Paul B. Johnson State Park

Located in the heart of Mississippi's pine belt region, Paul B. Johnson State Park is the gateway to a natural wonderland marked by majestic long-leaf and loblolly pines, delicate dogwoods, and ancient oaks. The deep forests surrounding Paul B. Johnson provide a picturesque setting for a variety of outdoor activities. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is just a 20-minute drive to the north, making Paul B. Johnson State Park the perfect place to spend a football weekend

Amenities

Directions
Directions to Park

Area Attractions
The following attractions are located within a short drive of Paul B. Johnson State Park. The park staff will be happy to provide you with directions.

• Camp Shelby National Guard Military Base (Tours by appointment)
• Chickasawhay Wildlife Management Area
• Leaf River Wildlife Management Area
• Little Biloxi Wildlife Management Area
• Marion County Wildlife Management Area
• Red Creek Wildlife Management Area
• Old River Wildlife Management Area
• Wolf River Wildlife Management Area
• DeSoto National Forest Golf Courses
• Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood
• Blue River Farms & Nursery
• Country Girl Creamery (Lumberton)
• Landrum's Country Homestead & Village (Laurel)

Annual Events
March/April
Easter Festival

July
Fireworks display on the 4th

October
Fall Festival
Hubfest, Hattiesburg MS

December
Historic Neighborhood Candlelight Victorian Christmas, Hattiesburg MS

Developed Camping
A scenic hill top shaded by stately pines provides the setting for 125 RV camping pads. All of the pads feature water , sewer, and electrical hook-ups. Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the developed camping area, which also features a central sewage dumping station and three bathhouses. The RV campground offers a private beach and swimming area.All campsites are availible for advance reservations.  Monthly camping may be available.  Please check with the park office for availability.

Tent Camping
Twenty-five sites in a secluded, pastoral setting on Lake Geiger are set aside for tent camping, affording maximum privacy and beautiful, unspoiled water views. A bathhouse featuring hot showers and restrooms is available near the primitive camping areas.

Vacation Cabins
Paul B. Johnson features 16 vacation cabins, all offering direct access to Lake Geiger. Each cabin accommodates four persons, and is furnished with bed and bath linens and basic kitchen equipment. All cabins are air-conditioned and heated; four cabins feature fireplaces. Reservations are strongly recommended.  Paul B. Johsnon also offers 3 Vacation cottages that will accomadate four people.  Bed and Bath linens are not provided for the cottages.

Group Camp
Located across Geiger Lake from the main park area, Paul B. Johnson's group camp facilities accommodate up to 150 in dormitory-style housing, with separate counselors quarters. Meals are served cafeteria style in the dining hall, which seats 200 people. Meeting space is available in the dormitory, dining hall, or in a large outdoor pavilion. A multipurpose playing field and private swimming area complete the group camp setting. Campers must furnish their own linens, pillows, towels, soap, and other personal items.
Reservations are required.

Swimming: beach
Public swimming is permitted in designated areas only and is available behind the lodge and in the picnic area.

Visitor/Activity Building
The Visitor's Center houses the park office and game room featuring video games and pool tables, and a sundeck.

The flags of the United States are displayed in a permanent exhibit contained in the Visitor's Center, and a brochure describing each flag and its place in American history is available at the reception desk.Paul B. Johnson features a meeting room accommodating up to 70 people.Catering service is available for clubs, orginizations and businesses. Contact the park office at (601) 582-7721 for specific information on facilities, seating capacity and cost.

Picnic Area/Shelter
Fifty picnic sites line the edge of Lake Geiger, and six large picnic pavilions are available by reservation for large group outings and family reunions.

Nature Trail
The "Trail of the Southern Pines" provides an interesting and educational look at Mississippi plant, bird, and animal life. This well-marked nature trail features a lookout tower providing a wonderful overall view of the wilderness. A trail brochure is available from park office.

Playground
Playground equipment is available at the Park.

Splash Pad

Opened in July 2010. this 5,000 square-foot splash pad offers 37 fanciful spays and water jets, that flow through brilliant colored pipes and cannons. The pad also includes a soft-play smiling Frog waterslide, a water curtian sprayed by a mushroom, 3 water cannons that kids can use to soak one another or they can choose to venture into the standing loop sprays that will keep them cool all day. Eight pincic tables with bright colored hanging sails provide an excellent place for shade. There is also a pavilion adjacent to the Splash Pad that is available to rent for birthday parties and family gathering. Restrooms and changing facilities are located nearby. The splash pad is open daily from Memorial Day until mid August. Hours: 10:30am - 6:30pm

Playing Fields
Two sites for football are available at Paul B. Johnson Park for group camp only.

Boat Launching

Lake Geiger offers 225 acres of fresh water, a boat ramp and dock for those who wish to launch their own boats.

Water skiing
Lake Geiger offers 225 acres of fresh water for water sports. A boat ramp and dock are available for those who wish to launch ski boats.

Fishing Current

Lake Geiger offers 225 acres of fresh water for fishing and water sports.
The lake is well-stocked with bass, crappie, catfish, and bream. A Mississippi fishing license is required for all persons between the ages of 16 and 65.
Licenses may be purchased at the park office for a nominal fee.

Lake Geiger Depth Map

Fishing License Information

Laundry Facilities
Laundry Facilities are available.

Disc Golf
Mississippi's first public 27 basket disc golf course known as the Desert Fox Disc Golf Course is located at Paul B. Johnson State Park. It has played host to the world's largest attendance Ice Bowl tournament in January and host to the Mississippi State Championships in June. Day use entry fee allows use of disc golf course. Discs can be rented or purchased at the park office. Southern National Disc Golf Association.  Disk may be rented or purchased at the park office.

Day Use
A day-use entry fee is charged on a per vehicle basis.

Mailing Address: Paul B. Johnson State Park - 319 Geiger Lake Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39401