Bienville National Forest Marathon Lake Recreation Area
Open

Open March 1 through December 15. All sites are first-come, first-served only. Hours 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. No alcoholic beverages allowed. 14-day camping limit.

Safety, caution urged during hunting season

With hunting season underway, the National Forests in Mississippi is reminding all forest visitors to exercise caution and safety when visiting a national forest. Hunting is a safe, recreational sport. Some visitors, however, are sometimes surprised when they meet hunters on the forest. Please be…

Forest Closure Orders

The following are summaries of prohibited acts on the National Forests in Mississippi. A copy of each of the Forest Supervisor's Orders can be obtained from the Supervisor's Office in Jackson or any one of the six Ranger District Offices.  Prohibited activity for safer use of…

Homochitto Road 102 closed near 102G

Date(s): May 3, 2021Forest Service Road 102 is closed on near the 102G intersection due to slide concerns on the Homochitto National Forest. Call the ranger district office for more information at 601-384-5876.

About

Marathon Lake is a secluded 50-acre lake campground located in Smith County within Bienville National Forest. Named after Marathon Lumber Company which closed in 1929, this quiet campground sits approximately 15 miles southeast of Forest, MS and 25 miles northeast of Raleigh, MS. The 34 campsites feature water and electric hookups, though some non-electric sites are also available. The campground offers two bathhouses with warm showers and flush toilets, a dump station, picnic tables, and reservable pavilions. Recreation opportunities include a swimming area with sandy beach, boat ramp (no-wake motors only), sand volleyball court, and a 1.7-mile hiking trail. The lake is stocked with catfish, bass, crappie, and bream. A volunteer campground host is on site most of the time. No alcoholic beverages are permitted, and camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. The Recreation.gov mobile app supports QR code payment on-site.

Directions

From Forest, go south on Hwy 35 for 8.5 miles to Homewood. Turn east on Morton-Marathon Road and go 9 miles. Turn south on Forest Service Road 520 and go 0.5 mile to entrance. Physical Address: 3451 CR 520 Raleigh, MS 39153.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi
Pets Allowed
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups Yes
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store
Price $5

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (601) 469-3811

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Bienville National Forest Marathon Lake Recreation Area
Lakeside Pavilion
Marathon Lake Recreation Area Overview Map

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