When it’s hot outside and you’re looking for a place to cool off, just about any creek, lake, or pond will do. Heck, in the middle of summer, some days we’d settle for a mud puddle. Other times, however, you’re looking for a place that’s a bit more special; a place where you can dig your feet in the sand or camp lakeside. Just in case it’s one of those times, here are some breathtaking, must-visit swimming holes in Mississippi.

1. Lake Tiak-O’Khata, Louisville
Lake Tiak-O' Khata, Mississippi 39339, USA
ltok.com
Lake Tiak-O’Khata is a family-owned resort that is centered around a gorgeous lake, perfect for cooling off. Other onsite amenities include a restaurant, lakeside motel, cabins, and an RV park.
2. Cooper Falls, Iuka
613 Co Rd 321, Iuka, MS 38852, USA
Crystal Stanley/Google
Located within J.P. Coleman State Park, Cooper Falls stands at 50’ tall and is located on the shores of the beautiful Pickwick Lake.
3. Merit Water Park, near Mendenhall
Merit Water Park, 1043 MS-43, Mendenhall, MS 39114, USA
Janice McAlpin Wallace‎/Facebook
Situated on Rials Creek, this water park includes a waterfall, old-fashioned swimming hole, and a sand and rock creek-side beach. And since the creek is spring fed, the water is nice and cold all year long.
4. Chunky River, Newton, Lauderdale, and Clark Counties
Chunky River, Mississippi, USA
Kim Navarrete/AllTrails
The crystal clear waters of the Chunky River make it perfect for fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Along the river just north of Enterprise is Dunn’s Falls Water Park. The park is home to the state’s tallest waterfall and has grills, picnic areas, and barbecue grills, making it a popular spot on the river.

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5. Bluff Creek, Vancleave
Bluff Creek Road, Bluff Creek Rd, Mississippi 39565, USA
Bluff Creek Campground/Facebook
The gorgeous sandbar on this creek makes it a popular spot for soaking up some sun on a hot summer day. Even better? The creek is located within the Bluff Creek Campground, which means plenty of amenities are nearby.
6. Black Creek, Southeast Mississippi
Black Creek, Mississippi, USA
Ben Bible/Google
There are several swimming holes and sandbars as well as canoe landings and outfitters along this National Scenic River, which runs right through DeSoto National Forest.
7. Chewalla Lake, Holly Springs
Chewalla Lake Recreation Area/Facebook
Located in the Chewalla Recreation Area, this lake is a "no wake lake," making it perfect for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.
8. Lake Tangipahoa, McComb
Lake Tangipahoa, Mississippi, USA
Earl McGehee/Flickr
A popular swimming spot, Lake Tangipahoa is nestled within Percy Quin State Park. A day pass to the park is affordable and will give you access to the lake as well the park’s other amenities, such as picnic tables and grills, playgrounds, a marina, and a game room.

What’s your favorite swimming hole in Mississippi? Tell us about it in the comments!

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More to Explore

Swimming Holes in Mississippi

Tori Jane | July 15, 2022

How many creeks in Mississippi are there?  

There are 4,585 named creeks, streams, and rivers running through Mississippi, and we’re lucky enough to call them our own! It’s quite literally impossible to name them all in a few pages, let alone a short paragraph, but some of the most notable creeks in Mississippi include Puskus Creek, in Lafayette County, and Tibbee Creek, in Lowndes County. Another incredible tidbit of info is this: there are approximately 81,316 miles of flowing water in Mississippi, which includes the rivers and their countless tributaries.  

What are some of the most beautiful Mississippi swimming holes? 

The most beautiful swimming holes in Mississippi are:

  • Rials Creek
  • Clarkco State Park
  • Roosevelt State Park
  • Lincoln State Park

 

With so much water flowing through the state, it’s no surprise that Mississippi is home to several perfect spots for a summertime swimming hole. There are hundreds to pick from (unsurprisingly), so where do you even begin? Well, we have some friendly suggestions; head to Merit Water Park and enjoy the crystal-clear awesomeness that is Rials Creek. It’s got a waterfall, clear, cool water thanks to being spring-fed, and is the perfect place to dip your feet in the water. Some of the state parks in Mississippi have swimming holes, too, like Clarkco State Park, Roosevelt State Park, and Lake Lincoln State Park.  

Are there any secret swimming holes in Mississippi? 

The best secret swimming holes in Mississippi are:

  • Old Bridge Beach, New Site
  • Ship Island
  • Sardis Lake Recreation Area

 

Well, we’re not sure we’d say “secret” (after all, the ones that are REALLY a secret won’t be found online or even by anyone other than locals nearby), but there are some lesser-known swimming holes in Mississippi that one might call “secret” if they’ve never heard of it. One of our favorite swimming spots in Mississippi is actually a gorgeous spot on the coast known as Ship Island. The sand is pristine, and the water is crystalline; you’ll want to return again and again. There’s Clear Springs, in Roxie, and we also love Owens Creek Falls in Port Gibson.  

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