State Park

Tishomingo State Park

Tishomingo County, MississippiAbout 1,443 acresEstablished 1936
Status
Status not postedDaily 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Entrance fee
$2 per personAnnual pass available
Day-use reservations
None mentioned
Dogs
Dogs allowed, with restrictions
Camping
75 campsitesAlso cabins
Official site
mdwfp.com(662) 438-6914

Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current

Overview

Natchez Trace Parkway - Pioneer Cabin in Tishomingo State Park - NARA -
Natchez Trace Parkway - Pioneer Cabin in Tishomingo State Park - NARA -. Photo: Unknown author Unknown author or not provided. Public domain (US federal government work)

In Tishomingo County, about 7 miles north of Belmont, Tishomingo State Park covers about 1,443 acres.

The park supports golf, disc golf, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and fishing. The official site lists about 13 miles of trails. Water access includes a boat ramp and boat or kayak rentals. For overnight stays there are 75 campsites across 3 camping areas (RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, and group camping). Roofed lodging includes cabins.

Hours

Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.

FacilityDaysHoursSeason
ParkDaily8 a.m. – 5 p.m.—
OfficeAll persons wanting to take the float trip must report to the Park Office at 9:00 am. Canoeists leave their cars at the park's Swinging Bridge Area and are transported upstream to begin the float trip. Participants return to the swinging bridge approximately two and a half to three hours later (dependent upon water conditions). At the end of the trip, all canoeists are required to load their canoes on the trailer provided.
Official wording

8 AM to 5 PM, Seven Days a Week

All persons wanting to take the float trip must report to the Park Office at 9:00 am. Canoeists leave their cars at the park's Swinging Bridge Area and are transported upstream to begin the float trip. Participants return to the swinging bridge approximately two and a half to three hours later (dependent upon water conditions). At the end of the trip, all canoeists are required to load their canoes on the trailer provided.

Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).

Fees and passes

ItemAmount
Entrance Fee$2 · person
There is a$40 · boat
A non-refundable deposit of$200
Official wording

Entrance Fee: $2.00 per person, 5 years of age and under - free Reservations are required in advance. Contact the park office for more details and seasonal schedules. There is a $40 fee for the canoe float trip, and a maximum of two people per boat. For reservations, contact the park office at (662) 438-6914. • Contact Park for rates - (662) 438-6914. A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required for Group Camp reservations.

Mississippi park passes

  • Annual Entrance Pass (in & out of state) — $50.00 per person. General entrance Details

From the Mississippi state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.

Reservations

Day use
No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
Camping
Not required
Booking system
MDWFP state park reservation system
Phone
1-800-GO PARKS (1-800-467-2757)

Primitive campsites are not reservable in advance and are first come, first served.

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Pets

Dogs allowed, with restrictions

Not allowed in or on: vacation cottages; or around the group camp area; the group camp area nor family cabin area.

Pets and smoking are not allowed in vacation cottages. Pets are NOT allowed in or around the group camp area. Pets are NOT allowed in or around the group camp area. Pets must be restrained on a leash at all times; pets are not permitted in the Group Camp area nor Family Cabin area, or inside any state building.

Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.

Camping

Campground or site typeSitesHookups / featuresPrice
Developed Camping61Full hookupShowers—
Primitive Camping14NoneShowers—
Group Camp——
Camping details from the park

There are several options when it comes to staying overnight. The park offers 61 RV campsites, 14 primitive campsite area, 6 cabins, and a group camp facility. The campground is wooded and follows the edge of Haynes Lake. Cabins are located in a wooded area on rocky bluffs above Bear Creek.

Reservations are encouraged. They can be made online or by calling the park at (662) 438-6914 or 1-800-GO PARKS (1-800-467-2757).

