Find Outdoor Summer Recreation Near Hattiesburg

The Hattiesburg area offers many outdoor opportunities for people who enjoy getting outside during the summer. We've chosen a few to consider when planning your weekend or family vacation.

Paul B. Johnson State Park

Paul B. Johnson State Park, 319 Geiger Lake Road, off US 49 south of Hattiesburg, is managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and is open year-round . Although overnight camping is permitted, the park is currently undergoing renovations, so most of its campsites are closed. The few open places are crossing points. Motorhomes must be self-contained as all public baths are also closed. Water activities include boating, fishing, water skiing and swimming. The park also has a number of nature trails, water features, playgrounds, and a disc golf course. Grilling and picnic areas are also available. The park charges an entrance fee of $2 per vehicle. Boating, fishing and other activities are available for an additional fee. For more information, visit mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/state-parks/paul-b-johnson.

Duncan Lake

Duncan Lake, 1000 South Tipton St. at James Street in Hattiesburg, is a city-owned facility operated with assistance from MDWFP. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The 17-acre lake is teeming with bass, bream and catfish. Daily limits apply. In addition to boating and fishing, there are a number of concrete trails for walking and cycling in the area. Free entry. For more information, visit mdwfp.com/fishing-boating/community-assistance/duncan-lake.

Little Black Creek Campgrounds and Park

Little Black Creek Campground, located at 2159 Little Black Creek Road near Lumberton, is a private facility with about a dozen cabins and more than 100 RV hookups and primitive campsites available. Daytime use of the facilities is also available for a fee. Water activities include fishing, swimming and kayaking. On land, you can walk, bike, or play disc golf. Canoe, kayak and golf cart rentals are available. For more information, visit lbccampground.com.

Okatoma Creek Canoeing and Kayaking

Okatoma Creek is a local favorite for canoeing and kayaking. If you don't have your own equipment, you can rent canoes and kayaks from Okatoma Creek at the Okatoma Outdoor Post, 550 Walter Lott Road, near the seminary, where you can also find camping and a general store. The establishment is open every day until 6 p.m. Just a few miles away is a KOA campground at 221 Okatoma River Road near Hattiesburg with cabins and RV and tent sites. KOA amenities include fishing, bird watching, and nature walks. The property also offers a year-round pool and a dog park for those traveling with pets. For more information about the KOA website, visit koa.com/campgrounds/hattiesburg. For more information about Okatoma Outdoor Post, visit okatoma.com.

Peps Point Water Park

Peps Point Water Park, 382 Peps Point Road, Hattiesburg, is a family-friendly lakeside amusement park with sandy beaches, water slides, canoes and paddle boats and a number of other activities sports, including volleyball, basketball and miniature golf. Campsites and a lodge are available for more outdoor fun opportunities. The establishment is family-owned and operated since 1940. For more information, visit facebook.com/pepspoint.

Long-leaf trace

Longleaf Trace is a linear park built along an old railroad track. The park offers more than 44 miles of paved trails from Hattiesburg to Prentiss in Jefferson Davis County. The trail is a favorite spot for cyclists and runners, but it's also a perfect place for leisurely walks through the wooded areas. Horseback riding on 24 miles of dirt trails is also available between Sumrall and Carson, where there is room to load and unload horses. Carson Station has 10 stands and a primitive camping area. Bikes are available for rental at the University of Southern Mississippi's Longleaf Trace Gateway, 2895 West Fourth St., Hattiesburg. For more information, visit longleaftrace.org.

Red Bluff

A perennial favorite, but located on private property, Red Bluff, also known as Little Grand Canyon, in Marion County, offers one of the best views in the state. Access Red Bluff at your own risk: the portion of Mississippi 587 that ran along the edge of the cliff was rerouted because the old road collapsed. An abandoned railroad track winds along the canyon floor. There are a few trails that facilitate access to the bottom of the canyon, where it is unclear what might be found as some find the place useful for unloading unwanted items, but the views are magnificent whether from the bottom of the canyon or from the precarious road above. Red Bluff is located off Mississippi 587, about 2½ miles northwest of Morgantown in Marion County.