Marathon Lake

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 equippped with 34 camping sites, 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. The campsites have hookups and many are handicapped accessible. A dump station is available. The area has a volunteer campground Host on site most of the time.

It got its' name from Marathon Lumber Company which closed in 1929.

Campground regulations are posted at entrance gate.

Volunteer campground host on site most of the time.

The entrance gate is closed each day at 10:00 p.m. and opened at 6:00 a.m.

No alcholic beverages are allowed.

Accessible for persons with disabilities.

Fishing is allowed: State requirements and limits apply. Boat motors are allowed with the restriction of no wake.

Marathon is open year-round unless winter weather conditions require the area to be closed. Please contact the District Rangers office to make sure the area is open if you plan on visiting during the months of January & February.

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. & go 3 ½ miles. Turn onto FS Rd 520 & 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.