Mississippi is home to some great camping spots. But, Rocky Springs is definitely one of the most unique. Now a ghost town, Rocky Springs was first settled in the 18th century. Visit today, and aside from bits and pieces of the former town, you’ll find a campground and plenty of trails. Loaded with history and scenic beauty, a visit to Rocky Springs is sure to be a memorable one. Take a look:

Rocky Springs is located at milepost 54.8 on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Visit Mississippi/Flickr

At its peak in 1860, Rocky Springs had over 2,000 residents and covered an area of 25 square miles.

Tony Webster/Flickr By 1940, there wasn’t a single resident left in Rocky Springs. A combination of the Civil War, two Yellow Fever outbreaks, and a boll weevil epidemic ultimately led to the town’s demise.

Today, the area includes a 22-site campground, so you can actually stay the night in the former town.

National Park Planner It’s a primitive campground, so don’t forget your tent. Picnic tables and restrooms are located near the campsite.

A short trail makes it easy to explore the old town site.

Natchez Trace Travel/Facebook In fact, it leads to some remnants of Rocky Springs, including an old post office safe and cistern.

Rocky Springs Methodist Church, which is another stop on the trail, is the only building still standing in the ghost town.

Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art Surprisingly enough, it’s one of the most intact antebellum churches in Mississippi.

Even though Rocky Springs has been deserted for a long time, the church has been very well maintained.

Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art Regular service was held at the church until April 2010. Today, the organization, Friends of Rocky Springs Methodist Church, look over the property.

The trail ends with the Rocky Springs Cemetery; a grim reminder of the town that once was.

Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art

In addition to history, the area is loaded with scenic beauty.

Earl McGehee/Flickr The Rocky Springs site includes a section of the Old Trace. There’s also an additional trail that leads to the serene spring the town was named after.

So, are you ready to visit Rocky Springs?

Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art

The campground and site are open year round. Learn more about Rocky Springs here.

Visit Mississippi/Flickr

Tony Webster/Flickr

By 1940, there wasn’t a single resident left in Rocky Springs. A combination of the Civil War, two Yellow Fever outbreaks, and a boll weevil epidemic ultimately led to the town’s demise.

National Park Planner

It’s a primitive campground, so don’t forget your tent. Picnic tables and restrooms are located near the campsite.

Natchez Trace Travel/Facebook

In fact, it leads to some remnants of Rocky Springs, including an old post office safe and cistern.

Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art

Surprisingly enough, it’s one of the most intact antebellum churches in Mississippi.

Regular service was held at the church until April 2010. Today, the organization, Friends of Rocky Springs Methodist Church, look over the property.

Earl McGehee/Flickr

The Rocky Springs site includes a section of the Old Trace. There’s also an additional trail that leads to the serene spring the town was named after.

Have you been to Rocky Springs? Ever stayed the night in the ghost town? Tell us in the comments section!

So, looking for another great camping spot? Check out “This Might Just Be The Most Beautiful Campground In All Of Mississippi.“

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