Last year, we highlighted some of Mississippi’s must-visit beaches. (You can see that article here.) With summer quickly approaching and the warmer temperatures coming even faster, we decided it’d be a great time to feature more of the great swimming spots scattered throughout the Magnolia State. So, the next time you need to cool off or are looking for a fun way to spend the day, try visiting one of these lesser-known beaches, which are practically guaranteed to make your summer even better.
- Low Water Bridge, (Low Water Bridge Rd, Quentin)
Low Water Bridge - Franklin County, Mississippi/Facebook Head to this secluded swimming spot, and you’ll find a sand-and-rock-bottom creek with a sandy beach. As the name implies, the water is a bit low, but it’s extremely clear and perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.
- Lake Tiak-O’khata (213 Smyth Lake Rd, Louisville)
Lake Tiak-O’khata/Facebook Part of the Lake Tiak-O’khata resort, this white sandy beach includes spiral water slides, a volleyball court, and a supervised swimming area, making a great place to bring the entire family. There’s also an onsite restaurant and picnic areas, so you can easily spend all day at this waterfront spot. You can even turn your day trip into an overnight stay since the resort also includes cabins, a lakeside motel, and an RV Park.
- Pep’s Point (382 Pep’s Point Rd, Hattiesburg)
Pep’s Point Water Park & Adventures/Facebook Much more than an amazing beach, this “seasonal lakeside amusement center” also features spring-fed waterslides, canoeing, paddle-boating, and miniature golf.
- Paradise Ranch and Resort (35 New River Rd, Tylertown)
Paradise Ranch and Resort/Facebook The perfect place for a day of outdoor fun, Paradise Ranch and Resort features a 105-acre campground, stocked lake, and a lagoon. The man-made lagoon, which is known as Blue Lagoon, is fed by an artesian well and surrounded by a white sand beach, creating one of the best swimming holes in the state.
- Piney Grove Recreation Area (Highway 30 E, Booneville)
Tina H./Yelp Located on Bay Springs Lake, this recreation area has not one, but two white sandy beaches. Extend your visit by staying at the onsite campground. There are 144 sites, each of which includes an impact pad, picnic table, grill, fire ring, lantern post, and water and electrical hookups.
- Arkabutla Lake (Main Office: 3905 Arkabutla Dam Rd, Coldwater)
mvk.usace.army.mil One of DeSoto County’s best kept secrets, Arkabutla Lake offers a little bit of everything - from some of the best fishing in the southeast to an abundance of recreational opportunities. Take advantage of the hidden gem by visiting the South Abutment Day-Use Recreation Area or the Hernando Point Day-Use Recreation Area. Both include beaches with designated swimming areas and can be accessed for a small fee.
- Chewalla Lake Recreation Area (726 Chewalla Lake Rd, Holly Springs)
Krystal E./Yelp Located in the Holly Springs National Forest, this recreation area is centered around the spring-fed Chewella Lake. Visit the perfectly secluded spot, and you’ll have access to a beach as well as campsites with RV hookups.
- Deer Island (near Biloxi)
Flickr/Whit Andrews Enjoy a day at the beach minus the crowds with a visit to this island, which lies just ¼-mile from Biloxi’s coast line. The secluded spot features a white, sandy beach, pristine water, and unrivaled views. Even better, the secret paradise is so close it can be accessed by anyone with a small boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.
- Sardis Lake Recreation Area (Lafayette, Panola, and Marshall Counties)
Tina H./Flickr Explore this 98,000-acre recreation area, and you’ll find campgrounds, picnic areas with grills, pavilions, playgrounds, nature trails, and the stunningly beautiful Sardis Lake. There are also four beaches within the recreation area; three on the lower lake and one on the upper lake. No matter which you visit, you’ll be treated to pristine white sand and inviting blue waters.
- Clearwater Key at Geyser Falls Water Park (209 Black Jack Rd, Choctaw)
Geyser Falls Water Theme Park/Facebook Part of the Geyser Falls Water Park, Clearwater Key features eight acres of white sand beaches and a pool filled with crystal clear water. The Caribbean-themed attraction even includes poolside cabanas, a hot tub, and an onsite café, making it ideal for a quick tropical getaway.
Have you visited any of these beaches? Have another favorite spot? Tell us in the comments section.
Low Water Bridge - Franklin County, Mississippi/Facebook
Head to this secluded swimming spot, and you’ll find a sand-and-rock-bottom creek with a sandy beach. As the name implies, the water is a bit low, but it’s extremely clear and perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.
Lake Tiak-O’khata/Facebook
Part of the Lake Tiak-O’khata resort, this white sandy beach includes spiral water slides, a volleyball court, and a supervised swimming area, making a great place to bring the entire family. There’s also an onsite restaurant and picnic areas, so you can easily spend all day at this waterfront spot. You can even turn your day trip into an overnight stay since the resort also includes cabins, a lakeside motel, and an RV Park.
Pep’s Point Water Park & Adventures/Facebook
Much more than an amazing beach, this “seasonal lakeside amusement center” also features spring-fed waterslides, canoeing, paddle-boating, and miniature golf.
Paradise Ranch and Resort/Facebook
The perfect place for a day of outdoor fun, Paradise Ranch and Resort features a 105-acre campground, stocked lake, and a lagoon. The man-made lagoon, which is known as Blue Lagoon, is fed by an artesian well and surrounded by a white sand beach, creating one of the best swimming holes in the state.
Tina H./Yelp
Located on Bay Springs Lake, this recreation area has not one, but two white sandy beaches. Extend your visit by staying at the onsite campground. There are 144 sites, each of which includes an impact pad, picnic table, grill, fire ring, lantern post, and water and electrical hookups.
mvk.usace.army.mil
One of DeSoto County’s best kept secrets, Arkabutla Lake offers a little bit of everything - from some of the best fishing in the southeast to an abundance of recreational opportunities. Take advantage of the hidden gem by visiting the South Abutment Day-Use Recreation Area or the Hernando Point Day-Use Recreation Area. Both include beaches with designated swimming areas and can be accessed for a small fee.
Krystal E./Yelp
Located in the Holly Springs National Forest, this recreation area is centered around the spring-fed Chewella Lake. Visit the perfectly secluded spot, and you’ll have access to a beach as well as campsites with RV hookups.
Flickr/Whit Andrews
Enjoy a day at the beach minus the crowds with a visit to this island, which lies just ¼-mile from Biloxi’s coast line. The secluded spot features a white, sandy beach, pristine water, and unrivaled views. Even better, the secret paradise is so close it can be accessed by anyone with a small boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.
Tina H./Flickr
Explore this 98,000-acre recreation area, and you’ll find campgrounds, picnic areas with grills, pavilions, playgrounds, nature trails, and the stunningly beautiful Sardis Lake. There are also four beaches within the recreation area; three on the lower lake and one on the upper lake. No matter which you visit, you’ll be treated to pristine white sand and inviting blue waters.
Geyser Falls Water Theme Park/Facebook
Part of the Geyser Falls Water Park, Clearwater Key features eight acres of white sand beaches and a pool filled with crystal clear water. The Caribbean-themed attraction even includes poolside cabanas, a hot tub, and an onsite café, making it ideal for a quick tropical getaway.
Looking for another great swimming spot? Check out “This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Mississippi.“
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