Marathon Lake
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.
Heat Advisory issued July 1 at 1:52PM CDT until July 1 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 110. * WHERE...Portions of northeast Louisiana and central, east central, south central, southeast, and southwest Mississippi. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat related illnesses.
2026 Fee Free Dates
The National Forests in Mississippi are great escapes! There’s something for everyone who enjoys the great outdoors, and the fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite. All standard amenity sites, such as day-use and picnic areas, are waived during fee-free…
Forest-wide Orders
These Forest Orders apply to all areas within the National Forest in Mississippi discussing the following topics:FishingVehicle use and safetyCampingAlcohol useDriver's and fishing licenses
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 |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS - Marathon Lake |
Availability
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