Located just outside of Holly Springs, Mississippi, Wall Doxey State Park is less than an hour’s drive from Memphis’ many attractions, restaurants, and shops, but it feels like an entire world away. Whether the Memphis metro is home or as a short add-on to a visit to the area, this state park is a rich and green natural destination for all outdoor enthusiasts.

At Home on the Water

The centerpiece of Wall Doxey State Park is the 60-acre lake at the heart of this beautiful little park. Water lovers rejoice as this lake is usually not very crowded. While there is no swimming in the lake anymore, the lake still is a wonderful spot for freshwater fishing and stays very well stocked.

Anglers aged 16-65 must have a Mississippi fishing license which can be purchased by the day (or 3 days at a time) at the park office for a small fee. Take advantage of one of the boat ramps to cast a line further out than the shoreline allows.

The water is often extremely clear, and in the early hours, you can often find Spring Lake almost still, reflecting the trees on the surface. Head to the pier near the cabins at sunset for a stunning and serene photo opportunity.

For those who just want 360-degree views of Spring Lake, try Wall Doxey State Park’s nature trail, which circles the lake. This approximately 2-mile loop trail is an easy to moderate trail that will take about an hour or less to finish. Bring your pup (on leash), and enjoy this wooded hike.

There were a few downed trees and some steep sections with stairs, but these features only added to the experience. It was incredibly easy to navigate this decently maintained trail with the mileage markers along the way. Even though it is the only trail in the park, it is still easy to find solitude on the trail — especially on weekdays or at quieter times of the day.

Camping at Wall Doxey State Park

As close as Wall Doxey State Park is to Memphis, you can easily make a day trip out of visiting. At the time of writing, it is only $4 per day per vehicle to use the park’s many amenities. But making a weekend out of visiting this park is my preferred way to experience Wall Doxey. Camping rates are also inexpensive and include the day-use entry fee.

Tent campers can take advantage of one of 18 primitive camping sites. These sites are wooded and quite shady. Reserve a place online or try your luck walking up to a site. During less popular weekends (winter, spring, and summer), there are often available places, and you may see very few other campers. There is a facility with restrooms, showers, and water within walking distance of this section of the campground.

There are 64 more-developed campsites that are perfect for RV campers. The maximum length for an RV is technically 40 feet; however, some of the roads are quite tight and make maneuvering a rig larger than 30-35 feet quite difficult. Each of these sites features water and electrical hookups, and there is a centrally located dumping station for RV blackwater and sewage. Each site also has a grill and picnic table to take advantage of while hanging out amongst the trees. Reserve a spot online up to two years in advance, or check with the park office to see about any same-day availability.

And even if you’re not the camping type, there are several cabins (and 1 cottage) that can be rented out as well. Whether you bring your own home amenities in an RV on wheels or take advantage of one of the on-site cabins, being one with nature does not mean sacrificing too many of the pleasures of modern life.

In and Around Wall Doxey

Not yet fully convinced on why you need to get away to Wall Doxey State Park? Besides the picturesque lake, secluded campsites, and great fishing, this park has a few other family-friendly amenities that make it a must-visit getaway in the area.

For day use, there are over 40 picnic sites that are perfect for family gatherings and scenic lunches. This park is a popular place to tailgate for Ole Miss (The University of Mississippi) football games, and the picnic areas and campground both fill up quickly on these weekends.

Younger children will enjoy the park’s playground, while older folks may enjoy one or both of the park’s easy-to-follow disc golf courses. During the school year, you can often find Ole Miss students taking advantage of these beautiful wooded courses that are only about a 25-minute drive from campus. And if you happen to be near for the Halloween season, the park has a wonderful Halloween celebration complete with a haunted hayride and haunted house for the month of October. Be sure to book well in advance for this month as it is the most popular time to be at Wall Doxey.

Perched at the edge of Holly Springs National Forest, there is no shortage of additional nature to explore. For a taste of small-town life, unlike the busy areas of Memphis, the town of Holly Springs, MS is less than 10 miles north. It features a cute downtown, plenty of antique shops and local restaurants, as well as over 100 beautiful historic homes.

An Oasis in an Urban Backyard

With all of this so near, Wall Doxey State Park could easily become an inexpensive annual or biannual family getaway that lies conveniently just outside of the city. Make the most of your stay in an RV rental loaded with amenities in the developed campground. Armed with your favorite comforts from home with the beautiful Spring Lake just outside your door, the pressures of daily life should melt away by the light of the first night’s campfire.

Call or visit Cruise America in Nashville, TN to rent an RV that you can trust locally. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with an RV from America’s largest rental company, which has been guaranteeing safety and performance in their vehicles for 50 years. The best vacations don’t have to be across the country from home. Let the Cruise America staff get you set up for an unparalleled local getaway only 40 miles from Memphis.