Marathon Lake
National Forests in Mississippi
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.
- 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
Need to Know
No alcoholic beverages are allowed.
Fishing is allowed, State requirements and limits apply.
Boat motors are permissible with the restriction of no wake.
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.
Recreation
Marathon Lake provides various recreational oppurtunties. This includes activities such as biking, hiking, boating, picnicking, fishing, camping, swimming, wildlife viewing, and volleyball.
Contact Information
Physical
3451 County Road 520 Raleigh MS 39153
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: N/A
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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 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
Available Campsites
- Site 27, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 05, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 29, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 32, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 26, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 25, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 18, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 07, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 19, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 24, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 06, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 33, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Standard, Loop Scan and Pay, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Stock Pond Pavilion, Loop Marathon, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 28, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 14, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 21, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 16, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 22, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 20, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 23, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 02, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 13, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 09, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 30, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 17, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 01, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 15, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 08, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Pavilion 2, Loop Marathon, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 31, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop Marathon Lake, Type Standard Nonelectric
