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Written by Administrator
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Camping Gems - Mississippi
Weather
In Mississippi, the weather is warm all year round -- it's just a little warmer in the summer. Average summertime highs are in the low nineties while winter lows average in the mid thirties. This highest temperature on record (115 degrees Fahrenheit) was recorded in 1930.
Hurricane Katrina
Reconstruction work is still underway on the Gulf Coast. Before you arrive, it's a good idea to call any businesses, restaurants, museums, and sites you have your heart set on seeing to make sure they will be open. You can help the Gulf Coast rebuild by bringing your tourist dollars to this area. |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 September 2008 00:44 |
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Written by Administrator
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Camping Gems - Mississippi
Ocean Springs
Founded over 300 years ago, this historic town has transformed itself into a fun artists' colony. Wandering its live oak shaded streets you'll find great shops full of original paintings and pottery.
Oxford
This romantic getaway spot has its roots in Southern Literature. As the former home of William Faulkner and John Grisham -- and the current home of Ole Miss -- you'll find plenty of culture in Oxford. Take a side trip to John Kyle State Park Sardis Lake for the nature trails, swimming, water skiing, golfing, camping, bird watching, picnicking, and bass fishing.
Black Creek Trail, Desoto National Forest
Explore the beautiful Black Creek, Mississippi’s only National Scenic River. With 170 miles of trail open to hikers, ATV riders, mountain bike riders, and horseback riders, this is a fabulous place to play.
Ross Barnett Reservoir
Known to have some of the best fishing in the state, 30,000-acre Ross Barnett Reservoir is a fabulous place for angling. Join them for the June Waterfest and many other fun fishing events throughout the year.
Fort Massachusetts, West Ship Island
Since viewing this historic fort requires a one hour ferry ride to Ship Island, you'll want to make reservations a little in advance. This fort, constructed from 1859-66, was one of the last masonry coastal fortifications built in the US. During the Civil War it was held by Confederate forces. Touring here will give you a chance to see a 15-inch Rodman cannon, the stair tower, the shot furnace, and the Guardrooms. (228-875-9057)
Bethel ATV Trail
Ready to do some ATV riding? Then head to the DeSoto National Forest for a day on this 40-mile trail that winds through the piney woods of the Coastal Plain.
Mississippi Delta
With roots in Blues music and Southern charm, the beautiful Delta region has plenty to offer. Head there for incredible deep sea and Delta fishing, amazing restaurants, blues clubs, casinos and gaming, and superb bird watching.
Shepard State Park
Set in the heart of Singing River (Pascagoula River) country, this park has hiking and biking trails, fields of wildflowers, and gorgeous views of the river. The hiking here is fabulous -- the park has the only true Gulf Coast hiking trail in the Deep South.
Woodall Mountain
At 806 feet, this is the highest point in Mississippi. Head to the highpoint (just south of Iuka) and take the mile-long hike to the summit. This mountain has Civil War roots, a nice view, and a picnic area at the top.
J L Scott Marine Education Center & Aquarium, Biloxi
Learn all about the undersea creatures that populate the Gulf of Mexico at this Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. Here you'll find a 42,000-gallon main tank and 40 large aquariums plus a display and a video. (1535 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-374-5550) |
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Last Updated on Monday, 15 September 2008 23:42 |
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Written by Administrator
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Camping Gems - Places to Go in Mississippi
Mississippi Gulf Coast
Set on the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi Gulf Coast offers warm waters for swimming and water sports, incredible golfing, and a variety of cultural activities. Head to one of the Gulf Coast towns -- Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis, Ocean Springs, and Pass Christian -- to explore miles of sandy beaches and gentle ocean surf. You can try your hand at sport fishing for deep-water fish like mackerel and snapper, take a shrimping trip, or visit one of the lovely ante-bellum mansions in the area.
Biloxi
With miles of white-sand beaches, a thriving arts scene, and vibrant town festivals, Biloxi is an ideal romantic getaway. Sailing, boating, and fishing are popular pursuits in this area, so you'll find plenty of fishing charters and boats for rent. Enjoy some golfing, explore the town, and don't miss the April Crawfish Festival or the May Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival.
Natchez Trace Parkway
The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates an ancient trail that connected southern portions of the Mississippi River, through Alabama, to salt licks in today's central Tennessee. Today, visitors can experience this National Scenic Byway and All-American Road through driving, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping
Vicksburg National Military Park
Vicksburg was a fortress located on high ground guarding the Mississippi River. Its surrender on July 4, 1863, coupled with the fall of Port Hudson, Louisiana, divided the South, and gave the North undisputed control of the Mississippi River. The Vicksburg battlefield includes 1,330 monuments and markers, a 16 mile tour road, a restored Union gunboat, and a National Cemetery.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Located on the Isle aux Oies River, this grand estate garden includes a conservatory, nature walk, water features, and several themed gardens. Here you'll find a beautifully restored 15-room mansion containing priceless furnishings, surrounded by the breathtaking 65-acre floral garden. (12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore, 251-973-2217)
Bonita Lakes, Meridian
This 3,300-acre park includes three lakes, the Long Creek Reservoir, and the Lakeview Golf Course. Let is its nearly natural state this park has nature trails, jogging and walking paths, horseback riding areas, paddle boats, and fishing areas. There's also a boat ramp, if you bring your own craft. (Hwy 19 South, near I-20/59 exchange, 601-485-1920)
Gulf Islands National Seashore
The gorgeous barrier islands are an outdoor playground. This National Seashore runs from Gulf Breeze, Florida to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, giving visitors the chance to go biking, hiking, fishing, boating, sailing, and swimming on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Featured wildlife includes beach mice, otters, dolphins, and many shorebirds and song birds.
The Oaks, Jackson
This small antebellum cottage is where General Sherman stayed in 1863 while he was taking control of Jackson. To see another restored cottage visit the Manship House (1857) (420 East Fortification Street, 601-961-4724). As you tour this house make sure and note the wood graining and marbling done by Charles Henry Manship, the ornamental painter who built the house in 1857. (823 N Jefferson St., 601-353-9339)
Lake Okatibbee
Fish for largemouth and striped bass, crappie, and catfish on this beautiful lake in the Pascagoula River Basin. This 3,800 acre lake has not only campsites but also boat ramps, great fishing, swimming, water skiing, hiking, and picnicking sites. (Okatibbee Dam Road, 601-626-8068)
Natchez
Romantic Natchez has amazing history and great southern hospitality. Take a ride on the Natchez Trolley, head out on a Historic City Tour, or choose a Carriage Tour. With more than 500 structures built before the Civil War, you are going to want to be sure and wander down some of the town's streets, like Wall Street where you'll find the Governor Holmes House, the Adams County Court House, the William Mercer House, and White Wings. |
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Last Updated on Monday, 15 September 2008 23:16 |
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Written by Administrator
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Camping Gems - Things to Do in Mississippi
Play in the surf and build sand castles at the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Tour the historic Vicksburg National Military Park.
Go fishing, biking, or boating on the Ross Barnett Reservoir.
Admire the scenery along the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway.
See the antebellum mansions of Jackson and Vicksburg.
Explore the flowers and finery of the Bellingrath Gardens and Home.
Go swimming and enjoy a picnic lunch at Lake Okatibbee.
Tour the artists' town of Ocean Springs.
Hike along the scenic Black Creek Trail through the thick woods of South Mississippi.
Take a cruise on the waters of the Mississippi Delta.
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Last Updated on Monday, 15 September 2008 22:17 |
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Mississippi
