# Mississippi Petrified Forest

> The petrified logs of the Mississippi Petrified Forest in Flora are about 36 million years old.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/mississippi-petrified-forest/

A wooded site where ancient fossilized logs lie along a short walking loop, with a small museum and gem shop. The trail is easy and quick, so it works well as a break on a drive northwest of Jackson.

The petrified logs of the Mississippi Petrified Forest in Flora are about 36 million years old. As living trees, they stood over 100 feet (30 m) tall according to the operators, and may have been a thousand years old or more. A nature trail leads past stations including "Caveman's Bench," where several pieces of a single trunk are still embedded in the gully wall. The site was known from the mid-19th century; R.J. and Shirl Schabilion bought it in 1962 and opened it to visitors in 1963.

The Earth Science Museum displays rocks, minerals and fossils from around the world, including mastodon bones found in the region. There is also a gem-mining flume, as well as sites for RVs and tents. One to two hours is enough for the trail and museum; opening hours vary by season, so check them beforehand.

- **Nearest town:** Flora, MS
- **Category:** Nature & parks
- **GPS:** 32.5207, -90.3230

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Sources

- [Petrified History (Vicksburg Post)](https://vicksburgpost.com/?p=536922)
- [Mississippi Petrified Forest (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi_Petrified_Forest)

## Nearby

- [Mississippi Civil Rights Museum](https://camping-spirit.com/places/mississippi-civil-rights-museum/) – 17 mi
- [Vicksburg National Military Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-vicksburg-nmp/) – 33 mi
- [Windsor Ruins](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-windsor-ruins/) – 62 mi
- [Poverty Point World Heritage Site](https://camping-spirit.com/places/poverty-point/) – 64 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Mississippi Petrified Forest?

Mississippi Petrified Forest is in Flora, MS, at GPS 32.5207, -90.3230. It is about 17 mi from Jackson.

### Can you camp near Mississippi Petrified Forest?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Mississippi Petrified Forest, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Mississippi Petrified Forest?

Places worth a stop nearby: Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (17 mi), Vicksburg National Military Park (33 mi), Windsor Ruins (62 mi) and Poverty Point World Heritage Site (64 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Mississippi Petrified Forest?

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)