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.
Stay the Night
There are several options when it comes to staying overnight. The park offers 62 RV campsites, primitive campsite area, 6 cabins, 1 cottage, and a group camp facility. The campground is wooded and follows the edge of Haynes Lake. Cabins are located in wooded a area on rocky bluffs above Bear Creek.
Things to Do
The park's unique setting fills every activity with adventure. Activities and recreational facilities available at Tishomingo State Park include: picnic area with tables and grills, picnic pavilions, lodge facility, disc golf courses, compass course, hiking trails, playgrounds, multi-use field, volleyball court, and a swimming pool. Rock climbing is available by permit. Canoe trips and fishing are available on Bear Creek. Haynes Lake, a 45 acre fresh water lake, is available for fishing.
Picnic Facilities
There are three large picnic pavilions available for rental. Pavilions feature a fireplace, picnic tables, barbecue grill, and electricity.
The park's picnic area features picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the park with comfort stations conveniently located nearby. Picnic tables are first-come, first-serve.
Play Areas
Play Structures
There are several playgrounds with play equipment in the park. Playgrounds feature traditional equipment and modern play units.
Multi-use Field
The park also offers a grassed multi-use ballfield for open play. The ballfield is across from the swimming pool facility and parking is available.
Volley Ball
A volley ball court is located near the swimming pool. The court surface is sand and the park typically has volleyballs available. Picnic tables and shade trees are nearby.
Swimming Pool
The swimming pool facility is located on a bluff overlooking Bear Creek near the cabin area and is one of the main activity areas of the park. The facility includes restrooms and showers, and a 75' x 45' swimming pool. The pool area is fenced and there is an admission fee. Arm bands are required.
The pool is operated seasonally Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.
No lifeguards are on duty. Swim at your own risk.
Children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
Disc Golf
Three disc golf courses are featured at Tishomingo State Park. Each course consists of 18 holes. The courses are located in different areas of the park and take advantage of the varied and scenic terrain, making for courses that are enjoyable and challenging to play. Courses are Chickasaw Trail, Warrior Ridge, and Tushka Run.
The courses can be played year round. There is no fee to play; however, payment of the normal park entrance fee is required. Rental discs can be obtained at the park office. Also, new discs and other accessories are on sale. Score cards are available at the park office.
Hiking Trails
Tishomingo State Park offers the outdoor enthusiast approximately 13 miles of nature trails. There are seven separate trails in the park. The trails differ in length, but all are easy to moderate walking. The delineation of each trail can be determined by following the red blazing painted on the trees. Each trail is unique in vegetation and terrain. The rock formations are of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and are only found in Tishomingo County.
Hiking Trails
Trail 1: Flat Rock Trail, 3 miles
Trail 2: Saddleback Ridge Trail, 0.75 miles
Trail 3: Natchez Trace Trail, 2 miles
Trail 4: CCC Pond Trail, 0.75 miles
Trail 5: CCC Camp Trail, 3 miles
Trail 6: Bear Creek Trail, 1.5 miles
Trail 7: Outcroppings Trail, 2 miles
Rock Climbing
The rock outcropping and bluffs found in the park are not found in any other county in the state. Rock climbing is available by permit only. 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. Helmets are required.
Haynes Lake
Haynes Lake is a 45-acre freshwater lake and offers fishing. The lake is for stocked catfish, bream, and bass. A boat launch and parking are available. 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.
The water level in the lake can vary a great deal based on the time of year and the frequency of rain events. Without regular rain events, the water level will decline and which can make access to the lake edge and boat launching difficult. Investigations have found that fractures have developed in the limestone lake bed. These fractures allow water to pass through the lake bed and leave the lake. The loss of water is in such quantities that traditional normal lake water levels cannot be maintained.
