Trip number seven brought a new experience for us the form of a paid dock, where we decided to stay at a campground. However, unlike the splitting of trips 4 and 5 because the stay was for a bit longer, this one is being treated as a dock. Although it is less expensive to dock at RV/Truck stops, sometimes you need to replenish the "essentials", dump the "extras", and live in a little more comfort. For us, this one night stay was at the Campground at Barnes Crossing, located outside the city of Tupelo, Mississippi. Tupelo is famously known for being the birthplace of the widely impersonated late singer Elvis Presley. This was originally supposed be a longer stay, but due to circumstances described in another blog post during this trip, it was cut to a dock. Still, like any place where we are paying customers, it will receive a proper review.
Grounds: This park is conveniently located off US Route 45 and the Natchez Trace Parkway, near the newly designated Interstate 22, otherwise known as US Highway 78. Although in a rural setting, the campground is near the Barnes Crossing commercial strip, allowing visitors to resupply as well as receive restaurant delivery services. Found off a minor state highway, this place is very well marked, however drivers should be very aware of narrow shoulders with steep drop-offs, as well as hill grades that may require lower gears during descent. Several "For Sale" signs were found along the campground road; it is unknown whether the park management will soon be changing hands, or if extra undeveloped land is being offered for additional usage.
Sites: Fifty-four RV sites adorn the campground, all with full hook-ups and an assortment of back-in and pull-through sites. Be warned, when reserving a site here, that credit/debit cards are not accepted; you will need to pay by cash or check. The sites were gravel with a small concrete pad to mount a trailer or fifth wheel front. Some pull-through sites are doubled up along a line, which could create an awkward "back out" situation, although we were placed at the front of one of these strips. A well defined indentation made lining up the trailer for hookups very easy. Water pressure was very high even with a regulator, and the sewer cap was hinged, causing some issues in securing the hose. Most, if not all, of the sites are on a hill, which even with leveling blocks, may create a "tilted" experience, as well as make traversing the park difficult.
Staff: Staff interaction was fairly minimal. Although some staff had an uncomfortable physical presentation, they were otherwise generally helpful at check-in. It is unknown whether there are workampers, if all workers are salaried, or is otherwise family operated. The staff seemed to maintain the park fairly well for what it had.
Amenities: The campground offers limited amenities, although visitors have the town nearby for entertainment. A couple pet areas are scattered around the park. The sites are in a loop that many campers enjoy walking either by themselves, or with their pets. A bath house with shower exists, but is limited to nightly guests; monthly campers are prohibited from this facility. Laundry also is available, along with a horse corral.
Atmosphere: This park seemed a bit more friendly than others, with a number of happily greeting guests. If you have children, they'll need to be entertained as a family unit. Although the stay wasn't long enough to truly grasp the harmony that may or may not exist at a campground, even just the one night makes the camper feel at home.
Overall, the Campground at Barnes Crossing receives a 7 rating out of a possible 10. In addition to some of what was previously mentioned, the park had fairly low value in terms of the price paid to stay and what was offered. In addition to the lower rating, the price point is also reason to select a different place to stay if you visit northern Mississippi, especially if for a short-term stay.
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