Turkey Fork Recreation Area
Richton, Mississippi · on Turkey Fork Reservoir · De Soto National Forest
Verified · 4 independent sources
- WATER
- reservoir
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $20
- SEASON
- Varies by conditions
About Turkey Fork Recreation Area
Turkey Fork Recreation Area is a developed U.S. Forest Service day-use and camping site on a 240-acre reservoir in De Soto National Forest near Richton, Mississippi. It is managed by the USFS and is described by the agency's own booking platform as the most popular recreation area in the forest, with two designated swim beaches that make the reservoir the forest's go-to swimming hole and an easy answer for anyone hunting places to swim in this part of Mississippi.
The site sits on a 240-acre man-made reservoir (Turkey Fork Reservoir) within the pine forests of the De Soto Ranger District of De Soto National Forest, roughly 3-4 miles from the small communities of Bothwell and Sand Hill, Mississippi.
Swimming at Turkey Fork Recreation Area
Recreation.gov (the official USFS reservation platform) describes two designated swim areas on the reservoir, with secluded picnic sites near the beach for day-use visitors; the lake also supports water skiing during set daytime hours, indicating open, boat-accessible water rather than a secluded creek or waterfall setting.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Hattiesburg: 21 miles east on US 42 to Richton, then about 12 miles to Sandhill. From Laurel: 27 miles south on Highway 15 to Richton. From Mobile, AL: about 55 miles north on US 45, then west on Highway 42 to County Road 232.
The hike in
This is a drive-up developed recreation area; the only trail documented is a 3/4-mile connector path linking the day-use/swim area to the campground, which is not required to reach the swim beaches.
Swim beaches are accessed directly from the day-use parking area near the bathhouses/boat ramp; no source specifies the exact walk distance from parking to the water's edge.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Two designated swim beaches exist on the 240-acre reservoir, but the official listing does not mention lifeguards (typical for USFS swim areas), and the same lake permits water skiing (10am-6pm) and general boating, so younger kids should be supervised and kept within the marked swim-beach boundary rather than the open lake.
Parking
Lot
Developed day-use lot near the boat ramp/swim beach area; camping fees run roughly $20-40/night, but no separate day-use or parking fee is stated in available sources.
Restrooms
Yes
Three bathhouses on site; the campground bathhouse has flush toilets and showers (per Recreation.gov).
Hours
No general gate/operating hours are published; the reservoir's water-skiing hours are restricted to 10:00am-6:00pm daily.
On the water
Restrictions: Jet-propelled boats and boats with open exhaust systems are prohibited; water skiing is restricted to 10:00am-6:00pm.
A boat ramp and floating dock/pier are on site and water skiing is explicitly permitted, confirming conventional motorboats are allowed. No source explicitly addresses kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards, so they are left off the allowed list rather than assumed.
Turkey Fork Recreation Area: FAQ
Does Turkey Fork Recreation Area charge a fee?
Camping fees range roughly $20-$40 per night (6 RV sites reservable, remaining sites first-come, first-served); day-use/swim area fee was not specified on the sourced page.
Is Turkey Fork Recreation Area kid friendly?
Two designated swim beaches exist on the 240-acre reservoir, but the official listing does not mention lifeguards (typical for USFS swim areas), and the same lake permits water skiing (10am-6pm) and general boating, so younger kids should be supervised and kept within the marked swim-beach boundary rather than the open lake.
Do I need to hike to reach Turkey Fork Recreation Area?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Turkey Fork Recreation Area?
Developed day-use lot near the boat ramp/swim beach area; camping fees run roughly $20-40/night, but no separate day-use or parking fee is stated in available sources.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Turkey Fork Recreation Area?
A boat ramp and floating dock/pier are on site and water skiing is explicitly permitted, confirming conventional motorboats are allowed. No source explicitly addresses kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards, so they are left off the allowed list rather than assumed.
What are the rules at Turkey Fork Recreation Area?
Water skiing permitted only 10:00am-6:00pm; jet-propelled boats and boats with open exhaust are prohibited; dogs must be leashed on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
What water body is Turkey Fork Recreation Area on?
Turkey Fork Recreation Area is on Turkey Fork Reservoir, a natural reservoir verified in USGS hydrography data.
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