Rowan Oak
Oxford, MS
William Faulkner’s home for more than 30 years, with the plot outline of A Fable still written on his study wall. Owned by the University of Mississippi; the grounds are open, the house on tours.
Rowan Oak is the former home of the writer William Faulkner on the edge of Oxford, Mississippi. The house was built in 1844 for the farmer Robert B. Sheegog. Faulkner bought it in 1930, when it was run down, and lived there until his death in 1962. In 1931 he named it Rowan Oak, after the rowan and the oak; neither tree grows on the grounds.
In his study, Faulkner wrote the outline of his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "A Fable" on the walls. The estate includes four acres of gardens with a cedar-lined avenue and some 29 acres of woodland, the Bailey Woods, plus a stable and a former slave quarters. The house has belonged to the University of Mississippi since 1972. Visits are self-guided.
Nearby are the Center for the Study of Southern Culture and the University of Mississippi Museum. Check opening times and payment options in advance at rowanoak.com.
- Nearest town
- Oxford, MS
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 34.3601, -89.5259
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Toby Tubby BSA CampCampsite11 mi from Rowan Oak
- Clear Creek CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Rowan Oak
- Graham LakeCampsite12 mi from Rowan Oak
- Rebel CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Rowan Oak
All campsites in Mississippi · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Rowan Oak?
Rowan Oak is in Oxford, MS, at GPS 34.3601, -89.5259. It is about 47 mi from Tupelo.
Can you camp near Rowan Oak?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Toby Tubby BSA Camp, about 11 mi away; within 25 mi there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Rowan Oak?
Rowan Oak is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Faulkner, Elvis and Shiloh: north Mississippi hill country.
What is there to see near Rowan Oak?
Places worth a stop nearby: Elvis Presley Birthplace (48 mi), Graceland (55 mi), Delta Blues Museum (61 mi) and Sun Studio (61 mi).
When is the best time to visit Rowan Oak?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)