Tishomingo State Park

Located 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 Indians 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.

Amenities

Park Directions
Google Map Directions (link)
Directions (PDF)

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.

• Woodall Mountain (Highest point in Mississippi)
• Bay Springs Lock and Dam
• City of Tishomingo
• County of Tishomingo
• J. P. Coleman State Park
• Mineral Springs Park
• Cave Springs
• Divide Section Wildlife Management Area
• John Bell Williams Wildlife Management Area
• Natchez Trace Parkway
• Adkins Farms (Booneville)
• Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
• Covenant Creek Farm (Belmont)

Annual Events
January
Ice Bowl (Disc Golf)

March
Spring Disc Golf Tournament

April
Ole' Tyme Music Gathering

October
Fall Fling for the Young-at-Heart
Fall Classic Disc Golf Tournament
 

Developed Camping
The 62 sites available for developed camping feature picnic tables, grills, and water and electrical hook-ups. Restrooms, showers, and a central sewage dumping station are located in the developed camping area. Each developed pad offers direct access to Haynes Lake. All campsites are available for advance reservations up to 24-months and are highly recommended. Alert: Laundry & Bathhouse Facility near campsite 47 has been closed.  Monthly camping is not available.
Campground Brochure (PDF)

Tent Camping
A large, heavily wooded area overlooking Haynes Lake is available for tent camping. Water, restrooms, and showers are located within walking distance of the primitive camping area.

Cabins / Cottage
Six rustic cabins overlooking Bear Creek are available for rental. Cabins are furnished with bed and bath linens, basic kitchen equipment, are air-conditioned and heated, and have screened-in porches or patios and stone fire-places. Each cabin accommodates four to six people. Reservations are strongly recommended and may be made up to 24-months in advance by visiting the Reserve America website, calling 1-800-Go Parks (467-2757) or by contacting the Park Office.  Smoking is not allowed in any Mississippi government building (including cabins/cottages).  Other rules and regulations may apply and may be viewed by downloading the attached cabin brochure.

Cottage One is a two bedroom unit with one queen bed and one full bed, open dining/living area, small covered porch with patio furniture; outdoor grill and picnic table. This small cottage is handicapped accessible and can accommodate four people. NO LINENS (bed or bath), PILLOWS, or BLANKETS ARE PROVIDED, but may be rented at park office at time of check-in for an extra fee.  Smoking is not allowed in any Mississippi government building (including cabins/cottages).  Pets are NOT allowed in or around cabin/cottage areas.
Cabin Brochure (PDF)

Group Camping
Group camping is available in six air-conditioned cabins housing up to 108 with separate counselor's quarters. Meals are served cafeteria style in the dining hall. Also available are five air-conditioned primitive style huts housing up to 46 persons. Campers must furnish their own linens, pillows, towels, soap, and other personal items. Reservations may be made up to 24-months and are highly recommended.
Group Camp Brochure (PDF)

Hiking Trails
A 13-mile hiking trail system traverses the park, winding along rocky ridges with spectacular views, through shallow, fern-filled canyons, and beside the churning waters of Bear Creek. Trail maps are available at the park office.
Hiking Trail Brochure/Map (PDF)

Disc Golf
Disc Golf is a sport that can be played year round and is enjoyed by all ages. There is no fee to play however, the normal entrance fee is required. Rental discs can be obtained at the park office. Also, new discs and other accessories are on sale. The park has three courses "Chickasaw Trail", "Warrior Ridge" and "Tushka Run". Score cards can be obtained at the Park Office.
Southern National Disc Golf Association (link)

Bear Creek Float Trip (Canoe)
A 6.25 mile float trip down rocky-bottomed Bear Creek operates daily from mid-April until mid-October, (weather and water level permitting).A fee is charged. Scenic sandstone bluffs, lush greenery, a canopy of mixed hardwoods and pines, shoals and rapids with long pools in between provide an enjoyable and exciting trip. 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. Tishomingo County is a dry county - No alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Coolers are subject to search.

The scheduled departure is 10:00 a.m. Advanced reservations are recommended. All persons wanting to take the float trip must report to the Park Office 30-minutes prior to departure time. Canoeist 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 canoeist are required to load their canoes on the trailer provided.

Pool (Seasonal)
A swimming pool is located near the Family Cabin area. The pool complex has shower facilities. The pool is operated Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. CLOSED on Monday(s) and Tuesday(s) each week, unless a holiday falls on one of these days (Example: Memorial Day falls on a Monday.  The pool will be open Monday and will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday of that week.)  A fee is charged. Traditionally lifeguards are school aged and days of operation will be dictated by school schedule (Inquire at Park Office for any changes to normal days and hours of operations).

Permitted Rock Climbing
Helmets are required. Participants must provide their own equipment 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.

Fishing
Haynes Lake is well stocked with catfish, bream, and bass. 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.
Haynes Lake Depth Map (PDF)
Fishing License Information (link)

Boat Launching
Haynes Lake offers freshwater for fishing. A boat launch is available for persons with their own boats.

Picnic Area / Pavilion
Numerous picnic sites with grills are located throughout the park. Three large, covered picnic pavilions with electricity may be reserved for a small fee.

Day Use Area
Playground equipment is also available with several sites located thoughout the park. An 1840's restored log cabin in a natural setting offers an interesting look at pioneer life. The Swinging Bridge, constructed in 1939 offers a scenic passageway high above Bear Creek. An all-purpose ball field is available for volleyball and other field games.