There are more than two dozen state parks scattered throughout the Magnolia State. Some, like Tishomingo State Park, are definitely more popular than others, but it doesn’t mean the others should be ignored. Boasting everything from breathtaking scenery to amazing recreational opportunities, you’re sure to fall in love with these 10 under-appreciated state parks to visit in Mississippi. They’ll have you hopping in the car and driving right over so you can enjoy these magical sights in person.
- Great River Road State Park (101 State Park Rd, Rosedale)
cityofrosedalems.com Known as the “River Wonderland,” this stunning state park is located along the Great River Road Historic Byway and situated right on the Mighty Mississippi. Head to Great River Road State Park, and spend the day checking out the Mississippi River from the park’s 75’ observation tower, fishing in Perry Martin Lake, or enjoying an outdoor lunch in the picnic area. This is one of the best state parks to visit in Mississippi! Great River Road State Park, 100 St Park Rd, Rosedale, MS 38769, USA
- J.P. Coleman State Park (613 Co Rd 321, Iuka)
Tishomingo County Tourism Council/Facebook Featuring a river, freshwater lake, and waterfall, J.P. Coleman State Park is a water-enthusiast’s dream come true. The park itself overlooks the Tennessee River and allows for visitors to camp right on its banks, which provides an amazing experience. Pickwick Lake, the park’s 47,500-acre freshwater lake, is perfect for all sorts of water activities, including sailing, swimming, skiing, and fishing. If you’re looking for a great place in our state, we think visiting here is one of the best things to do in Mississippi. J P Coleman State Park, 613 Co Rd 321, Iuka, MS 38852, USA
- Wall Doxey State Park (3946 MS-7, Holly Springs)
Fredlyfish4/Wikipedia Located just seven miles from Holly Springs, this park is an absolute must-see if you’re ever visiting the historic town. It’s also the perfect destination for a rustic getaway, since it includes several cabins, campsites, and a cottage. The park is centered around Spring Lake, a gorgeous 60-acre spring-fed lake that is perfect for boating and fishing. Other amenities include a 2.5-mile nature trail, picnic areas, and two disc golf courses. We think this charming area is one of the best state parks in Mississippi, and you’ll want to visit with the whole family! Wall Doxey State Park, 3946 MS-7, Holly Springs, MS 38635, USA
- LeFleur’s Bluff State Park (3315 Lakeland Terrace, Jackson)
Laulibelle/TripAdvisor Located in Jackson, this 305-acre park boasts lush greenery and a stunning lake, providing the perfect escape from city life. In addition to camping, fishing, and nature trails, the park features a driving range and nine-hole golf course, making it a great destination for the entire family. We love these easy hiking trails in Mississippi. This state park is such a crowd pleaser! LeFleur’s Bluff State Park Mayes Lake, 3315 Lakeland Terrace, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- Roosevelt State Park (Bienville National Forest, 2149 Hwy 13 S, Morton)
Visit Mississippi/Flickr Great views abound at Roosevelt State Park thanks to a scenic overlook, which provides a panoramic view of the nearby Bienville National Forest. There are also plenty of well-marked trails, making it easy to explore the area. Aside from the beautiful scenery, you’ll have access to a ton of recreational activities as well as Shadow Lake, a 150-acre fresh water lake that’s perfect for fishing, boating, and water skiing. Bienville National Forest, Mississippi 39074, USA
- Buccaneer State Park (1150 S Beach Blvd, Waveland)
mdwfp.com Located on the beach in Waveland, this state park offers both primitive and developed camping in addition to nature trails, disc golf, beach access, and the on-site water park, Buccaneer Bay. The 4.5-acre water park overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and features several slides, a wave pool, snack bar, and more. If you’re looking for fun for the whole family, this state park in Mississippi with a waterpark is a wild ride that’s guaranteed to please! Buccaneer State Park, 1150 S Beach Blvd, Waveland, MS 39576, USA
- Tombigbee State Park (264 Cabin Dr, Tupelo)
mdwfp.com Offering the finest in outdoor recreation opportunities, yet located just minutes from the city of Tupelo, visitors to this park can experience the best of both worlds. Whether spending the day on the park’s 120-acre Lake Lee or venturing into town to visit the Elvis Presley birthplace, there’s plenty to see and do while at Tombigbee State Park. We love this place and think it’s one of the best parks in Mississippi. Tombigbee Lake State Park, 264 Cabin Dr, Tupelo, MS 38804, USA
