De Soto

Area Status: Open

The De Soto Ranger District is characterized by gently rolling terrain covered by southern pine ridges and hardwood bottoms with clear, tea-colored streams meandering throughout. Year-round recreation opportunities abound for the hiker, bicyclist, camper, canoeist, all-terrain vehicle rider, horse enthusiast, hunter and fisherman. Length of stay limits do apply within our camping areas.

Visitors who seek solitude will be able to find it within one of the state's two wilderness areas: the Black Creek or Leaf, both located on the De Soto. The district is also home to Mississippi's only national wild and scenic river, Black Creek, famous for its wide, white sandbars and relaxed floating pace.

Two national recreation trails, the Black Creek and the Tuxachanie, offer over 60 miles for the hiker to explore the pinewoods. Other trails on the district include Bethel and Rattlesnake Bay All-terrain Vehicle trails, Big Foot Horse Trail and Bethel Bicycle Trail.

The nature observer may delight in experiencing the varied ecosystems found on the De Soto, from dry, sandy longleaf pine/scrub oak ridges to frequently flooded tupelo/bald cypress swamps, and from the steep upland hardwood forests of Ragland Hills to the vast pitcher plant savanna at Buttercup Flats.

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Please check Camp Shelby road closures on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/campshelby1917/
Area Amenities:	Camping trailer Picnic tables Fee charged for some activities Parking Toilets Accessible Drinking water