Local Area Attractions Near Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey

Take a look at the listings of attractions close to the campground.

Jimmie Rodgers Museum

Jimmie Rodgers Museum

Calling all country music fans! Take a trip to the Jimmie Rodgers Museum in Meridia and step into the story of the “Father of Country Music” himself. This spot's brimming with memorabilia—from vintage guitars to photographs that trace his journey from humble beginnings to legendary status. Even if you're new to country tunes, it's easy to catch Rodgers' spirit as you explore all the artifacts and recordings that shaped the genre. Come on by, soak up the musical magic, and get to know the man who set the stage for so many country artists to com

1200 22nd Ave

Meridian, MS 39301

601-938-7427

Website

Experience the Tranquil Beauty of Dunn's Falls Park

Experience the Tranquil Beauty of Dunn's Falls Park

Just a scenic 20-minute drive from your KOA campsite, Dunn's Falls Park offers a serene escape into Mississippi's natural and industrial heritage. Centered around a 65-foot waterfall and historic gristmill, this hidden gem invites you to unwind, explore, and reconnect with the outdoors.

What You'll See & Do

  • Majestic Waterfall & Gristmill: Marvel at the cascading 65-foot falls, originally built by Irish immigrant John Dunn in the mid-1850s to power his gristmill. The on-site Carroll-Richardson Gristmill (circa 1867) is open for guided tours on weekends. 
  • Picnic & Wildlife Refuge: Spread out beneath towering pines at one of the shaded picnic areas, complete with barbecue grills. Keep an eye out for native songbirds, deer, and occasional river otters along the Chunky River shoreline.
  • Hiking & Swimming: Follow the gentle loop trail past the waterfall to a crystal-clear swimming hole—perfect for cooling off on a warm afternoon. Trail terrain is moderate, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
  • Fishing & Boating: Cast a line for stocked catfish in the mill pond or bring a canoe to paddle in the slow-moving river currents. Rentals are available seasonally at the park office.

Visitor Info
  • Hours: Open daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; closed Mondays & Tuesdays
  • Admission & Rates:
  • [list]
  • Day use (12+): $3.25 per person
  • Children (2–11): $2.25 per person
  • Under 2: Free
  • Group rate (15+): $50 flat

  • Amenities: Restrooms, picnic shelters, grill stations, seasonal concessions, and self-service pay station (cash/honor system)
  • Accessibility: The picnic and parking areas are level; access to waterfall overlooks involves uneven terrain
  • [/list]
    Getting There from Your KOA
    • Distance: ~15 miles west (about 20 minutes) via I-20 W and Dunns Falls Rd.
    • Tip: Stop at Enterprise's 1907 train depot café on your way back for fresh pastries and local coffee.

    6890 Dunns Falls Rd

    Enterprise, MS 39330

    601-655-8550

    Website

    Catch a Show in Gilded Splendor at the Riley Center's Grand Opera House

    Catch a Show in Gilded Splendor at the Riley Center's Grand Opera House

    A quick 15-minute cruise west of Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey lands you in downtown Meridian at the MSU Riley Center, home to the fully restored Grand Opera House (1889)—a 950-seat Victorian jewel that dazzles audiences and architecture buffs alike. After sitting dark for 79 years, the theater re-opened in 2006 following a $25 million facelift and now anchors the city's cultural renaissance.

    Why It's a Must-Do:

    • Historic eye-candy – Hand-painted opera boxes, curved balconies, and a midnight-blue domed ceiling make every visit Insta-worthy (arrive early to explore all three levels).
    • Big acts, intimate room – From B.B. King to Broadway tours, the 950-seat hall lets you see A-list talent without arena binoculars.
    • Year-round lineup – Concerts, comedy, kids' shows, and classic films keep the calendar packed. Check msurileycenter.com for the current schedule or call the box office.
    • Behind-the-scenes tours – Weekday tours (by appointment) reveal hidden stage mechanics and the story of its dramatic rescue from decay—great for history lovers.

    Box Office Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & one hour before showtime.

    Parking: Free street parking nights/weekends; use the 22nd Ave. garage for big events

    Accessibility Elevator to all floors, assisted-listening devices available

    Pro tip: Snag balcony seats for ornate railing views, then pop across the street to the Threefoot Hotel's rooftop bar for post-show city lights.

    Getting There from the KOA
    1. Exit the campground and turn right on Will Garrett Rd.
    2. Merge onto I-20/59 W toward Meridian.
    3. Take Exit 154B (22nd Avenue) and follow signs into downtown.
    4. Turn left on 5th Street; the red-and-white brick Riley Center will be on your right.