Developed Camping

RV Campground

A campground of 61 campsites is available for RV camping. The campground is in a wooded area and wraps the edge of Haynes Lake. Campground road and campsites are paved and feature picnic tables, grills, water, and electrical hook-ups. Each campsite provides direct access to Haynes Lake. Sites 1 - 37 are standard sites, offering water and electricity. Sites 38 - 62 are premium sites, offering 50/30/20-amp service, water, and sewer.

Two bathhouses with restrooms and showers are located in the campground area. A central RV dump station for campers is available off the campground road.

All campsites are available for advance reservation and can be reserved up to 12 months in advance by contacting the park office at (662) 438-6914 or by our online reservation system. Primitive campsites are not reserved in advance.

Primitive Camping

Two primitive camping areas provide 14 primitive campsites. Sites feature a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. There is no water or electricity. Water, restrooms, and hot showers are available nearby. Primitive campsites are not reservable in advance and are first come, first served. Call the Park Office on the day of your desired arrival for availability.

Group Camp

The group camp facility provides housing for up to 90 campers. Main facilities include six air conditioned bunk style cabins with separate counselor quarters in each cabin.

Campers must furnish their own linens, pillows, towels, soap, and other personal items.

Group Camp reservations are available. Reservations can be made by contacting the park at (662) 438-6914.

Group Camp Minimum Requirements

  • 40 guests, 3 nights stay during peak season (May 15 - August 15)
  • 24 guests, 2-night stay during the off-season (August 16 - May 14)

Group Camp Rates

  • Contact Park for rates - (662) 438-6914. A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required for Group Camp reservations.
  • Additional group camp facilities include a basketball goal, and a large multi-purpose field that can be used for sport, athletic, and other recreational activities.
  • The dining hall can also be used between meals for meetings and activities.
  • Note: The Dining Hall may previously be reserved by another group requesting the Lodge, check with Park Office to confirm Dining Hall availability for any Group Camp reservations.
  • Also Note: Stoves, ovens, griddles, or other cooking/warming devices are not available in the Dining Hall. The Dining Hall is heated/air conditioned, has a coffee pot, standard household refrigerator, and a microwave, plus restrooms. Tables and seating are available for approximately 60 persons at a time. A small pavilion with picnic tables is provided in the rear of the Dining Hall.

Smoking is not allowed in any Mississippi government building. Pets are NOT allowed in or around the group camp area. Pets are NOT allowed in or around the group camp area. Pets must be restrained on a leash at all times; pets are not permitted in the Group Camp area nor Family Cabin area, or inside any state building.

From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.

Cabins and lodging

  • Vacation Cabins: 6 units

Vacation Cabins

Six rustic cabins, set on bluffs above Bear Creek, capture the timeless character of the park. These cabins are available for rental and are furnished with basic kitchen equipment and bed and bath linens. Cabins are air conditioned and heated, feature a stone fireplace, and have a screened-in porch or patio. Each cabin accommodates four people. Cabins are unique with differing floor plans. See below brochure for floor plans. Cabin 5 is handicap accessible.

Pets and smoking are not allowed in vacation cottages.

Things to do

PicnickingGolfDisc golfHikingCampingCanoeing and kayakingFishingBoating

Trails

Nature Trail

Hiking Trails

Tishomingo State Park offers the outdoor enthusiast approximately 13 miles of nature trails. There are seven separate trails in the park. The trails differ in length, but all are easy to moderate walking. The delineation of each trail can be determined by following the red blazing painted on the trees. Each trail is unique in vegetation and terrain. The rock formations are in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and are only found in Tishomingo County. Outcroppings Trail (#7) is the only loop trail that returns to its beginning. All other trails are a point-to-point trails that begin and end in different places.

For trail descriptions and trail maps, see the below brochure:

  • Hiking Trail Brochure and Map

Rock Climbing

The rock outcroppings and bluffs in the park are not found in any other county in the state. Rock climbing is available by permit only. Participants must provide their own equipment, including a helmet, and secure a permit at the park office prior to engaging in any climbing activities. Climbing Guides are available for purchase at the Park Office.

