Marathon Lake
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates March 1 through December 15 annually. First-come, first-served only.
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.
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.
De Soto Rec Areas close as severe weather approaches
JACKSON, Miss. – March 13, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service is temporarily closing all recreation areas on both districts of the De Soto National Forests as a precaution as severe weather approaches the area.De Soto Ranger District:
Forest Service fights wildfires in Greene County
JACKSON, Miss. – March 13, 2025 — Forest Service firefighters are currently working to contain two wildfires in Greene County on the Chickasawhay Ranger District.
Delta NF Road 720/721 closed
Date(s): Feb 19, 2025Delta National Forest road 720/721 is temporarily closed due to the Little Sunflower river water elevation
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 Campground sits on a quiet 50-acre lake in Smith County, approximately 15 miles southeast of Forest, Mississippi. Named after the Marathon Lumber Company which closed in 1929, this recreation area offers a peaceful retreat in the Bienville National Forest. The campground features 34 developed campsites equipped with water and electric hookups. Two bath houses provide warm showers for campers. Additional amenities include a dump station, boat ramp, designated swimming area, picnic shelters, picnic tables, and a hiking trail. A volunteer campground host is typically on-site to assist visitors. The lake has been stocked with catfish, bass, and crappie and is open to bream fishing. Recreational opportunities include boating (motorized and non-motorized), fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and volleyball. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a $20 per night fee. Visitors can pay cash, check, or use the Recreation.gov Scan and Pay feature via the mobile app. The area is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily during the operating season, with a 14-day camping limit.
Directions
From Forest, go south on Highway 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| 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 |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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