Paul B. Johnson State Park
319 Geiger Lake RoadHattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 582-7721
pauljohnson@mdwfp.state.ms.us
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
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, Leaf River, Little Biloxi, Marion County, Red Creek, Old River, and Wolf River Wildlife Management Areas
- DeSoto National Forest Golf Courses
- Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood
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.
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
to six 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.
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, a
seasonal grill, a souvenir area carrying a variety of Mississippi
items, a 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 with grills 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 two lookout
towers 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: 10am -
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.
Laundry Facilities
Laundry Facilities are
available.
Disc Golf
Mississippi's first public 23 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
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
