by Mark Johnson

Created on: March 17, 2010   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

ReserveAmerica reviewed some 4,000 parks and campgrounds across the U.S., and selected their “Top 100 Family Campgrounds.”  Five of these are Mississippi State Parks.  In addition, one was listed in the “Top 25 Canoeing Spots,” three were in the “Top 50 Fishing Spots,” and two were listed in the top 50 for the quality of their hiking trails.  One was listed in the “Top 25 Romantic Spots,” one in the top 50 scenic areas, and three were recognized for their unique cabins.

Located near McComb, Mississippi (Off Interstate 55, McComb is about 75 miles south of Jackson, and about 100 miles from New Orleans.),  Percy Quin State Park was listed in three of these categories: campgrounds, fishing, and hiking.   

This park has 27 cabins and two golf villas available, all air conditioned.  There are 100 RV camp sites that include picnic tables, grills, and hook-ups.  There are four bath houses, so hot showers are available.  A sand beach on the shore of Lake Tangipahoa is a great feature, and there is a seasonal camp store.  Want to rough it?  There are 22 camp sites for tents, each with a lantern post, fire ring, barbecue grill, and picnic table – and nearby restrooms.  For groups of 40 or more, they also offer housing and meal service.  There are two ball fields and a pavilion, and sleeping accommodations for 200.  And for those who think that “roughing it” means using unscented soap, there is a nine-unit motel overlooking the lake.

Fishing is good at Lake Tangipahoa, a 700-acre freshwater lake.  The lake is stocked with bass, bream, catfish, and crappie, and you have to have a valid Mississippi fishing license to fish (if between the ages of 16 and 65).  There is also a fish cleaning station available, with stainless steel sinks and fillet boards.  There is a boat launch, for those who choose not to fish from shore.

There is an eight-mile walking trail that circles the lake.  Of course, there is plenty of room for hiking off-trail, as the park covers 701 acres of land, but the designated nature trail is well marked.  Other amenities?  There are tennis courts, a golf course, playground equipment, water skiing, and a swimming pool.

Lake Lincoln State Park was another of the Top 100 Family Campgrounds, and one of the Top 50 Fishing Spots.  Near Wesson, Mississippi, Lake Lincoln is only about 35 or

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