Southeast US camping

[DusLeJ]

I recently went on my first camping trip with my girlfriend to Percy Quin state park in Mississippi. When we arrived we proceeded to our designated primitive camping area and set up camp. At the time we were surrounded by about 3-4 other families/couples. As the day drew on and night fall set in, the influx came of families and children. This ruined the trip for me. How can I find a good place to camp that will be secluded and still capable of me reaching with a sedan. Dispersed camping I believe it is called. I appreciate any tips,

[Ed]

First of all, do not let this experience turn you off from camping. There are many campgrounds that offer the quiet environment that you want.
The place you went didn't sound like my concept of primitive camping!Generally, State Parks tend to offer more family oriented activities(swimming beaches, playgrounds, water skiing etc) than campgrounds in the National Forests. Being a new camper, dispersed camping might be too much to the other extreme for you...frequently having no potable water, limited, if any, toilet facilities. Browse through the campgrounds in the National Forest and Campgrounds section of this website. One of the standards for inclusion on this site is that the CG be accessible by family sedan. At the end of each campground description you will find a list of the activities available and this can be a good guide as too what to expect in the way of crowds. For instance, lakes that allow electric or trolling motors only are frequently less crowded (and always quieter) than those that allow skiing. We have all had the occasional unsatisfying camping experience but those are far outweighed by the great times you can have in the outdoors. Stick with it!

[TrailHiker]

Ed is right on with his advice. Invarably, the National Forest campgrounds are quieter. They are more roomy and usually there is a lot of space between sites. We were up at Nicolet Natl Forest over the memorial Day weekend earlier this year and it was very nice, especially for a holiday weekend.
_________________
Tom
Life is meant to be enjoyed. Find ways to make it happen!

[DusLeJ]

I am certainly going to take the great advise. Thanks!