Marathon Lake
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates March 1 through December 15 annually. First-come, first-served only.
USDA Forest Service Continues Response to Ice Storm Impacts on National Forest System Lands
Response work continuesHolly Springs, Tombigbee and Delta National Forests sustained damage from ice during Winter Storm Fern. Trees have been weakened, some roads are covered with downed trees and broken limbs.
Holly Springs National Forest Roads and Travel Hazards
Downed trees and debris are making many roads dangerous and impassible throughout the HollySprings National Forests. Visitors should avoid traveling in impacted areas until hazards are removed.
USDA Forest Service Responds to Ice Storm Impacts on National Forest System Lands
Ice and trees are still present on the roads throughout the Holly Springs and Delta National Forests.Crews are assessing damage, clearing debris, and restoring safe access where conditions allow.
USDA Forest Service Responds to Ice Storm Impacts on National Forest Lands
USDA Forest Service crews are clearing debris and restoring access on National Forest System lands in north Mississippi, including the Delta and the Holly Springs National Forest, after last week’s ice storm.
Holly Springs/Tombigbee NF Temporarily Close Recreation Areas
Severe weather is expected this evening, Friday, January 23, 2025. The Tombigbee and Holly Springs National Forests have temporarily closed the following recreation areas: Chewalla Lake, Puskus Lake, Davis Lake and Choctaw Lake.
Caution Winter Weather Conditions
Current ConditionsA winter weather system is impacting most of Mississippi, creating hazardous conditions across the National Forests in Mississippi. Visitors should anticipate:
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.
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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