- Natchez State Park (230 Wickcliff Rd, Natchez)
mdwfp.com Natchez is most often associated with beautiful antebellum homes and the Natchez Trace Parkway; however, the charming town is also home to a beautiful state park. Aside from brimming with natural beauty, Natchez State Park is known to be a great fishing spot. In 1992, the largest bass in Mississippi history, a largemouth weighing 18.15 pounds, was caught in park’s lake. Spend the night in their campground to keep soaking in this beautiful state park in Mississippi. State Park Road, State Park Rd, Mississippi 39120, USA
- George P. Cossar State Park (165 Co Rd 170, Oakland)
April Harmon / Google Maps George P. Cossar State Park is situated on the shores of Enid Lake and located in close proximity to Holly Springs National Forest, which means this park is teeming with hunting, fishing, and recreational opportunities. This sportsman’s paradise is the perfect vacation spot for those looking to get away from it all. George P Cossar State Park, 165 Co Rd 170, Oakland, MS 38948, USA
- Legion State Park (635 Legion State Park Dr, Louisville)
mdwfp.com Tucked away in the small town of Louisville, Legion State Park is the fourth of the original state parks constructed in Mississippi. Head to the park today, and you’ll find that the area remains as “unspoiled today as when the Choctaw Indian nation first inhabited the area centuries ago.” Aside from pristine natural beauty, the park also includes Legion Lodge – a log structure that has been unaltered since being constructed in the 1930s. Spend the night at their campground or cabins, and keep your lovely visit going for as long as possible! Legion State Park Drive, Legion State Park Dr, Louisville, MS 39339, USA
Have you spent time at any of these state parks to visit in Mississippi? Did we miss any great ones that deserve to be on this list? What park would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section below!
cityofrosedalems.com
Known as the “River Wonderland,” this stunning state park is located along the Great River Road Historic Byway and situated right on the Mighty Mississippi. Head to Great River Road State Park, and spend the day checking out the Mississippi River from the park’s 75’ observation tower, fishing in Perry Martin Lake, or enjoying an outdoor lunch in the picnic area. This is one of the best state parks to visit in Mississippi!
Great River Road State Park, 100 St Park Rd, Rosedale, MS 38769, USA
Tishomingo County Tourism Council/Facebook
Featuring a river, freshwater lake, and waterfall, J.P. Coleman State Park is a water-enthusiast’s dream come true. The park itself overlooks the Tennessee River and allows for visitors to camp right on its banks, which provides an amazing experience. Pickwick Lake, the park’s 47,500-acre freshwater lake, is perfect for all sorts of water activities, including sailing, swimming, skiing, and fishing. If you’re looking for a great place in our state, we think visiting here is one of the best things to do in Mississippi.
J P Coleman State Park, 613 Co Rd 321, Iuka, MS 38852, USA
Fredlyfish4/Wikipedia
Located just seven miles from Holly Springs, this park is an absolute must-see if you’re ever visiting the historic town. It’s also the perfect destination for a rustic getaway, since it includes several cabins, campsites, and a cottage. The park is centered around Spring Lake, a gorgeous 60-acre spring-fed lake that is perfect for boating and fishing. Other amenities include a 2.5-mile nature trail, picnic areas, and two disc golf courses. We think this charming area is one of the best state parks in Mississippi, and you’ll want to visit with the whole family!
Wall Doxey State Park, 3946 MS-7, Holly Springs, MS 38635, USA
Laulibelle/TripAdvisor
Located in Jackson, this 305-acre park boasts lush greenery and a stunning lake, providing the perfect escape from city life. In addition to camping, fishing, and nature trails, the park features a driving range and nine-hole golf course, making it a great destination for the entire family. We love these easy hiking trails in Mississippi. This state park is such a crowd pleaser!
LeFleur’s Bluff State Park Mayes Lake, 3315 Lakeland Terrace, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Visit Mississippi/Flickr
Great views abound at Roosevelt State Park thanks to a scenic overlook, which provides a panoramic view of the nearby Bienville National Forest. There are also plenty of well-marked trails, making it easy to explore the area. Aside from the beautiful scenery, you’ll have access to a ton of recreational activities as well as Shadow Lake, a 150-acre fresh water lake that’s perfect for fishing, boating, and water skiing.
