Crystal Springs is a quaint historic town just south of Jackson that, according to its community website, was once known as the "Tomatopolis of the World." Besides producing tomatoes in abundance, it is a great place to visit and is nestled in a region that provides a number of other opportunities for you to enjoy the outdoors, history and Southern culture. You can camp nearby and enjoy all the region has to offer.
Local History
Crystal Springs was one of the most prosperous agricultural areas in the United States during the 19th century. The Illinois Central Railroad constructed Lake Chautauqua as a reservoir to supply the trains that stopped through the town, according to the Crystal Springs Parks and Recreation website. As steam locomotives have grown obsolete and commerce has changed, the town has worked to preserve its historical heritage.
What to Do in Crystal Springs
Besides eating world-class tomatoes and visiting the annual Tomato Festival, you can enjoy viewing beautiful architecture, shopping, eating and fishing. You can also visit historic Chautauqua Park, located on Lake Chautauqua. Here you can learn in detail about the town's history; for example, you can visit an old pump-house and discover how it worked.
Camping Facilities
You will find a number of camping options near Crystal Springs through government parks and private facilities. State campgrounds within 50 miles of Crystal Springs include Lake Lincoln, Lafleurs Bluff and Roosevelt State Park. Lake Lincoln and Roosevelt State Park have cabins, tent sites, boat launches and access to a number of outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking, volleyball and fishing. Lafleurs Bluff is popular for its close access to golfing and the city of Jackson. You can make reservations through Reserve America or the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. There are a number of other private camping facilities within the same area with similar amenities. You can also try out several campsites at the Barnett Reservoir Campgrounds, which are maintained by the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District. Some of these have swimming pools, sports courts, laundry facilities, playgrounds, picnic facilities and boat ramps.
RV Parks
Accommodations vary depending on where you camp, but RV sites generally have a full array. There are several options within 25 miles of Crystal Springs including Lake Lincoln State Park and the Barnett Reservoir Campgrounds, which offer full hookups and access to water recreation. You can also try Springridge Mobile Estates & RV Park, Wendy Oaks RV Resort and Timberlands Campground & Dude Ranch Resort. In addition to RV hookups, some of their amenities include pools, playgrounds, clubhouses, Wi-Fi and cable access.
Other Regional Attractions
There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors in Mississippi. You can bike, camp, canoe, kayak, fish, horseback ride, hike, hunt and use ATVs off-road. You can also relax by viewing abundant wildlife, taking scenic drives and going on local tours. More information about these options is available through the Mississippi tourism website. Aside from outdoor recreation, there are a number of interesting attractions within driving distance from Crystal Springs. You can visit the historical Civil War battle site of Vicksburg, located west of Jackson on Highway 20. Or, enjoy Jackson, the state capital, which has a number of historical museums and Civil War memorials, as well as abundant jazz and blues music, and famous Southern cuisine.
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