10 Little Known State Parks In Mississippi That Are The Best To Visit
By Daniella DiRienzo|Updated on March 25, 2022(Originally published March 20, 2022)
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
When it comes to outdoor fun in Mississippi, the options are seemingly endless, which can be partly attributed to the many state parks that fill the area. No matter which part of the state you live in, a state park is never too far away. Even though Mississippi is home to nearly two dozen state parks, many only know of the most popular, such as Tishomingo State Park and Clark Creek; however, there are plenty of other amazing options. Here are 10 known state parks in Mississippi that you need to visit.
1. George P. Cossar State Park, Oakland
George P Cossar State Park, 165 Co Rd 170, Oakland, MS 38948, USA
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 is a great place to spend a weekend if you love nature, because there are so any great things to do outside in Mississippi, and plenty are found here!
Located in the small town of Coffeeville, this state park is perfect for those looking to get away from it all – including large crowds. Located right on the shores of Grenada Lake, this is a great spot to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you. We recommend Carver Point State Park as the perfect picnic spot!
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3. Roosevelt State Park, Morton
Roosevelt State Park, 2149 MS-13, Morton, MS 39117, USA
When it comes to amazing scenery, it doesn’t get much better than Roosevelt State Park. Great views abound thanks to the park’s scenic overlook, which provides a panoramic view of the nearby Bienville National Forest. Aside from the sights, visitors to the park have access to a ton of recreational activities as well as Shadow Lake, a 150-acre fresh water lake. Spend a day, or a weekend, and enjoy all that this park in Mississippi has to offer.
Lamar Park is located in Oxford and is the perfect setting for both exploration and relaxation. The park is designed as an outdoor arboretum, which means gorgeous greenery and gardens are plentiful. Lake Patsy, which offers great fishing, is another one of the park’s assets. This serene outdoor space is a perfect place to head if you’re looking for fun ways to enjoy things to do outside in Mississippi.
Filled with gorgeous hardwood forests that are home to a variety of wildlife, great photo-ops are abundant at Holmes County State Park. The park is also perfect for water recreation, since it is home to not one, but two, lakes – English, a 45-acre lake and Odum, a 14-acre lake. We love camping here so we can spend as long as possible surrounded by the beauty you’ll find at Holmes County State Park.
Providing a picturesque setting for recreation, this state park is filled with beautiful forests of loblolly pines, dogwoods, and ancient oaks. Since Paul B. Johnson State Park is located within the city of Hattiesburg, there’s plenty to do nearby and that includes catching a football game at the University of Southern Mississippi. Book your campsite ahead of time and spend the weekend enjoying everything that one of the best state parks in Mississippi has to offer.
7. John W. Kyle State Park, Sardis
John W Kyle State Park, 4235 State Park Rd, Sardis, MS 38666, USA
This state park, which includes 200 developed camping sites and 20 cabins, is located on the Sardis Reservoir, making it a prime location for an array of water activities. Come to boat, enjoy the scenery, and just get away from it at all at John W. Kyle State Park.
8. Tombigbee State Park, Tupelo
Tombigbee Lake State Park, 264 Cabin Dr, Tupelo, MS 38804, 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. This recreation area offers so many things to do outside in Mississippi, so make sure to put it on your to do list this year!
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9. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, Jackson
LeFleur's Bluff State Park Mayes Lake, 3315 Lakeland Terrace, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Located in Jackson, this 305-acre park provides the perfect escape from city life, offering camping, fishing, nature trails, a golf course, and a driving range. And since the park is conveniently located in the capital city, there’s plenty to do nearby. If you’re looking for hiking trails in Mississippi, this fun little park offers a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of urban Jackson.
10. J.P. Coleman State Park, Iuka
J P Coleman State Park, 613 Co Rd 321, Iuka, MS 38852, USA
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 along its banks. Pickwick Lake, the park’s 47,500-acre freshwater lake, is perfect for all sorts of water activities such as sailing, swimming, skiing, and fishing. Gorgeous and filled with tons fun water activities? You’ll love this wilderness escape when you visit J.P. Coleman State Park.
Which little known state parks in Mississippi do you like to visit? Did we add your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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More to Explore
Little known state parks in Mississippi
Megan McDonald|March 25, 2022
What is the smallest state park in Mississippi?
The smallest state park in the state is the Golden Memorial State Park, which comes in at just 120 acres. Still beautiful, this little known state park in Mississippi is a must-see!
What is the most popular state park in Mississippi?
Tishomingo State Park consistently ranks as the most popular state park in Mississippi, with so many things to see and do while visiting.