Vance Park

For Mississippians looking for a tranquil and affordable outdoor getaway, Ethel Vance Park, often simply referred to as Vance Park, in Liberty offers a unique blend of quiet camping and diverse recreational facilities. Tucked away amidst the trees in Amite County, this park provides a serene escape for campers, while also featuring a substantial equestrian complex, sports fields, and hiking trails. While some past visitor feedback points to areas where maintenance could be improved, the overall sentiment highlights its value and peaceful atmosphere, making it a viable option for locals seeking a simple, quiet base for their adventures in Southern Mississippi.

Ethel Vance Park is a publicly owned facility managed by the Town of Liberty. It spans 288 acres and boasts a mile of frontage on the West Fork of the Amite River. Beyond its camping areas, the park serves as a multi-purpose community hub, hosting various events from rodeos to family reunions. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Ethel Vance Park Campground, detailing its location, available services, key features, and why it holds potential as a suitable destination for Mississippi residents who appreciate a quiet setting and diverse recreational opportunities.

Location and Accessibility

Ethel Vance Park is located at 4124 MS-24, Liberty, MS 39645, USA. This address places it approximately one mile west of the town of Liberty in Amite County, in the southwestern part of Mississippi. The park's position along MS-24 (Highway 24 West) ensures relatively easy access for visitors traveling from various directions within Mississippi and even from nearby Louisiana.

For Mississippians, the drive to Vance Park is quite manageable. It's situated a reasonable distance from larger population centers, allowing for a convenient weekend trip or a longer stay. For instance, from McComb, a larger nearby town, the park is easily accessible. The quiet, tucked-away nature of the park, as noted by reviewers, contributes to its peaceful ambiance upon arrival. While the park is set "in the trees," providing a secluded feel, its direct frontage on MS-24 means it's not overly difficult to locate. Access within the park to the camping areas and other facilities is generally straightforward, though visitors exploring the hiking trails should be prepared for varying conditions, as discussed in the "Features / Highlights" section.

Services Offered

• RV Campsites: Ethel Vance Park offers 34 RV/camper hook-ups. While specific details on the type of hookups (electric, water, sewer) are not consistently detailed in public reviews for each site, the presence of hook-ups indicates a focus on accommodating RVs and trailers.
• Primitive Camping Areas: For those who prefer a more traditional and rustic experience, the park also provides primitive camping areas. These sites generally do not include hook-ups and are ideal for tent campers seeking a back-to-nature experience.
• Restrooms: The multi-purpose equestrian facility within the park includes restrooms. It's reasonable to expect these facilities are available for park visitors, including campers.
• No On-Site Laundry: A notable point from reviewer feedback is the absence of on-site laundry facilities. Campers requiring laundry services would need to drive to nearby towns, such as McComb, for access.
• Recreational Facilities: While not direct camping services, the park's extensive recreational facilities are available to campers and contribute to the overall experience. These include:
  • Equestrian Complex: A large 70,000 square foot multi-purpose equestrian facility, featuring a 40,000 square foot lighted arena with bleacher seating for approximately 1,000 guests. This facility is a major draw for equestrian events and provides restrooms with showers.
  • Air Cruisers Sports Complex: Four well-maintained fenced softball fields, two of which are lighted, offering opportunities for sports and community events.
  • Conference Center: An air-conditioned conference room with seating for approximately 100 guests, and a commercial kitchen/concession area.
• Trash Disposal: While not explicitly stated for all camping areas, proper trash disposal methods are expected in any park environment.

Features / Highlights

• Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere: A consistent highlight from visitor reviews is the peaceful and quiet environment. The park is described as "tucked away in the trees," offering a serene setting ideal for relaxation and escaping noise pollution.
• Value for Money: Despite certain limitations, the park is praised for being a "great value," suggesting affordable rates for its camping and access to facilities.
• Extensive Recreational Facilities: Ethel Vance Park stands out for its multi-purpose equestrian arena and sports complex. These facilities host various community events, rodeos, car shows, and more, offering unique entertainment opportunities for campers if events are scheduled during their stay.
• Hiking/Bike Trails (with caveats): The park features a trail system, reportedly 13 miles long for hiking and biking, winding through the property. These trails offer a chance to explore the "wild woods," observe natural features like a beaver pond, unique sandstone outcroppings, and mature mixed hardwood stands. However, it's crucial to note that recent reviews indicate these trails are "clearly not maintained," with sections that are "totally impassable," "rotting" bridge planks, and a significant buildup of leaves making safe stepping difficult. Campers planning to hike should be prepared for rugged conditions and potentially turn back at impassable sections.
• West Fork of the Amite River Frontage: The park boasts one mile of frontage on the West Fork of the Amite River, offering potential opportunities for fishing or simply enjoying the river's presence.
• Community Hub: Beyond camping, Vance Park serves as a significant community asset, hosting events like county fairs, Boy Scout and Girl Scout outings, and Amite County Heritage Days. This can add a unique local flavor to a camping trip.
• Potential for Improvement and Development: Public information indicates ongoing efforts and plans for renovation and enhancement within the park, including updates to the campgrounds and potential future construction of a small lake for bank fishing. This suggests a commitment to improving the visitor experience over time.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or more specific information regarding Ethel Vance Park Campground and its facilities, the primary contact would be the Town of Liberty, which manages the park.

Address: 4124 MS-24, Liberty, MS 39645, USA

Phone: (601) 657-1001 (This number is likely for the park office or related town department.)

For inquiries related to event rentals or detailed information about the larger park facilities, some sources suggest contacting Liberty Town Hall at (601) 657-8077.

It is always advisable to call ahead for the most current information regarding camping availability, specific hook-up details, any fees for recreational amenities (like a potential pool if one were to be added or is part of a separate complex not clearly defined as part of the primary camping area), and the current condition of the hiking trails.

Conclusion: Why Ethel Vance Park is Suitable for Locals

For Mississippians, Ethel Vance Park in Liberty presents a suitable, albeit perhaps rustic, option for an outdoor retreat, particularly appealing to those who prioritize a quiet setting, value affordability, and are interested in diverse recreational facilities beyond just camping. Its location in Amite County makes it an accessible drive for many residents of Southern Mississippi, offering a convenient escape without extensive travel.

The park's most compelling feature for locals is its tranquil atmosphere. In a world increasingly filled with noise and distractions, finding a "quiet park tucked away in the trees" offers a genuine opportunity to relax and decompress. This peaceful environment, combined with what is often considered a "great value," makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious campers. While the lack of on-site laundry is a minor inconvenience, it can be managed with a short drive to nearby towns.

Furthermore, the extensive multi-purpose facilities, including the equestrian arena and sports complex, provide unique recreational opportunities that set Vance Park apart from many basic campgrounds. For local families or groups with diverse interests, the ability to combine camping with attending a rodeo, a car show, or enjoying sports fields adds a significant layer of appeal. Even with the reported challenges regarding hiking trail maintenance, for those who enjoy a more rugged, exploratory hike, the trails still offer a chance to connect with the local flora and fauna, and the potential for future improvements is promising.

Ethel Vance Park embodies a more community-oriented, less commercialized camping experience. It's a place where locals can enjoy simple pleasures, engage with nature, and perhaps even participate in or observe local events. For Mississippians seeking a quiet, affordable, and multifaceted outdoor destination with room for future growth and improvement, Ethel Vance Park holds considerable charm and suitability.

Vance Park

4124 MS-24, Liberty, MS 39645, USA