Camping on or near a lake provides great recreational opportunities. Boating, canoeing, swimming, and fishing are just some of the activities available to campers. However, it can be difficult to find nice places to camp near lakes without having to pay a campground fee.
AIREY LAKE CAMPING
Located in the De Soto National Forest, Mississippi, Airey Lake is a small lake with a non-fee campground on its shore. The site contains picnic, toilets, drinking water. Fishing and group camping are allowed, and of course it is completely free.
Directions: Take Hwy 49 to Saucier; take Hwy 67 east to four-way stop; go north approximately 3 miles on County Rd 412 (Airey Tower Rd)
J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
Free primitive camping is allowed on 12 islands J. Percy Priest Lake. Sure you'll have to provide your own water, but you can't beat the seclusion of a completely undeveloped island. There is a two-week limit.
Directions: J. Percy Priest - Dam Site, Visitor Center and Overlook. Take I-40 East from Nashville and take Exit 219 - Stewarts Ferry Pike. Take a right on Stewarts Ferry Pike and travel approximately 1/2 mile to Bell Road. Turn left on Bell Road and facilities are approximately 1/2 mile ahead.
CUT FOOT SIOUX LAKE
Free camping is available at 20 sites along the shoreline. There is no drinking water, but all the sites have toilets and a fire ring, and some have picnic tables.
Directions: From Minneapolis/St. Paul take I-94 West to Hwy 10 to 371 North to 2nd Avenue South, Cass Lake.
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