Bienville National Forest, Mississippi 39074, USA
mdwfp.com
Located on the beach in Waveland, this state park offers both primitive and developed camping in addition to nature trails, disc golf, beach access, and the on-site water park, Buccaneer Bay. The 4.5-acre water park overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and features several slides, a wave pool, snack bar, and more. If you’re looking for fun for the whole family, this state park in Mississippi with a waterpark is a wild ride that’s guaranteed to please!
Buccaneer State Park, 1150 S Beach Blvd, Waveland, MS 39576, USA
Offering the finest in outdoor recreation opportunities, yet located just minutes from the city of Tupelo, visitors to this park can experience the best of both worlds. Whether spending the day on the park’s 120-acre Lake Lee or venturing into town to visit the Elvis Presley birthplace, there’s plenty to see and do while at Tombigbee State Park. We love this place and think it’s one of the best parks in Mississippi.
Tombigbee Lake State Park, 264 Cabin Dr, Tupelo, MS 38804, USA
Natchez is most often associated with beautiful antebellum homes and the Natchez Trace Parkway; however, the charming town is also home to a beautiful state park. Aside from brimming with natural beauty, Natchez State Park is known to be a great fishing spot. In 1992, the largest bass in Mississippi history, a largemouth weighing 18.15 pounds, was caught in park’s lake. Spend the night in their campground to keep soaking in this beautiful state park in Mississippi.
State Park Road, State Park Rd, Mississippi 39120, USA
April Harmon / Google Maps
George P. Cossar State Park is situated on the shores of Enid Lake and located in close proximity to Holly Springs National Forest, which means this park is teeming with hunting, fishing, and recreational opportunities. This sportsman’s paradise is the perfect vacation spot for those looking to get away from it all.
George P Cossar State Park, 165 Co Rd 170, Oakland, MS 38948, USA
Tucked away in the small town of Louisville, Legion State Park is the fourth of the original state parks constructed in Mississippi. Head to the park today, and you’ll find that the area remains as “unspoiled today as when the Choctaw Indian nation first inhabited the area centuries ago.” Aside from pristine natural beauty, the park also includes Legion Lodge – a log structure that has been unaltered since being constructed in the 1930s. Spend the night at their campground or cabins, and keep your lovely visit going for as long as possible!
Legion State Park Drive, Legion State Park Dr, Louisville, MS 39339, USA
Looking for another incredible, must-visit park to add to your list? Check out “The Hidden Park That Will Make You Feel Like You’ve Discovered Mississippi’s Best Kept Secret.“
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Address: Mississippi, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks To Visit In Mississippi February 25, 2022 Megan McDonald How many state parks are in Mississippi? Mississippi has 24 state parks and one state natural area. Mississippi also has nine stunning national parks. These parks range from pockets of oasis by the oceanside, to lakes and reservoirs. If you love the outdoors, there’s plenty to see and do in this great state. Do all the state parks in Mississippi offer camping? All of the state parks in Mississippi offer some sort of overnight stay options, whether it’s camping or renting cabins. If you’re thinking about visiting one of these great parks, that why not stay awhile!
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks To Visit In Mississippi
February 25, 2022
Megan McDonald
How many state parks are in Mississippi? Mississippi has 24 state parks and one state natural area. Mississippi also has nine stunning national parks. These parks range from pockets of oasis by the oceanside, to lakes and reservoirs. If you love the outdoors, there’s plenty to see and do in this great state. Do all the state parks in Mississippi offer camping? All of the state parks in Mississippi offer some sort of overnight stay options, whether it’s camping or renting cabins. If you’re thinking about visiting one of these great parks, that why not stay awhile!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Mississippi has 24 state parks and one state natural area. Mississippi also has nine stunning national parks. These parks range from pockets of oasis by the oceanside, to lakes and reservoirs. If you love the outdoors, there’s plenty to see and do in this great state.
Do all the state parks in Mississippi offer camping?
All of the state parks in Mississippi offer some sort of overnight stay options, whether it’s camping or renting cabins. If you’re thinking about visiting one of these great parks, that why not stay awhile!