Among the many reasons that folks decide to move to Mississippi are plentiful outdoor spaces, the low cost of living, and a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Families often move to Mississippi to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and quiet comforts of the Southern countryside. Whether you are looking for a peaceful beach home on the Gulf Coast or a sprawling ranch house on acres of rural land outside a big city, the Magnolia State is an ideal fit for many families.
As you begin looking for your new home, you might be interested to find out more about the parks that dot the state’s varying landscape. Each one offers unique opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. Find the ones that fit your fancy to help guide your search for the perfect place to hang your hat.
To get you started, here are the top 10 state parks in Mississippi:
1. Buccaneer State Park
Google Rating: 4.1
Located 58 miles from New Orleans, Buccaneer State Park is a lush paradise with a renowned history of pirate lore. This beach park was first noted in history during the late 1700s when the famous pirate Jean Lafitte was active along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Now that the pirate age is long gone, the French Buccaneer’s old Pirate House has been transformed into a local attraction just a short distance from the park on your way to the New Orleans French Quarter.
Today, visitors to the park can enjoy its 206 premium campsites for a family-friendly weekend getaway. The park is also home to a 4.5-acre waterpark called Buccaneer Bay, Jackson’s Ridge Disc Golf, Castaway Cove pool, and Pirate’s Alley Nature Trail. Large, moss-draped oaks and marshlands create a magnificent backdrop to this delightful oasis along the Gulf of Mexico.
2. Clarkco State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Since 1938, Clarkco State Park has earned its reputation as a family-favorite Mississippi recreation area close to the Mississippi-Alabama state line. Located 246 miles from Baton Rouge and just south of Meridian, Mississippi, the park offers 815 acres of gentle woodlands and untouched terrain. Families and adventure lovers have access to campsites, water sports, and cabin rentals for an enjoyable weekend getaway. If you can’t swing a full weekend away, consider an afternoon picnic at one of the many stations throughout the park.
3. Natchez State Park
Google Rating: 4.2
Situated 10 miles north of the historic town of Natchez, the oldest settlement on the great Mississippi River, Natchez State Park is known for its elegant and lavish history. Before the Civil War, Natchez was home to more than half of the millionaires residing in the U.S. These high society families chose to build their grand mansions of unprecedented size and grandeur along the mighty river. Today, many of these homes still stand and are open for historical tours. Aside from the fascinating historic sights, the park offers abundant opportunities for camping, hiking, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
4. Paul B. Johnson State Park
Google Rating: 4.5
Deep in the heart of Mississippi’s pine belt region is Paul B. Johnson State Park. The prime attraction of the park is Geiger Lake, a 225-acre freshwater feature that is perfect for outdoor recreation. Located 106 miles from New Orleans, the park includes a boat ramp, picnic pavilions, disc golf, and nature trails. There are plenty of camping, fishing, and water-skiing opportunities. Whether you wish to bask in the beach sun or wander through the shade of magnificent long-leaf and loblolly pines, aged oaks, and beautiful dogwoods, Paul B. Johnson State Park is the ideal spot for a quiet nature stay.
5. Tishomingo State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Located 130 miles from Memphis in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Tishomingo State Park offers incredible history and unparalleled views. The park is named after Chief Tishomingo, once the leader of the Chickasaw nation. The lands hold ancient history and artifacts dating back as far as 7000 BC. Incredible rock formations hold enchanting fern-filled crevices and unique edgy features unlike any other park in the country. In the spring, visitors can expect colorful wildflower-lined pathways framed by moss-covered boulders. The park is dotted with picnic areas, hiking trails, a volleyball court, a multi-use field, and a swimming pool. Primitive camping sites, RV areas, and cabins are reservable along the edge of Haynes Lake and in the wooded area above Bear Creek.
6. J. P. Coleman State Park
Google Rating: 4.5
Overlooking the Tennessee River and situated 126 miles from Memphis, J. P. Coleman State Park is ideal for water sports enthusiasts of all ages. Incredible sailing, skiing, fishing, and swimming opportunities are abundant along the beautiful waters of Pickwick Lake. The untouched woodlands celebrate unspoiled beauty and an escape to the simple sanctuary of natural surroundings. Visitors enjoy camping, biking, canoeing, camping, mini golfing, and so much more along the banks of the Tennessee River.
7. Lake Lowndes State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Situated 112 miles from Birmingham, Lake Lowndes State Park is the ideal place of respite for those visiting the nearby Mississippi University for Women and Mississippi State University. The park includes a stunning 150-acre lake that provides a peaceful view and a feeling of calm relaxation. A wide variety of opportunities are available to visitors, including camping, fishing, football, tennis, softball, and much more. Boating and water skiing make for a perfect afternoon on the waterfront while a picturesque woodland view offers a lovely backdrop for tent camping.
8. Tombigbee State Park
Google Rating: 4.5
Just 121 miles from Memphis and six miles south of Tupelo, Mississippi, Tombigbee State Park is a recreational spot nestled in a beautiful oasis just outside one of the state’s premier shopping and entertainment centers. When you are ready for a break from the bright city lights, you can find comfort under the stars by camping at Tombigbee. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon picnic, a variety of sporting games, a sunset hike along the nature trail, or a bike ride through miles of mountain trails. Anglers venture from all over the state to try their luck on Lake Lee. The park also offers plenty of camping options for the whole family if you decide to extend your trip.
9. Lake Lincoln State Park
Google Rating: 4.4
Approximately 135 miles from Baton Rouge lies Lake Lincoln State Park, the apex of natural beauty and lush sanctuary. Underneath towering hardwood trees and tranquil skies is a special site to enjoy unique biodiversity and wildlife. Visitors enjoy hiking along winding trails and picnicking under the shade trees in the park after a brisk morning of fishing, swimming, and jet skiing along the sparkling waters. Lake Lincoln State Park offers the best experience and the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
10. Cossar State Park
Google Rating: 4.4
Located 76 miles from Memphis, Cossar State Park is known for its spectacular lake views and its appeal to anglers and sportsmen. Most of the land surrounding Enid Lake is abundant with a wide variety of game for hunting. Plunging into the deep waters of the large lake, diverse wildlife lurks below the surface for fishing enthusiasts, including the world-record crappie weighing over five pounds. For a full weekend of family fun, visitors often rent one of the park’s air-conditioned cabins or pack a tent for the open camping area. The park includes opportunities for disc golfing, hiking, and water skiing, so everyone can have a wonderful time.
The Magnolia State
Interested in moving to Mississippi? Learn more about the state’s safest and most affordable cities and how to build a house in Mississippi. When you’re ready to discover your new home, you can search for new listings every day at NewHomeSource.
All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from the closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of google reviews.
Melanie Theriault is a writer, counselor, and lifelong learner. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Southwestern University, where she discovered her passion for fostering human connection through storytelling.