Swimming

Winding through Tishomingo State Park is Bear Creek, a scenic stream settled within the park's bluffs. The park offers a 6.25-mile canoe float trip down the rocky-bottomed stream with the take-out point at the park. The float trip operates seasonally; call for schedule and to reserve and confirm your canoe (weather and water level permitting). Scenic sandstone bluffs, lush greenery, a canopy of mixed hardwoods and pines, shoals, and Class I rapids with long pools between provide for an enjoyable and exciting trip for all ages.

SWIMMING IS NOT ALLOWED IN HAYNES LAKE OR IN BEAR CREEK.

Boating, paddling and fishing

Bear Creek Canoe Float Trip

Reservations are required in advance. Contact the park office for more details and seasonal schedules. There is a $40 fee for the canoe float trip, and a maximum of two people per boat. For reservations, contact the park office at (662) 438-6914.

The park provides everything you need: canoes, paddles, lifejackets, and transportation. Lifejackets must be worn for the duration of the float trip. There is a limit of two persons per canoe. One small, collapsible, lunchbox-size cooler per canoe will be permitted on the trip. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Coolers are subject to search.

All persons wanting to take the float trip must report to the Park Office at 9:00 am. Canoeists leave their cars at the park's Swinging Bridge Area and are transported upstream to begin the float trip. Participants return to the swinging bridge approximately two and a half to three hours later (dependent upon water conditions). At the end of the trip, all canoeists are required to load their canoes on the trailer provided.

Read more from the park

Haynes Lake is a 45-acre freshwater lake that offers fishing. The lake is stocked with catfish, bream, and bass. A boat launch and parking are available. A Mississippi fishing license is required for all persons between the ages of 16 and 65 and may be purchased at the park office for a small fee. Water skiing is not permitted on Haynes Lake.

The water level in the lake can vary a great deal based on the time of year and the frequency of rain events. Without regular rain events, the water level will decline which can make access to the lake edge and boat launching difficult. Local streams feed Lake Haynes and naturally drain into Bear Creek. It is normal for the lake level to fluctuate with the season. A boat launch and parking are available. The boat launch fee is $7 daily per boat. Due to the size of Lake Haynes, boat traffic is limited to trolling motor speed only.

A state fishing license is usually required.

Amenities

Facilities

  • Picnic areas
  • Picnic shelters
  • Playground
  • Laundry
  • Group facilities
  • Drinking water: not available (stated by the park)

Water

  • Boat ramp
  • Boat, canoe or kayak rentals
  • Swimming beach: not available (stated by the park)

Camping

  • Tent camping
  • RV camping
  • Electric hookups
  • Water hookups
  • Sewer hookups
  • Primitive or backcountry camping
  • Group camping

Lodging

  • Cabins

Recreation

  • Golf course
  • Disc golf

✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.

Accessibility

Six rustic cabins, set on bluffs above Bear Creek, capture the timeless character of the park. These cabins are available for rental and are furnished with basic kitchen equipment and bed and bath linens. Cabins are air conditioned and heated, feature a stone fireplace, and have a screened-in porch or patio. Each cabin accommodates four people. Cabins are unique with differing floor plans. See below brochure for floor plans. Cabin 5 is handicap accessible.

Official accessibility information

Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.

Getting there

Address
105 County Road 90
Tishomingo, MS 38873
Nearest town
Belmont — about 7 mi north (straight line)
Coordinates
34.6006, -88.1796
Phone
(662) 438-6914
Email
tishomingostatepark@wfp.ms.gov

Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)

Directions from the park

From Natchez Trace Parkway: • Exit on Mile Marker 304 • Travel on Trace Access road approximately 1/2 mile • Turn Right onto State Park Road (County Road 90) • Continue straight on this road and you will arrive at the gatehouse

Nearby state parks

Sources and freshness

“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology

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