Moodys Landing

For those in Mississippi who cherish the tranquility of the great outdoors and the charm of a rustic camping experience, Moodys Landing in Brooklyn, MS, presents a unique opportunity. Nestled within the expansive De Soto National Forest, this site offers a no-fee, first-come, first-served approach to camping, making it a spontaneous adventurer's dream. From the perspective of a local who lives just a few miles away and visits "5 out of 7 days," Moodys Landing is lauded as a "great place to begin an adventure or end one, depending on which way you're coming from... very peaceful." This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Moodys Landing, highlighting its suitability for Mississippi residents seeking a genuine connection with nature.

Moodys Landing isn't your typical commercial campground with extensive amenities and organized activities. Instead, it embodies a more primitive camping style, appealing to those who prefer simplicity and self-reliance. Its prime location on Black Creek, a federally designated National Wild and Scenic Stream, makes it a favored spot for paddlers looking to embark on or conclude float trips. The rustic nature of the site means fewer crowds and a more intimate connection with the natural environment, where the sounds of the creek and forest replace urban noise.

While the allure of "peaceful" solitude is a major draw, some user reviews highlight important considerations. One review mentions barking dogs in the surrounding area and a concerning incident involving an attempted theft from a bicycle, pointing to potential issues with noise and security. These comments underscore the importance of personal awareness and preparedness, particularly when utilizing a free, less-regulated camping area. Despite these isolated incidents, the overall consensus remains that Moodys Landing offers a beautiful setting for outdoor enthusiasts.

For Mississippians, who appreciate their state's abundant forests and waterways, Moodys Landing provides an accessible entry point into the De Soto National Forest's vast recreational offerings. It’s a place where you can launch a canoe, cast a line, or simply unwind by a campfire under the Mississippi sky. The absence of fees and the primitive setup make it an attractive option for those on a budget or simply looking for an unplugged escape that truly embodies the spirit of the Pine Belt region.

Moodys Landing is situated at 9423 F S 301, Brooklyn, MS 39425, USA, placing it directly within the beautiful De Soto National Forest. This location in southeastern Mississippi makes it a convenient and accessible escape for many residents across the state, particularly those in the southern and central regions.

To reach Moodys Landing, visitors typically take Highway 49 to Brooklyn, Mississippi. From Brooklyn, you then take County Road 301 (also known as Brooklyn-Janice Road) approximately 6 miles east to reach the landing. This access road is generally well-maintained, allowing for vehicle access, including RVs up to a certain length (some sources indicate a 40 ft maximum for RVs). While it's a forest road, it's generally manageable for most vehicles, making it a relatively easy drive to a primitive site.

The campground's direct proximity to Black Creek is a significant aspect of its accessibility. A sandbar located about 300 yards downstream from the main picnic areas serves as a carry-down canoe launch. This makes Moodys Landing an excellent put-in or take-out point for float trips along the Black Creek Wild and Scenic River, which stretches for 21 miles from Moodys Landing to Fairley Bridge. The convenience of driving close to the creek for boat access is a major draw for paddlers.

However, some past reviews suggest that the creek itself in certain sections, especially upstream from Moodys Landing towards Brooklyn, can be shallow with numerous sandbars and submerged obstacles, making paddling challenging at lower water levels. It's always advisable to check current water conditions for Black Creek if planning a float trip. Despite these potential navigational challenges on the water, the land-based access to Moodys Landing remains straightforward for campers seeking a rustic experience within the De Soto National Forest.

Moodys Landing, as a primitive or rustic campground within the De Soto National Forest, provides essential services designed to support a basic camping experience while emphasizing minimal impact on the natural environment. These services cater to self-sufficient campers who appreciate simplicity over extensive amenities.

• Designated Campsites: Moodys Landing offers a limited number of designated campsites, often described as having 4 to 5 sites. These are typically informal areas suitable for tent camping and potentially smaller RVs or travel trailers. Given its first-come, first-served nature, arriving early during peak times is recommended.

• Restrooms (Chemical Toilets/Vault Toilets): The site is equipped with restrooms, commonly referred to as chemical toilets or vault toilets (SST - self-contained sanitary toilets). While more basic than flushing toilets, they provide a designated and more sanitary option for human waste disposal than true primitive camping. Recent reviews indicate the restrooms may occasionally be closed for repairs, so campers should be prepared.

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available at Moodys Landing. This is a significant amenity for a primitive campground, reducing the need for campers to pack in large quantities of water or rely solely on filtration from natural sources. However, one source indicated potable water is NOT available, so it's wise to bring your own supply or confirm current availability with the Forest Service before your visit.

• Fire Rings/Grills: Each campsite is typically equipped with a metal fire ring, often including a cooking grate. This allows for safe and contained campfires, essential for cooking, warmth, and ambience. Visitors are responsible for bringing their own firewood or gathering dead and downed wood from the forest floor, adhering to any current fire restrictions.

• Picnic Tables: Picnic tables are provided at the campsites, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and other activities. This enhances the comfort of the rustic camping experience.

• Canoe/Kayak Launch (Carry Down Access): Moodys Landing features a designated sandbar area that serves as a carry-down launch for canoes and kayaks onto Black Creek. This provides convenient access for paddlers looking to explore the Wild and Scenic River.

• No User Fees: A significant service and highlight of Moodys Landing is that it is free to use, operating on a no-fee, first-come, first-served basis. This makes it a very budget-friendly option for outdoor recreation.

