbia, you camp where the water’s always close.

96% (688)

Top-rated campgrounds

Columbia draws swimmers with its rivers and hidden swimming holes, offering over 540 campsites tailored to those who want water access just steps from their tent or camper. Expect sites with showers, campfires allowed, and toilets—essentials sorted. Prices average $30 a night, with some options dipping as low as $25. You’ll find campsites like Camp Topisaw (392 reviews) where you can slip into the creek to cool off, or All You Need Institute (193 reviews) for a dip after a day hiking or horseback riding. The Escape (62 reviews) keeps things simple and close to the water. Bring your fishing gear—anglers stay busy here. In Columbia, you camp where the water’s always close.

96% (688)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. All You Need Institute

98%

(402)

34mi from Columbia · 11 sites · Tents, Lodging · Lumberton, MS

All You Need is a 111 acre paradise that is home to some VERY unique and endangered habitat. Our northern boundary is a tract of DeSoto National Forest, where we have practically exclusive access to another 90 acres of longleaf pine savannah and more bottomland creeks. The sandhills are a "desert in the rain," home to prickly pear cactus and yuccas, abundant lichens (deer "moss"), the endangered black pine snake, and our mascot, the also endangered Gopher Tortoise. We're a nature education and retreat center where we share permaculture practices, homesteading/sustainable living skills, conservation practices, and approaches to connecting more deeply to the land. Check out our sister non-profit, the Burrow Nature Center. You will have access to our many walking paths and our swimming pond, as well as a 15 minute walk to part of DeSoto National Forest, which butts up to our property line. We would love to have you as our guest on the land, and are especially eager to meet travelers who deeply love nature and want to live in better relationship to it! Check in is between 2pm - 8pm, Check out is 11am. There's a fee for late check-in to our site.

2. Camp Topisaw

100%

(763)

27mi from Columbia · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Mc Comb, MS

95 acres on the beautiful Topisaw Creek. Here we've raised 5 kids and a multitude of dogs, cats and chickens and a small herd of pineywoods cattle. The woods are quiet and undisturbed , harboring native species like jack in the pulpit, trillium and Florida anise. The spring-fed (and thus always refreshing!) Topisaw Creek forms the eastern border of our property, so plan to spend time on the sandy beaches and rock bars soaking up the sun or hunting for rocks and fossils (petrified wood and arrowheads have been found here). Many folks also enjoy a leisurely float down the creek in inner tubes ('tubing') or in a kayak. (Please note that after heavy rains the creek rises to epic heights and is too dangerous to navigate.) Little to no light pollution makes for amazing stargazing!

3. Camp Strong Wood

95%

(82)

43mi from Columbia · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · Wesson, MS

Camp Strong Wood derives its name from the many natural growth oak trees found on the property as well as being in the Strong Hope community. Wildlife abounds with deer, rabbit, squirrel, fox, racoon, opossum, armadillo, chipmunk among other forest dwellers. The lake is in a natural flood bottom and is stocked with largemouth bass, perch, channel catfish and natural flathead catfish which came in through the creek which runs through the land. Learn more about this land: 165 Acres of beautiful natural growth pine and oaks with scenic hiking trails. 10 acre lake stocked with bass, perch, catfish. Enjoy using the provided kayaks and canoe. 1 Cabin and multiple tent campsites available. Showers with bathrooms, washer/dryer on property. Deck with both charcoal and propane grills. Grounds keeper on property to help out in any way.

4. STRATEGIC LLC, Learn To Redneck 101

93%

(15)

46mi from Columbia · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Wiggins, MS

Learn first hand to live an affordable life retired out in the country running your own business and raising your own food. I will make myself available to teach and answer questions. I will use real examples of the businesses we offer, Amazon Delivery, Kayaking, chickens, sheep and purchasing dividend stocks. I haven't had a job since 2020. If your tired of working for the man come hang out on the farm and learn to be free together, with me, Andrew Reeves. It's a pleasure to teach you to live the good life. There is only one campsite on our property. Strategic Investment LLC sells hatching eggs, invests in the stock market, offers guided and unguided Kayak and Canoe rental trips. We also run an Amazon and package delivery hub.

Public campgrounds near Columbia

100%

(2)

Paul B. Johnson Campground

35mi from Columbia · 156 sites · Tents, RVs · in Paul B. Johnson State Park

80%

(5)

Bogue Chitto Campground

39mi from Columbia · 90 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bogue Chitto State Park

100%

(3)

Percy Quin Campground

41mi from Columbia · 189 sites · Tents, RVs · in Percy Quin State Park

100%

(2)

Lake Lincoln Campground

42mi from Columbia · 75 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Lincoln State Park

Stories from the community

A

Anne

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

I loved tent camping here! All of the beautiful sounds from rushing water to animals in nature made for a nice relaxing time! The directions were easy but the camping spot was still very secluded! Awesome spot to stargaze!

