Some of the most unforgettable summer memories are made on the water. Whether it’s a family day at the lake or hanging out with friends by the pool, the winning combination of sunshine, fresh air and aquatic adventure leaves you tan, smiling and wanting more.
There’s no better place to get on the water than in the state parks of Mississippi. From running through the fountains on the shores of Geiger Lake, to riding the waves at Buccaneer Bay, parks across the Magnolia State shift into high gear with zero-depth splash pads, junior Olympic-size swimming pools, waterslides and wave pools. Many of these man-made playgrounds overlook natural lakes with fishing piers, swimming beaches and boat launches. It’s officially time to plan your summer camping trip.
Grab your swimsuit and pick your aquatic adventure at Mississippi State Parks.
1. Play at a Splash Pad
Where: Clarkco State Park
Quitman, Mississippi
Little ones will love dashing through the fountains and playing on their own at this kid-sized splash pad. Spray jets, dumping buckets and water cannons are designed with toddler to elementary-age kids in mind, so parents can supervise from under the shade trees next to the pad.
Where: Paul B. Johnson State Park
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Over 35 fanciful water jets and sprays, including a mushroom water umbrella and frog-shaped water slide, will entertain kids of all ages at this 5,000-square-foot splash pad. Run the gauntlet of standing spray loops, soak your friends with water cannons, and play in the bubblers. Colorfully covered picnic tables are ideal for taking a picnic lunch break. If that’s not enough, you can head down the road to the visitor center and the swimming beach on Geiger Lake.
2. Vacation at the Waterpark
Where: Buccaneer State Park
Waveland, Mississippi
From the twists and turns of the 425-foot body slide to the 17,400-foot wave pool, there’s endless adventures for all ages and levels of swimmers at Buccaneer Bay Water Park. Young children will play for hours in the bubblers and tipping buckets at Lil’ Smugglers Cove, while older kids plunge down the 325-foot Pirate’s Plank waterslide and lounge on the 10,000-square-foot sun deck. Grab some BBQ in the shade at Sea Dog Galley, then continue the fun at the campground activity pool.
3. Go Fishing at Lake Lincoln
Where: Lake Lincoln State Park
Wesson, Mississippi
Launch your boat at the floating dock, or cast your line from three fishing piers to catch bass, bream, channel catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish and white perch. A sandy, 1.5-acre swimming beach offers a respite after your long day on the water.
4. Cool Off in the Pool
Where: Roosevelt State Park
Morton, Mississippi
Slide down 35 feet of twisting turns to a grand splash landing, and then swim laps in the 2,600-square-foot swimming pool overlooking Shadow Lake. The zero-depth splash pad on the pool deck has six water jets to keep your younger swimmers amused.
Where: Percy Quin State Park
McComb, Mississippi
Take a dip in the junior Olympic-size swimming pool, complete with showers and restrooms. You can also launch your boat from the park marina to explore 490-acre Lake Tangipahoa, stocked with Florida bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and white crappie.
Where: Tishomingo State Park
Tishomingo, Mississippi
Lounge on an inflatable float, or join a pick-up game of Marco Polo, in the swimming pool on a bluff overlooking Bear Creek. Families with older children will want to reserve a spot on the 6.25-mile Bear Creek canoe float trip that runs daily through the summer.
Where: JP Coleman State Park
Iuka, Mississippi
Splash in the regular and kiddie pools, or relax on the sunny pool deck, then walk over to the playground and miniature golf course at this playland for beginner swimmers and young families. For tweens and teens, the 47,500-acre Pickwick Lake provides hours of watersport entertainment, and fishing opportunities for crappie, bream, catfish, sauger, walleye and bass.
5. Camp on the Lake
Where: George P. Cossar State Park
Oakland, Mississippi
There are numerous options for lake-side camping at George P. Cossar State Park, with 83 campsites in total. Choose your lake camping style, including waterfront tent sites, back-in RV sites and modern cabins complete with indoor fireplaces and screened-in porches overlooking Enid Lake. The Enid Reservoir is 28,000 acres, offering ample opportunities for fishing, boating and jet skiing. Back at the campground, enjoy playgrounds, pavilions and an 18 hole disc golf course.
6. Take a Deep Dive into Science
Where: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park
Jackson, Mississippi
Fishing in Mayes Lake for bass, bream, catfish and crappie is only the start of your adventure at LeFleur’s Bluff. Hike nature trails through woodlands and to river bottoms, lakes and swamplands. Play a round of disc golf, and tour the exhibits inside Mississippi’s largest museum. Don’t miss feeding time at the 100,000-gallon aquarium and rotating exhibits like Dinosaurs Around the World.
7. Cruise the Waters of Lake Lowndes
Where: Lake Lowndes State Park
Columbus, Mississippi
Take your kayak, canoe or motorboat on the 150-acre lake, stocked year-round with catfish, crappie, bass and bream. Waterskiing and related watersports are permitted on weekends and holidays, and there are four fishing piers if you prefer to do your fishing from the shore.
Let’s Go Camping: Mississippi Campground Directory