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Marathon Lake
FSU.S. Forest Service — Raleigh · Mississippi · National Forests in Mississippi
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | National Forests in Mississippi |
| Location | Raleigh · Mississippi · National Forests in Mississippi · 32.19917, -89.35917 · Map |
| Sites | 36 public sites counted from the federal listing — 24 standard electric; 10 standard nonelectric; 2 group shelter electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 36 sites Water hookups at 0 of 36 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 36 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 36 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Accessible sites | 24 marked accessible in the listing |
| Phone | N/A |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.
If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Recreation Marathon Lake provides various recreational oppurtunties. This includes activities such as biking, hiking, boating, picnicking, fishing, camping, swimming, wildlife viewing, and volleyball.
Facilities
34 campsites with water and electricity 14 picnick tables Sand volleyball court (no ball provided) BBQ grills 2 Pavilions (can be reserved for groups, please call local Forest Service Office at 601-469-3811) Boat Launch Swimming area with sandy beach Hiking Trail (1.7 miles in length) Water fountains Sanitation facilities with showers and flush toilets Dump station for trash
Natural Features Marathon Lake is a 50-acre lake located in Smith County. It got its' name from Marathon Lumber Company which closed in 1929. You will enjoy the beauty and seclusion of this quiet campground located approximately 15 miles southeast of Forest, MS and 25 miles northeast of Raleigh, MS. Marathon Recreation area is equipped with 34 camping sites (with water and electric hook-ups), boat ramp, swimming area, 2 bath houses (warm showers), picnic shelters, picnic tables and a hiking trail. The lake has been stocked with catfish, bass and crappie and is open to bream fishing. A dump station is available. The area has a volunteer Campground Host on site most of the time.
Contact Info This location is staffed. Please call (601) 469-3811 to speak with local staff.
Directions, from the listing
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 ½ mile to entrance.
Another route would be to go south on Hwy 501. Turn east on Morton-Marathon Rd. and go 3 ½ miles. Turn onto FS Rd 520 and go ½ mile to entrance.
From Raleigh, go north on Hwy 35 for 15 miles to Homewood and follow same directions above from Homewood.
An alternate route is to take Hwy 18 east to Hwy 501; go north 15 miles: turn east onto Morton-Marathon to FS Rd 520.
Physical Address: 3451 CR 520 Raleigh, MS 39153
Nearest federal campgrounds
17 mi straight-line · MississippiUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersWest Bank Shelter (Okatibbee)
37 mi straight-line · Collinsville MississippiUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersTwiltley Branch
38 mi straight-line · COLLINSVILLE MississippiUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersEast Bank Shelter (Okatibbee)
38 mi straight-line · COLLINSVILLE MississippiUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersCollinsville Shelter (Okatibbee)
39 mi straight-line · Collinsville Mississippi
Trip Card — Marathon Lake
Raleigh · Mississippi · National Forests in Mississippi
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Raleigh · Mississippi · National Forests in Mississippi |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 36 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10158783 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.