Fly & Drive guide
Fly into PIB, drive to DeSoto National Forest
Your route
PIB
Hattiesburg Laurel Regional Airport
DeSoto National Forest
About 1 h 7 min · 45 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to PIB
Compare fares into Hattiesburg Laurel Regional Airport.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: Daniel Tanner · CC BY-SA 4.0
02Car at PIB
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to DeSoto National Forest. Compare rental companies in one search.
Compare rentalsPartner link · EconomyBookings · Photo: Benespit · CC BY-SA 4.0
03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0
04 · First night near DeSoto National Forest
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near DeSoto National Forest
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
Search ExpediaPartner link · Expedia · Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
04Cabins & homes near DeSoto National Forest
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
Search VrboPartner link · Vrbo · Photo: Starlightkanab · CC0
Before you land
Reservations
Review US Forest Service Site for Black Creek Water Levels
DeSoto National Forest does not require entry permits for general recreation, but specific developed sites like Big Biloxi require day-use fees paid on-site. Developed campgrounds and specialized trail permits for ATVs must be verified through the official Forest Service reservation portal; changing systems require checking the official site for current availability.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
October – April
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to DeSoto National Forest?
Hattiesburg Laurel Regional Airport (PIB) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from PIB to DeSoto National Forest?
Roughly 1 h 7 min (about 45 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit DeSoto National Forest?
DeSoto National Forest does not require entry permits for general recreation, but specific developed sites like Big Biloxi require day-use fees paid on-site. Developed campgrounds and specialized trail permits for ATVs must be verified through the official Forest Service reservation portal; changing systems require checking the official site for current availability.