By:
Submission
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.
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.
Our stay was good. The campground was quiet and he lake was great. The host was helpful and the dog was a sweetie. However the roads to the campground were awful. Would come again except for the roads.
Loved everything about this off the beaten path campground. It was practically empty on the weekday that I camped there in early October. Watch out though for tiny ants. I must have parked my motorcycle near a mound. They were all over the front section of the bike the next morning and went for a ride.
Beautiful piece of property! Not terribly well kept by the campground host during our stay but over all its a great little hidden gem. There is no cell service within 20 miles so be prepared for that. And spiders are everywhere but that's the nature side. We had a good stay and would go again.
Amazingly, quiet and private. It's very clean and well kept. It's one of the nicest federal campgrounds I've ever been.
There is a trail that goes all the way around the lake and a boat ramp.
20-30 campsites with utilities with roughly 10 lakefront. The fishing looks ripe.
Cell service fades in and out.
Highly Recommend.
Y'all don't even visit this place, ok. It is literally the perfect camping spot for a weekend getaway, and I don't want it to be packed when I go back.
I'm not going to tell you about the small beach, the fishing, the stars, the trails, the boating, the peace, or the beauty of nature.
I'll just tell you that the bathrooms are straight-up filled with spiders. My wife and daughter used a pop-up poo tent. That's how many spiders. Like, so many you guys. Oh, and no cell service with Verizon.
And I'm STILL GIVING IT 5 STARS.
