TRACE STATE PARK, BELDEN (NEAR TUPELO), MISSISSIPPI

Our Opinion: Rave!  This is everything we like in a campground.

Date of Stay: April 25 through 29 , 2010.

Weather During Stay:  Mostly sunny, breezy, spring weather.  Cool nights.

Site Description:  Fifty-two FHU campsites (yes, sewer, too) are arranged in two loops, each on a peninsula jutting into a lake.  Many of the sites have 30 and 50 amps, but we did see some that had just 20/30 amps.  Roads and sites are paved, and most are long and level enough for big rigs.  Spacing is typical for a state park - some sites have more space and privacy than others.  All sites have picnic tables and fire rings. 

Most of the park is forested, but the trees have been sufficiently thinned in the campground to provide views of the sky and lake.  Sites in the Eagle Ridge loop seemed to be in slightly better condition.  The Eagle Ridge loop has a bathhouse with showers and a laundry room; the Deer Run Campground has a playground.  There is an on-site host and a dump station. 

Rate: Premium sites, on the water’s edge with 50 amp power, are $22/night, no discounts.  Standard sites (some have 30 amps, some have 50) are $18/night - or $14 with a Golden Age pass.

Phone/radio/TV: Moderately strong Verizon signal; phones worked fine, aircard varied from slow to fairly speedy.  Our roof-top satellite worked in our site (36), but would not have in most because of the big trees.  We received half a dozen stations on antenna.  NPR is available at 90.3.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain:  Elevation is under 1,000 feet.  Gently rolling with many trees.  Views are of neighbors, green trees and a lovely lake.

Lighting/Noise:  The only thing I would change about this park: a few large streetlights come on in each loop at night, shining way too brightly.  Very quiet at night.

Favorite Sites:  Site 36 (a premium site) worked well for us, as we were able to pick up the satellite signal.  Others that would likely work for big rigs with roof mounted satellite dishes: 30, 34, 35, 37 in the Eagle Ridge Campground, and 3 in the Deer Run Campground (all are premium sites), and 3 is the shortest.  Sites 26 and 18 are exceptionally long and private (both premium).

Hiking/Walking:  This park has a few miles of nature trails for hiking, and many more miles for mountain biking.  Plenty of paved, lightly used roadways for walking.

Comments: What a lovely campground.  Golfers: FREE greens fees for campers at nearby Pontotoc Country Club – just take your campsite receipt for unlimited play!  Close to Tupelo and the Natchez Trace Parkway (less than 10 miles) for sightseeing and hiking.  We would return.