Best State Park Beaches in Mississippi to Visit to Close Out Summer

It’s that time of year, folks! Summer is coming to an end. Soon, we’ll be digging in our closets for our cozy sweaters and pulling out our autumn décor from the garage. Before you trade in your summer attire, let’s plan one last beach day in Mississippi and say goodbye to the hot, sunny days in the best way. 

The beauty of the Magnolia State is that we’ll have beach weather even after the end of summer. Even better? Our incredible state parks with swimming areas are the best places to plan a day on the water in the state. Not only can you make a splash at these destinations, but you can also enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and more. These state park beaches in Mississippi are the ultimate destinations to soak up the last sunny days of the season.

1. Buccaneer State Park, Waveland

If you love swimming or spending your days in the water, Buccaneer State Park is the destination for you. Not only does it have a waterpark, Buccaneer Bay, with multiple slides, a wave pool, and kiddie splash pads, but you can also sink your feet in the sandy shores along the Gulf Coast. Families will have tons of opportunities to create end-of-summer memories here.

Plus, a swimming pool is available for campers, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to camp overnight at the park. Other activities include hiking trails, a disc golf course, picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing, and more. This coastal gem is the perfect destination for one last unforgettable summer vacation in Mississippi.

2. Lake Lincoln State Park, Wesson

As one of our top outdoor playgrounds, Lake Lincoln State Park is the ultimate destination for water enthusiasts of all ages. The 550-acre spring-fed lake is a crystal-clear, dreamy oasis for fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, jet and water skiing, and more.

It’s the perfect spot to have a relaxing beach day, soaking up the sun rays, while gazing at the serene waters. Pack a cooler and get ready to create some lasting memories here as you wrap up the summer season. Or better yet, plan ahead and book one of the 71 RV sites or stay in a charming cottage for extra comfort. The best part? You can wake up and relive your beach day all over again.   

3. Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg

If you want to skip the crowded beaches on the Gulf, I’d recommend a relaxing day at Paul B Johnson State Park in Hattiesburg. Featuring a 225-acre freshwater haven, Geiger Lake Beach is an ideal spot to cool off on those warm days of summer. You can fish, boat, water ski, and kayak here, plus there's a sandy beach near the visitor center. If you have the little ones with you, they will love the splash pad. For an extra fee, they can have a blast on the slides and play in the sprays and water jets.

With tons of activities, including camping, picnic areas, playgrounds, nature trails, and a disc golf course, you can easily spend your last weekends of summer making memories at this low-key state park in Mississippi. 

Of course, don’t let summer go by without a beach day at Ship Island. It’s one of our favorite swimming spots on the coast. But if you’re seeking a more relaxing and laid-back destination, add these state park beaches in Mississippi to your list—because you shouldn't pass up a beach day in Mississippi! Not only are they ideal for swimming, but the parks offer tons of fun recreational activities, too. Plan your own trip with Only In Your State's itinerary planner.

And if you’re planning road trips for autumn, kick off the dreamy season with these fall foliage destinations in Mississippi or create your own trip with Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.