Whether it is the annual family reunion at Pickwick Lake or parking the RV at Tishomingo, a visit to one of Mississippi’s 25 state parks has always signaled the start of summer.
Many are familiar with park features like campgrounds and nature trails, and this weekend, boats and jet skis will fill the lakes. But there are also amenities for those who like to see clear to the bottom before jumping in. With cabanas, pools, and water slides, the coolest features of Mississippi’s state parks will open this Memorial Day weekend and will make your summer retreat feel more like a resort.
Saturday, May 27th, all water features at state parks will open for the summer season. There are seven parks throughout the state that include water features, and one just got a whole lot splashier!
Andre Hollis, director of Mississippi State Parks, says, “We are excited to open water features for the summer this Memorial Day weekend! In addition to all the fun splash zones and pools at state parks across the state, the new amenities at Buccaneer Bay will be a great addition for park visitors to enjoy. We invite all to get outdoors and visit a Mississippi state park this summer!”
Buccaneer State Park is located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and features a nearly five-acre water park across from the Gulf of Mexico called Buccaneer Bay. Overlooking the Gulf, the pool at Castaway Cove features relaxing waterfalls. If you are seeking more adventure, the Pirate’s Lagoon features six-foot waves and eight different surf patterns. Pirate’s Plank and Pirate’s Plunge are water slides built for speed with lots of twists and turns.
Now opening for the first time this Memorial Day Weekend, Splash Island is the newest water feature to be added to Buccaneer Bay. The water park expansion features 26 interactive spray features, three waterslides, and two giant tipping buckets. Six luxury cabanas were also added to the many park improvements this year.
Other state parks in Mississippi that have water features include
Clarkco State Park located just 15 minutes south of Meridian features a splash pad and affordable access at just $2 a person.
After enjoying a day of exploring the waterfalls, chalk mines, and the Goat Island of Pickwick Lake, you can relax in the pool at P. Coleman State Park. This park has been a family favorite since it was built in 1938.
Paul B. Johnson State Park in Hattiesburg will open the Splash Zone – a 5,000-square-foot splash pad featuring 37 water sprays, tipping buckets, and more.
Roosevelt State Park in Morton delights both campers and day-use visitors with a pool and waterslide.
And while we can’t guarantee you’ll be able to see clear to the bottom; the Bear Creek Float Trip at Tishomingo State Park also opens this weekend. This six-mile canoe trip along Bear Creek paddles under the park’s famous Swinging Bridge and will provide summer memories to last a lifetime.
For more information on your Mississippi state parks, visit www.mdwfp.com.