A

Abbie

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to All You Need Institute

Great spot! The site had a nice flattened area for my tent a little into a wooded area. I was able to hang my hammock. And the spot is right in the edge of the walking trails which was lovely. I also had some car troubles and Jordan was very responsive and helpful!

G

Gary

3 weeks ago

With pets

3 nights at All You Need Institute

Fantastic property with some unique ecological features, plenty of room to feel private or connected to other campers, and great accommodations. Highly recommend this for your next weekend getaway.

Shawn

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

Topisaw is always great. Stayed multiple times, host is always very accommodating and communicates very well.

B

Blaine

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

We tent camped on the creek side sandbar. It was a group of 5 of us and a dog. David welcomed us at the site, he was friendly and answered all questions we had. The site had a bbq grill, a patio table and 4 chairs, and an outhouse that was close by. There was enough parking for our 3 vehicles so no problems there. The site wasn’t close by to other campers and felt very private which was nice. The creek was a little chilly but we were in it the majority of the days anyway, and the dog loved it. If you’re in to rock hunting this spot is for you! Bunch of neat things to find in and near the creek. I would also recommend some kind of water shoe for the rocky spots (if you have city feet like me) Overall, we had nothing negative to say about this place. Everything was great and we will be returning in the future!

J

Jolie

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Camp Topisaw

Such a private and quiet spot to camp at. Would definitely go again if i lived closer.

N

Nicholas

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

We had an absolutely amazing long weekend here. The sandy banks are gorgeous and the river is awesome. David was super friendly and helped us find our spot. One of the most relaxing get aways we have had in a while.

R

Reid

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

Great location and as described! This was my second time camping here and will be back again. The host are great and would highly recommend the firewood!

C

Carrie

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Camp Topisaw

We enjoyed our stay, I was able to back my truck up close in our campsite, which was an extra convenience, it was a peaceful stay.

Blake

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Camp Topisaw

Very nice camp site. Lots of room to spread out. Nice hike trails through the woods. Very primitive sites.

B

Brandon

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to All You Need Institute

The hosts were friendly and informative and very helpful with directions. The sight was the perfect size for all our gear with a great view of the pond. I decided on an afternoon swim after unpacking and was blown away by the crystal clear water and fish swimming around me. Not to mention the beautiful hand crafted community area on the shoreline. Everything was very well maintained while staying mindful of the surrounding ecosystem. My only regret was not booking another night and having more time to explore this beautiful property and catch one of the community fires!

D

David

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

Took my son on his first camping trip here. We had a great time. Definitely would go back.

A

Aubry

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

We loved Camp Topisaw and are ready to go back! Our dog was happy as a clam too. We swam and hunted for agates and fossils. The campsite 5 was beautiful and worth walking into. We also enjoyed exploring the trails and visiting the cows and horses. Great host! Communicative and friendly. Purchased firewood and they left it under a tarp at our site. Wonderfully convenient. We will be back hopefully sooner than later.

Amy

October 2025

Weekend Trip to All You Need Institute

This was my favorite camping experience! My sister and I glamped at site 5, and I have nothing but good things to say. It was peaceful, secluded but not scary, and absolutely beautiful. We’ll be back soon!

P

Paige

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Camp Topisaw

Being immersed in nature in such a serene, private, beautiful place allowed me to fully relax and let go. The hosts are both lovely and great communicators.

K

Kurt

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Strong Wood

Our stay was pretty much what we were looking for - secluded, quiet, and comfortable. The best part was the staff. They were beyond just friendly and professional, but were also very accommodating. They gave us a side-by-side tour of the property, let us borrow a phone charger, and even offered us fishing poles and bait to use in the two beautiful ponds. If you are looking for something secluded and quiet where you can just relax and enjoy nature, we strongly recommend.

Jillian

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

We loved camping at Camp Topisaw! Felt very secluded, quiet, and peaceful. The site is beautiful and absolutely for a weekend mental health break! You wake up to the sound of the moving creek and more birds singing than I’ve ever witnessed while camping. David was incredibly accommodating, showed us to our site, and provided a surplus of firewood for the purchased bundle so that we could enjoy our fires into the night.

A

Antonio

September 2025

2 nights at All You Need Institute

Loved my time here. Simple and natural. I felt cut off but more present. You don't need to know the time of day here.

Site 2: Easy access with super short walk in. Park within yards of your campsite. Path to creek.

E

Ellyn

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Camp Topisaw

Incredibly responsive and helpful. Our family enjoyed our time in nature camping and enjoying the sunrise on the water. We will go back again!

L

Lorenza

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

We had another wonderful weekend at the creek. As always, they are excellent at communicating with us, which is invaluable when camping with littles. Thank you, again!