Bienville National Forest Marathon Lake Recreation Area
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. 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 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.

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

Availability

Photos

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

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