Moodys Landing, situated on the banks of Black Creek within the De Soto National Forest, boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Mississippi. Its rustic charm and natural setting provide a genuine escape.

• Prime Location on Black Creek (Wild & Scenic River): The most significant highlight is its direct access to Black Creek, which holds a "National Wild and Scenic River" designation. This ensures a relatively unspoiled paddling experience, characterized by clear waters, white sandbars, and a natural, undeveloped shoreline. It's a fantastic spot for canoeing, kayaking, and enjoying the peaceful flow of a protected waterway.

• Peaceful, Rustic Ambiance: Despite some localized noise concerns mentioned in reviews, many visitors find Moodys Landing to be a "very peaceful" retreat. Its primitive nature and location away from major highways contribute to a quiet atmosphere, ideal for those seeking to disconnect and relax amidst nature. The sounds of the forest and creek often prevail over distant disturbances.

• Free Camping: A major draw for budget-conscious campers and those seeking a less commercialized experience is that camping at Moodys Landing is free. This accessibility makes it an excellent option for frequent local visits or for those just starting their camping adventures.

• Fishing Opportunities: Black Creek and its surrounding waters offer good opportunities for fishing. While specific species aren't universally listed for this immediate area, similar Black Creek sections are known to have bass, sunfish, and catfish, making it a viable spot for anglers to cast a line directly from the sandbar or a canoe.

• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The De Soto National Forest is crisscrossed with various trails. While Moodys Landing itself isn't a trailhead for a major backpacking route, opportunities for short walks and exploring the surrounding forest are often available. The nearby Black Creek Trail, Mississippi's longest trail (41 miles), is accessible in different sections of the forest, providing options for hikers.

• Sandbars for Relaxation: The presence of beautiful sandbars along Black Creek, including the one serving as the canoe launch, offers excellent spots for picnicking, relaxing, sunbathing, or even wading in the shallow waters, adding a unique recreational element to the campsite.

• Wildlife Viewing: The De Soto National Forest is home to diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals. Campers at Moodys Landing have opportunities to observe these animals in their natural habitat, enhancing the wilderness experience.

For Moodys Landing, as a rustic, first-come, first-served campground within the De Soto National Forest, there isn't a specific individual or direct line for the campsite itself. All management and information fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the National Forests in Mississippi.

The best way to obtain accurate, up-to-date information regarding Moodys Landing, including current conditions, any closures, fire restrictions, or amenity status (like restroom availability or water updates), is to contact the relevant U.S. Forest Service Ranger District office that oversees this section of the De Soto National Forest.

Given the address of Brooklyn, MS, Moodys Landing falls under the purview of the De Soto Ranger District.

De Soto Ranger District Office:

Address: 654 West Frontage Road, P.O. Box 248, Wiggins, Mississippi 39577

Phone: (601) 528-6160

It's always recommended to call this office before your trip, especially if you have specific questions about water availability, restroom functionality, or current conditions at Moodys Landing. While the provided phone number for Moodys Landing is (601) 528-6180, this is likely a general number for the National Forests in Mississippi or a specific ranger station rather than a direct line to the campground. The mobile phone number +1 601-528-6180 is likely the same.

General Contact for National Forests in Mississippi:

Supervisor's Office: 6425 Lakeover Road, Suite A, Jackson, MS 39213

Phone: (601) 965-1600

Official Website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior (Please note: The search result provided 'fs.usda.gov/r08/mississippi/recreation/moodys-landing' is the more direct link for Moodys Landing within the National Forests in Mississippi site.)

For more general information on camping in National Forests, Recreation.gov can also be a helpful resource, though Moodys Landing itself does not require reservations through this platform due to its first-come, first-served nature.

For Mississippians, Moodys Landing in Brooklyn, MS, stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing outdoor destination. Its blend of natural beauty, rustic charm, and accessibility within the De Soto National Forest makes it a perfect fit for locals seeking an authentic connection with their state's unique environment.

Firstly, the prime location on Black Creek, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, offers an unparalleled opportunity for water-based recreation that resonates deeply with Mississippians. The chance to paddle, fish, or simply relax by a free-flowing, protected waterway is a significant draw. It’s an ideal spot for those who enjoy the serenity of a quiet river float, making it a beloved local secret, as evidenced by the reviewer who frequents it "5 out of 7 days."

Secondly, the "no-fee, first-come, first-served" policy makes Moodys Landing highly accessible and flexible for locals. This removes the barrier of reservation systems and associated costs, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips or mid-week escapes into nature. This economic and logistical convenience is a huge plus for residents looking for regular, low-effort outdoor adventures without venturing far from home.

While some external factors like barking dogs or isolated incidents of attempted theft were mentioned in reviews, these are cautionary notes for any primitive camping experience. For seasoned Mississippian campers, the benefits of tranquility, direct river access, and the simple amenities like fire rings and picnic tables far outweigh these infrequent concerns. The site encourages self-reliance and fosters a deeper appreciation for the raw beauty of the Pine Belt region.

In conclusion, Moodys Landing provides Mississippians with a genuine taste of the state's natural heritage. It's a place where they can unwind by a campfire, embark on a peaceful paddle down Black Creek, and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the De Soto National Forest. For those who prioritize peace, affordability, and direct access to a beloved natural resource, Moodys Landing is not just suitable—it's an ideal local gem for unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Moodys Landing

9423 F S 301, Brooklyn, MS 39425, USA