About The Park

Find yourself outdoors in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains! Tishomingo State Park is steeped in history and scenic beauty. Archaeological excavations confirm the presence of Paleo Indians in the area now encompassed by the park as early as 7000 B.C.! The park takes its name from the leader of the Chickasaw nation, Chief Tishomingo. The famous Natchez Trace Parkway, the premier highway of the early 1800s and a modern scenic parkway, runs directly through the park. Today's visitors to Tishomingo State Park discover the same timeless natural beauty that enchanted the Native Americans centuries ago. Tishomingo offers a unique landscape of massive rock formations and fern-filled crevices found nowhere else in Mississippi. Massive boulders blanketed in moss dot the hillsides, and colorful wildflowers border trails once walked by Native Americans. Be sure to see the iconic and scenic Swinging Bridge crossing Bear Creek, a suspended footbridge built by CCC workers in 1938.

Address

105 CR 90 - P.O. Box 880
Tishomingo, MS 38873
United States

Map
Day Use Fee
A day-use entry fee applies to park visitors, the entry fee is $2 per person for age 6 and above; those age 5 and below enter free of charge. An Honor Box is located at park entrance for after-hours entry.
Phone
+1 662-438-6914
Email
tishomingostatepark@wfp.ms.gov
Reserve a spot
now!

Day use and overnight camping.

Make a Reservation
Tishomingo Entrance
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waterfall on outcroppings trail
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Park Directions

Input in GPS: 1104 Hwy 25 Tishomingo, MS 38873; and follow the signs at/on Hwy 25 to enter the park

Park entrance is approximately two-miles south of the City of Tishomingo from the north headed south, or from south headed north it is approximately 7 miles north of City of Belmont, follow the signs just off Hwy 25. And, Mile-marker 304 is the nearest mile post on The Natchez Trace to the park entrance, a ½-mile access road from Natchez Trace leads directly to the park entrance, turn right at the stop sign to enter the park. Additionally, Posted speed limit throughout the park is 15mph due to the winding park road and cliffs along some of the road edges, as well as pedestrian traffic. 

The entrance to Tishomingo State Park is your gateway to an historic area of adventure and discovery. The park gatehouse is located at the entrance to the park and houses the park office. Register at the office for use of park facilities and to check in for lodging and camping.

While at the park you can learn about past civilizations that lived in the area, admire the timeless structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and explore the natural beauty and geologic formations of the park. Park staff will be happy to assist you with questions concerning the park and it many amenities.

Tishomingo State Park Interactive Map

Find and learn more about Tishomingo State Park...

Things To Do

The park's unique setting fills every activity with adventure. Activities and recreational facilities available at Tishomingo State Park include: picnic area with tables and grills, picnic pavilions, lodge facility, disc golf courses, compass course, hiking trails, playgrounds, multi-use field, volleyball court, and a swimming pool. Rock climbing is available by permit. Fishing is available in Haynes Lake and Bear Creek. A seasonal Canoe Float Trip is available, contact Park Office.

Amenities
RV Campground
Tent Campground
Cabins/Cottages
Group Camp
Visitor / Meeting Room
Canoe Trip
Fishing
Swimming Pool
Pavilions/Picnic Areas
Playground
Playing Fields
Disc Golf
Nature Trail
Picnic Sites/Pavilions

NOTICE: The Lodge is currently unavailable. In lieu of the Lodge, the Group Camp Dining Hall is substituted at a rate of $150 per day.

Loochapola Lodge is a historic "CCC" structure that is perfect for get-togethers. The lodge serves as a focal point for many park events and can be rented for family reunions, birthday parties, weddings, receptions, and other events. The lodge, constructed of wood and native sandstone, features a large dining room, stone fireplace, wood floors, restrooms, a front porch, and back patio area

Picnic Facilities

There are three large picnic pavilions available for rental. Pavilions feature a fireplace, picnic tables, barbecue grill, and electricity. Rental rates are as follows:

  • Pavilion #1: $65 per day
  • Pavilion #2: $40 per day
  • Pavilion #3: $55 per day

The park's picnic area features picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the park with comfort stations conveniently located nearby. Picnic tables are first-come, first-serve.

Lodge patio
Playground
Play Structures

There are several playgrounds with play equipment in the park. Playgrounds feature traditional equipment and modern play units.

Multi-use Field

The park also offers a grassed multi-use ballfield for open play. The ballfield is across from the swimming pool facility and parking is available.

Volley Ball

A volley ball court is located near the swimming pool. The court surface is sand and the park typically has volleyballs available. Picnic tables and shade trees are nearby.

Tishomingo Playground
Swimming Pool

NOTICE: The swimming pool is not available. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The swimming pool facility is located on a bluff overlooking Bear Creek near the cabin area and is one of the main activity areas of the park. The facility includes restrooms and showers, and a 75' x 45' swimming pool. The pool area is fenced and there is an admission fee.  Arm bands are required.

The pool is operated seasonally Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. 

No lifeguards are on duty. Swim at your own risk.

Children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.  

Swimming Pool Fees:

  • $4.00 per person 3 - 12 years old
  • $6.00 per person 13 years and older
Water Activities
Bear Creek Canoe Float Trip

Winding through Tishomingo State Park is Bear Creek, a scenic stream settled within the bluffs of the park. 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.

A fee of $40 is required for the canoe trip and advance reservations are recommended. Contact the park office at (662) 438-6914 for reservations.

