About Turkey Fork Recreation Area
Overview Turkey Fork Recreation Area is the most popular recreation area on the DeSoto National Forest and one of the most visited outdoor recreation areas in south Mississippi, offering three bathhouses, a picnic area, two swim areas, a boat ramp, a floating pier, 20 RV campsites, and 8 primitive camping sites, which surround a 240-acre lake The lake is stocked with catfish, bass, and bluegill. Recreational opportunities at Turkey Fork include fishing, water sports, camping, picnicking, and hiking. With all these opportunites, a visit to Turkey Fork Recreation Area will provide its visitors with an enjoyable outdoor experience and memories to take home. Recreation Turkey Fork is a popular recreation destination offering premier fishing, camping, picnicking and watersports activities, such as swimming and skiing. It has a boat ramp, floating dock, two swim areas, and three bathhouses. The 240 acre lake stocked with bass, crappie, and bluegill. Day use visitors will find secluded picnicking sites located near the beach. A ¾ mile hiking trail connects the day use area to the camping area. Facilities The campground has six RV campsites available for reservation. Additional RV campsites are available on a first-come, first served basis. Each campsite has water and electric hookups, picnic table, and fire-ring with grill. Flush toilets, and showers is available at the campground bathhouse. A campground host is on-site. Natural Features Turkey Fork Recreation Area is built around the 240-acre Turkey Fork Reservoir.
How to Get There
From Hattiesburg Travel East on U.S. Hwy. 42 approximately 21 miles to Richton. From Richton continue east on Hwy. 42 approximately 12 miles to Sandhill. From Laurel Travel South on Hwy. 15 approximately 27 miles to Richton. Turn left onto U.S. Hwy. 42 and travel 12 miles to Sandhill. From Mobile, Alabama Drive approximately 55 miles on U.S. Hwy. 45 North to the MS-AL state lines and travel west on Hwy. 42 for 19 miles to Mississippi County Road 232. Turn left (south) and travel two miles to Turkey Fork.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- 🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
- 🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- 🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Turkey Fork Recreation Area
Heading to Turkey Fork Recreation Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Turkey Fork Recreation Area?
No central reservation system listed for Turkey Fork Recreation Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10159159) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Turkey Fork Recreation Area?
From Hattiesburg Travel East on U.S. Hwy. 42 approximately 21 miles to Richton. From Richton continue east on Hwy. 42 approximately 12 miles to Sandhill. From Laurel Travel South on Hwy. 15 approximately 27 miles to Richton. Turn left onto U.S. Hwy. 42 and travel 12 miles to Sandhill. From Mobile, Alabama Drive approximately 55 miles on U.S. Hwy. 45 North to the MS-AL state lines and travel west o…
How do I contact Turkey Fork Recreation Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 601-428-0594.
References & Official Resources
