USDA Forest Service · Mississippi
Marathon Lake
USDA Forest Service · Mississippi, United States
- Sites
- 37
- Hookups
- 26 electric, 10 no hookups
- Season
- March 1 to December 15
- Group sites
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Elevation
- 463 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- MARATHON (NFSR 520A) · bituminous surface treatment · high degree of user comfort
- Lake
- National Forests in Mississippi
- Nearest town
- Raleigh
- Address
- 3451 County Road 520, Raleigh, MS, 39153
- Phone
- N/A
About
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.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57° | 36° | 13° | 75° | 9 of 11 |
| February | 65° | 43° | 15° | 77° | 3 of 11 |
| March | 70° | 52° | 28° | 81° | 1 of 11 |
| April | 75° | 56° | 40° | 85° | 0 of 11 |
| May | 84° | 66° | 55° | 94° | 0 of 11 |
| June | 89° | 72° | 61° | 97° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 91° | 74° | 70° | 98° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 92° | 75° | 69° | 103° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 89° | 71° | 60° | 97° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 78° | 58° | 40° | 88° | 0 of 10 |
| November | 68° | 50° | 26° | 78° | 3 of 10 |
| December | 60° | 42° | 26° | 76° | 4 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Shockaloe Trail Bc 1 · USDA Forest Service · 17 mi · 4 sites
- Roosevelt State Park · Mississippi State Parks · 21 mi · 110 sites
- Turkey Creek Water Park Campground · City, County & Regional Parks · 22 mi
- Golden Memorial State Park · Mississippi State Parks · 26 mi
- Dunn's Falls Primitive Camping Area · City, County & Regional Parks · 32 mi
All public campgrounds in Mississippi · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.