A Peaceful Community Host Just Minutes from Laurel, Mississippi

When planning our trip to visit family in Louisiana, we wanted to spend a couple of days exploring Laurel, Mississippi, made famous by HGTV's Home Town stars Erin and Ben Napier. Southern Miss Community Host in nearby Petal turned out to be the perfect location for that adventure.

Unlike many Harvest Hosts locations, Southern Miss offers full hookups, making it a unique stop for RVers who enjoy a few extra comforts while traveling. We spent two nights here and, once we were settled in, thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

First Impressions

Our first impression was...well...a little stressful.

Getting our 46-foot Brinkley fifth wheel and F-450 through the entrance gate proved to be much more challenging than we expected. Looking back, had I known how difficult the arrival would be for a rig our size, I probably would have chosen another location.

Thankfully, that stressful arrival wasn't representative of the stay itself.

Once we made it through the gate and got parked, we quickly realized why this location consistently receives outstanding reviews. The property is beautifully maintained, peaceful, and welcoming.

The Campsite

Southern Miss is one of the few Harvest Hosts locations we've visited that offers hookups.

• Water
• Electric
• Sewer (available but not used during our stay)

Rather than charging a camping fee, they simply ask for a donation:

• $15 if using electric
• $10 if using sewer

Considering everything they provide, we personally felt the suggested donation was more than fair and chose to leave a little extra in the honor box during our stay.

One feature we especially appreciated was the option to stay up to four nights, something that's uncommon with many Harvest Hosts locations.

The Hosts & Hospitality

Both of our hosts were incredibly kind and welcoming.

After the excitement of our arrival, I honestly expected them to be less than thrilled with us, but that couldn't have been further from the truth. They remained gracious, helpful, and made us feel completely welcome.

It's obvious they care deeply about providing a wonderful experience for visiting RVers.

The Little Moments

One of my favorite memories wasn't something listed in any brochure.

Our site was beside a carport with several hummingbird feeders hanging nearby. Throughout the day, tiny hummingbirds would dart around the feeders, often flying close enough to watch from my window while I sat inside keeping cool as the temps were in the upper 90's with a heat index well into the 100's.

It was one of those quiet moments that makes RV travel so special.

At the same time, it made me think about the hummingbirds we used to watch at the home we sold before returning to full-time RV life. It's a reminder that while this lifestyle allows us to experience incredible places, it also means leaving behind some of the little things we once enjoyed. Thankfully, every now and then, those memories find us again.

What to Know Before You Go

While we truly enjoyed our stay, I do have one recommendation for fellow RVers.

If you're traveling with a large fifth wheel or motorhome similar to ours, be prepared for a tight entrance and limited maneuvering room. Our total length, including the truck, is around 65 feet, and this location pushed the limits of what I'd consider comfortable.

If your rig is under about 40 feet, I think you'll likely have a much easier experience.

Once parked, however, the stay was relaxing, quiet, and enjoyable.

Would We Stay Again?

Absolutely, if we ever decide to downsize our RV.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Have you ever stayed at a Harvest Hosts location? We'd love to hear about your favorite stop!

(click on pic for larger version)

Until next time...

Keep adding memories to your wall.

— Greg & Anna
SeasonedRVers 🚐🐾