    Camp • Applaud • Repeat

    Whether you're catching a Grammy-winner or touring the ornate hall, the Grand Opera House adds a splash of elegance to your RV getaway.See you back at the campfire—encore stories welcome!

    2200 5th St

    Meridian, MS 39301

    601-696-2200

    Website

    Discover a Piece of Meridian's Industrial Heritage: Soule Feed Works

    Discover a Piece of Meridian's Industrial Heritage: Soule Feed Works

    Step back in time and explore one of Meridian's most iconic landmarks just a short drive from your campsite. The Soule Feed Works, built around 1900, is the last surviving wood-frame feed mill of its kind in the United States. Nestled at the western trailhead of the Meridian Rail Trail, this weathered red structure stands as a testament to the city's rich railroad and agricultural past.

    What You'll See & Do

    • Historic Architecture: Admire the soaring timber frame and grain elevators that once processed thousands of bushels of feed each week.
    • Photo Ops: Rusted railcars, overgrown tracks, and peeling paint make for striking backdrops—perfect for memorable vacation snapshots.
    • Rail Trail Access: Lace up your walking shoes or bring your bike to continue westward along the shaded Meridian Rail Trail, where you'll pass under century-old trestles and through hardwood forests.
    • Picnic & Relax: A nearby pavilion and benches let you pause for a snack before heading back to camp.

    Visitor Info
    • Location: Western terminus of the Meridian Rail Trail (17th St. & 7th Ave.)
    • Parking: Free lot adjacent to the mill site
    • Hours: Open 24/7 — explore at your leisure!
    • Cost: Always free, self-guided
    • Accessibility: Paved trail access to the site; terrain is level and stroller-friendly
    • Pet-Friendly: Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome

    Getting There from Your KOA
    • Distance: Approximately 10 miles west of Meridian East/Toomsuba KOA Journey
    • Drive Time: About 15 minutes via I-20 W and Frontage Rd.
    • Tip: Combine your visit with a stroll through downtown Meridian to see the Dentzel Carousel, the Riley Center, and the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience.

    Make Soule Feed Works a must-see stop on your itinerary—immerse yourself in Meridian's railroading heritage before returning to our Mississippi pines to camp!

    1808 4th Street

    Meridian, MS 39301

    601-693-9905

    Website

    Step Back in Time at the Simmons-Wright General Store

    Step Back in Time at the Simmons-Wright General Store

    Looking for a dose of authentic Mississippi history without straying far from your campsite? Make the five-minute hop from Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey to the Simmons-Wright Company, a brick-fronted general store that's been welcoming travelers since 1884 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Why You'll Love It

    • Living museum vibes – Walk the creaking floorboards, browse shelves stocked with hoop cheese, vintage tools, glass-bottled sodas, and locally made goodies. Every corner feels like a snapshot of rural life from generations past.
    • 1884 Café – Tucked inside the store, the café dishes up hearty Southern breakfasts and rotating plate-lunch specials (think fried chicken, peas & cornbread) amid antique displays. Open Mon–Thu 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri till 2 p.m., and 1st & 3rd Saturdays till noon.
    • Picker's paradise – From antique farm tools to cast-iron cookware and hand-cut nails, you never know what treasure you'll uncover.
    • Photo-op central – The two-story balcony, old cash register, and wood-burning stove beg for Insta-snapshots!

    Parking: Plenty of room for cars & small RVs; larger rigs can stage at the KOA and car-pool.

    Payments: Cash & cards accepted; bring a little cash for quick grabs at the counter

    Tip: Arrive hungry—dessert (often homemade cobbler) is included with most lunch plates.

    Camp • Explore • Repeat After browsing the aisles and filling up on café comfort food, head back to your shady site under the pines to relax with a freshly-filled belly. 

    Happy exploring! Safe travels and we'll see you back at the campfire tonight.

    5493 Hwy 11/80

    Kewanee, MS 39364

    601-632-1884

    Website

    Local Area Recreation Near Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey

    Lake Tom Bailey - CLOSED FOR REPAIRS

    Lake Tom Bailey - CLOSED FOR REPAIRS

    Lake Tom Bailey is currently closed for repairs to its dam. This posting is here to ensure guests avoid scheduling Tom Bailey into their plans.

    Bonita Lakes Park

    Bonita Lakes Park

    Bonita Lakes Park is a 3,300-acre City Park located just off the interstate at exit 154. It's a quiet, lightly developed place for paddling, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, exercising, picnicking, or just listening to the birds and feeling the sun on your face. You can even bring your dog (with a leash) or your horse: over 20 miles of equestrian trails wind through the trees and along the lakes. In the Nature Trails, you can hike or bike on the 7-mile loop of trails around the 3 man-made lakes. The trails are dog-friendly (leash required).

    Website