Everything you need is provided by the park: canoes, paddles, lifejackets, and transportation. Lifejackets must be worn 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.

The scheduled departure is 10:00 a.m. All persons wanting to take the float trip must report to the Park Office 30-minutes prior to departure time. 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.

Haynes Lake

Haynes Lake is a 45-acre freshwater lake and offers fishing. The lake is for stocked 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 nominal 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. Lake Haynes is fed by local streams and naturally drains 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.

Bear Creek Canoe
Tishomingo Park Lake Depth Map
Fishing License Information
Disc Golf

Three disc golf courses are featured at Tishomingo State Park. Each course consists of 18 holes. The courses are located in different areas of the park and take advantage of the varied and scenic terrain, making for courses that are enjoyable and challenging to play. Courses are Chickasaw Trail, Warrior Ridge, and Tushka Run.

The courses can be played year round. There is no fee to play; however, payment of the normal park entrance fee is required. Score cards are available at the park office.

Disc Golf Throw
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 of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and are only found in Tishomingo County.

Hiking Trails

  • Trail 1: Flat Rock Trail, 3 miles
  • Trail 2: Saddleback Ridge Trail, 0.75 miles
  • Trail 3: Natchez Trace Trail, 2 miles
  • Trail 4: CCC Pond Trail, 0.75 miles
  • Trail 5: CCC Camp Trail, 3 miles
  • Trail 6: Bear Creek Trail, 1.5 miles
  • Trail 7: Outcroppings Trail, 2 miles

Outcroppings Trail (#7) is the only loop trail that returns to its beginning. All other trails are a point-to-point trail that begin and end in different places

For trail descriptions and trail map see the below brochure:

Rock Climbing

The rock outcropping and bluffs found 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 and secure a permit at the park office prior to engaging in any climbing activities 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. 

Nature Trail Steps
Area Attractions and Annual Events
Park Events

January
First Day Hike

April
Easter Egg Hunt
Earth Day

June
National Trails Day  "Less Litter More Beauty Hike"

October
Trash to Treasures along the Tenn-Tom (TTTT) a 50+ mile long yard sale along Hwy 25 and Hwy 72 in Tishomingo County, MS

Area Attractions

The following attractions are located within a short drive of Tishomingo State Park. The park staff will be happy to provide you with directions.

Stay The Night

There are several options when it comes to staying overnight. The park offers 62 RV campsites, primitive campsite area, 6 cabins, 1 cottage, 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. Reservations can be made by online reservations or 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.

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 reservable in advance. 

RV Campground
Primitive Camping

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

Primitive Camping
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.

General Information
  • 'Cabins are equipped with basic eating and cooking utensils, linens and towel bath cloths.
  • Check-in is 3:00 p.m. Check-out is 11:00 a.m.
  • Must be 21 years of age to make a reservation.
  • Minimum length of stay from May 15th through August 15th is 3 nights on the weekends, holidays and special events and 3 nights minimum, even on weekdays during peak season (weekend is a Friday and Saturday night stay).
  • Minimum length of stay from August 16th through May 14th is 3 nights on the holidays and special events, 2 nights on the weekends and Weekend is a
    Friday and Saturday night stay.
  • A 3 night minimum is required for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
  • A 2 night minimum is required for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter.
  • Lodging stay includes but is not limited to fishing and boat launch. These activities are limited to the registered number of guests per unit not to exceed occupancy. Visitors of the guests must pay for all entrance and activities. Call park for activities not included.
  • Pets are not allowed in lodging facilities or on the grounds of lodging facilities.
  • Smoking is not allowed in any Mississippi government building.
Tishomingo Cabin5
Vacation Cottages

For a more modern experience, a cottage (Cottage #7) is available with two bedrooms (one bedroom with a queen size bed and the other with a full size bed), an open den/dining area and kitchen, front porch, outdoor grill, and picnic table. The cottage is handicap accessible and can accommodate four people. This cottage is available for rental and is furnished with basic kitchen equipment and bed and bath linens.

General Information
  • Cottages are equipped with basic eating and cooking utensils, bed and bath linens.
  • Check-in is 3:00 p.m. Check-out is 11:00 a.m.
  • Must be 21 years of age to make a reservation.
  • Minimum length of stay from May 15th through August 15th is 3 nights on the weekends, holidays and special events and 3 nights minimum, even on weekdays during peak season (weekend is a Friday and Saturday night stay).
  • Minimum length of stay from August 16th through May 14th is 3 nights on the holidays and special events, 2 nights on the weekends and Weekend is a
    Friday and Saturday night stay.
  • A 3 night minimum is required for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
  • A 2 night minimum is required for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter.
  • Lodging stay includes but is not limited to fishing and boat launch. These activities are limited to the registered number of guests per unit not to exceed occupancy. Visitors of the guests must pay for all entrance and activities. Call park for activities not included.
  • Pets are not allowed in lodging facilities or on the grounds of lodging facilities.
  • Smoking is not allowed in any Mississippi government building.
     
Cattage7
Group Camp

The group camp facility provides housing for up to 108 campers. Main facilities include six air conditioned bunk style cabins with separate counselor quarters in each cabin. Meals are served cafeteria style in the dining hall.

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

Reservations Group camp facilities are available by reservations only. 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 Group Camp area nor Family Cabin area or inside any state building

Group Camp Dining Hall

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events.