New Augusta, MS

New Augusta is a small town in Perry County in southern Mississippi, with a population of roughly 600 residents. It sits in a heavily wooded part of the state and serves as one of two county seats for Perry County, lending it a quiet civic role amid the surrounding pine forests. The town has a laid-back, rural character and functions primarily as a gateway to the outdoor landscapes of southern Mississippi, particularly the De Soto National Forest. Located along U.S. Highway 98, New Augusta is about 20 miles south of Hattiesburg, the nearest major city and a regional hub for shopping, dining, healthcare, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Just a short drive from town, the De Soto National Forest sprawls across more than half a million acres of longleaf pine, bottomland hardwoods, and streams. Visitors come for hiking, hunting, camping, and wildlife watching, with miles of forest roads and designated recreation areas throughout. The forest's proximity makes New Augusta an appealing overnight base for anyone exploring this stretch of the Piney Woods, and the town is within roughly 15 to 20 minutes of several trailheads and campgrounds.

One of the standout natural features nearby is Black Creek, which flows through the national forest and is recognized as a National Wild and Scenic River. Paddlers travel its calm, winding corridor beneath towering bluffs and old-growth hardwoods, with outfitters occasionally offering canoe and kayak trips. The creek's upper reaches are only about 20 to 30 minutes from New Augusta, providing an accessible waypoint for visitors seeking a quieter, more immersive outdoor experience than the more developed Gulf Coast destinations.

A bit farther afield, Hattiesburg offers the urban amenities that complement a rural stay, including a lively restaurant and music scene, the Saenger Theater, and the Hattiesburg Zoo. The drive between New Augusta and Hattiesburg typically takes around 25 to 30 minutes, making it easy for short-term rental guests to enjoy a day in the city before returning to the quiet of the countryside. Toward the Gulf, the coastal towns of Mississippi's shoreline lie roughly 75 to 90 miles to the south for those interested in a longer day trip.

New Augusta is a compelling base for short-term rentals because it offers something increasingly rare: easy access to a vast national forest, a designated wild and scenic river, and small-town Mississippi character, all within a short drive of a real city. Guests who stay here can spend their mornings on forest trails or quiet waterways and their evenings on a porch under a canopy of stars, with the dining and entertainment of Hattiesburg close enough for a spontaneous night out. For travelers seeking a slower pace paired with genuine outdoor adventure, the town provides a memorable, off-the-beaten-path alternative to the busier Gulf Coast resort areas.