MDWFP News

Mississippi’s State Parks conjure up thoughts of nature trails, campgrounds, and maybe even disc golf — but do not overlook the fun to be had on the water. From boating and water skiing to splash pads and slides, get ready to get wet at the parks’ many attractions.

BUCCANEER STATE PARK

LOCATION: Waveland

HOURS: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Memorial Day weekend through Aug. 6. Weekends only between Aug. 7 and Labor Day

ADMISSION: $19 and $13 (children under 48 inches). Season passes are available, as are twilight rates and group discounts.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to Buccaneer Bay, a 4.5-acre water park located across from the Gulf of Mexico. Buccaneer Bay has Pirate’s Lagoon, a wave pool featuring six-foot waves and eight different surf patterns. Up for more adventure? Climb the tower and careen down Pirate's Plank, an enclosed water slide built for speed, or Pirate’s Plunge, a twisting, turning body slide.

Buccaneer Bay has Pirate's Lagoon, a wave pool featuring six-foot waves and eight different surf patterns.

“They offer two completely different rides,” Park Administrator Stu Rayburn said.

Lil’ Smuggler’s Cove offers a children’s water playground complete with sprays and tipping buckets. Treasure Island is a giant sun deck and lounge area that seems to be a perfect spot to relax and catch some rays.

Rayburn says Buccaneer Bay is a prime spot for birthday parties and special occasions, with Crow's Nest pavilion available for rent.

Overlooking the gulf is the park’s campground, home to Castaway Cove, a smaller, circular pool that features waterfalls.

“It’s a unique setting that campers really enjoy,” Rayburn said.

Future plans call for development of a blueway, a water trail marked by launch points, camping locations, and points of interest for canoeists, paddle boarders, and kayakers.

CLARKCO STATE PARK

LOCATION: Quitman

HOURS: Splash pad open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

ADMISSION: Park entrance is $4 per vehicle with a six-person maximum (50 cents per person over the maximum)

Located about 15 minutes south of Meridian, this park has been a family favorite since it was built in 1938.

“There’s a lot of history here,” said Manager Tony Fleming. “We have families who have come back year after year for more than 70 years.”

A main draw is 65-acre Ivy Lake, which offers fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, and more.

“Saturdays and Sundays it’s very colorful here with all the kayaks and canoes,” Fleming said. “Our cabins and campsites overlook the water. People who have traveled all over the country say this is the prettiest state park they’ve seen.”

There are plenty of water-related activities at Clarkco State Park, including a splash pad that is open daily.

J.P. COLEMAN STATE PARK

LOCATION: Iuka

HOURS: Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., but the park remains open until 10 p.m., except for park guests.

ADMISSION: Park entrance is $4 per vehicle with a six-person maximum (50 cents per person over the maximum)

Perched above the Tennessee River, J.P. Coleman State Park has unmatched sailing, water skiing, and fishing in the sparkling water of Pickwick Lake.

“It’s the prettiest lake in the state to me,” said Manager Gary Ray. “Fishing is huge. We have pleasure boats, jet skis, water skiing — even some flyboarding.”

GEORGE P. COSSAR STATE PARK

LOCATION: Oakland

HOURS: Park is open daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ADMISSION: Park entrance is $4 per vehicle with a six-person maximum (50 cents per person over the maximum)

The park is located between Batesville and Grenada, situated on 28,000-acre Enid Reservoir, which is the home to the world-record white crappie.

Manager Joe Pettis says the lake also draws people for boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and swimming. Away from the water, Cossar has a recently renovated miniature golf course.

PAUL B. JOHNSON STATE PARK

LOCATION: Hattiesburg

HOURS: Splash pad is open daily (10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.) from Memorial Day weekend through Aug. 6, then week- ends only through Labor Day

ADMISSION: $8 and $6 (children under 16) The park is located along 300-acre Geiger Lake. “The lake is stocked with bass, bream, and crappie,” said Manager Bill Sykes. “People also enjoy skiing here and pleasure boats of all types, plus there are two beaches.”

Another attraction is the 5,000-square-foot splash pad featuring 37 water sprays and jets, water cannons, tipping buckets, and more.

“It’s fun for all ages,” Sykes said. “I even saw an 82-year-old man go down the frog slide.”

The frog slide is a popular feature at the Paul B. Johnson State Park splash pad.

JOHN W. KYLE STATE PARK

LOCATION: Sardis

HOURS: Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., but the park remains open until 10 p.m., except for park guests.

ADMISSION: Park entrance is $4 per vehicle with a six-person maximum (50 cents per person over the maximum)

The park is located on scenic Sardis Reservoir, which offers 32,100 acres for fishing, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and sailing.

“People come from all over for the crappie fishing,” said Manag- er Kay Nix. “We host a lot of bass tournaments, too, including the St. Jude Bass Classic on Memorial Day weekend.”

Cabins are located near the reservoir’s upper lake.

“The lower, smaller lake is better suited for canoeing and fishing boats, and is the location for the park’s campground,” Nix said. “The lower lake also features a large recreation area with two beaches, and is a favorite spot for visitors.”

HUGH WHITE STATE PARK

LOCATION: Grenada

HOURS: Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., but the park remains open until 10 p.m., except for park guests.

ADMISSION: Park entrance is $4 per vehicle with a six-person maximum (50 cents per person over the maximum) Hugh White State Park is situated on 64,000-acre Grenada Reservoir, best known for its crappie but also brimming with bass, bream, and catfish. Numerous coves, inlets, and the waters below the dam offer excellent angling opportunities.

Water skiing and other water sports are popular, as are the swimming area and beach.

ROOSEVELT STATE PARK

LOCATION: Morton

HOURS: Park office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., but the park remains open until 10 p.m., except for park guests.

ADMISSION: Park entrance is $4 per vehicle with a six-person maximum (50 cents per person over the maximum)

Conveniently located between Meridian and Jackson, this park is home to 150-acre Shadow Lake, which draws boating, water skiing, and jet ski enthusiasts.

Pavilions and picnic tables are located close by.

On the Fourth of July, guests can view the Patriotic Boat Show on the lake. This year’s event begins at 5 p.m.

Visitors can watch the Patriotic Boat Show at Roosevelt State Park on July 4

TISHOMINGO STATE PARK

LOCATION: Tishomingo

HOURS: Park office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., but the park remains open until 10 p.m., except for park guests.

ADMISSION: Park entrance is $4 per vehicle with a six-person maximum (50 cents per person over the maximum)

Bear Creek Float Trip departs from Tishomingo at 10 a.m. daily from April through October, weather and water level permitting.

“It’s Class 1 water, so it’s not turbulent like whitewater rafting — just a lazy float for 6.25 miles,” said Man- ager Terry Harp. “Many are returning customers who have made the trip several times. Frequently, we have fathers bringing children or grandfathers with their grandchildren. They have fond memories of making the float trip in their youth and hope to share the experience with a younger generation.”

Each canoe carries two and rents for $40 plus tax. The park runs one trip a day, and reservations are recommended. Kayaks are being added to the lineup this year.

For more information about these and other Mississippi State Parks, visit www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations.

Deborah Robert is a freelance writer for Mississippi Outdoors Magazine.