The Top Spots for Boating in Mississippi

Bordered by the second longest river in the U.S. and peppered with seemingly endless lakes and reservoirs, it’s no wonder Mississippi offers some epic boating.

Are you ready to explore the Mississippi coastline and paddle to the sandy beaches of Deer Island? Or maybe you’ll spot some gators while touring the unspoiled wilderness of Mississippi’s swamps by airboat? If fishing is your game, try your luck at catching one of over 200 species of fish off the coast of the bustling city of Gulf Port.

No matter which activity you choose, with over 280,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs and the endless twisting river, not to mention the sandy stretches of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, your next boating adventure is never far away. Keep reading to learn about some of the top spots for boating in Mississippi. 

There are over 1,000 lakes and reservoirs in Mississippi, so choosing the one you want to explore can be overwhelming. But no worries; we’ve picked out some of our top spots for your next boating excursion.

Looking to spend some time cruising around the lake? Sardis Lake offers over 98,000 acres of waterway to explore. Its shores are home to multiple public use areas and green spaces. Or perhaps you plan to visit John W. Kyle State Park, which boasts a golf course, camping facilities, and, of course- some prime fishing.

If paddling is more your speed, don’t miss out on the chance to drift down the Pascagoula River. Known for being one of the largest free-flowing rivers in the Continental U.S., the locals refer to this unimpeded waterway as the “Singing River,” but we’re not telling you why; you’ll have to see — or hear — for yourself.

This multi-use 92,000-acre project has the largest inland body of water in Mississippi at 36,000 acres with 15 boat ramps. The lake contains crappies, bass, bream, and catfish.

Grenada Lake offers access to the various boat ramps, including ones at Graysport Crossing, Carver’s Point, Skuna-Turkey, Piney Hills, Torrance Landing, and more.

If you feel like going for a hike, the Haserway Wetland Nature Trail can be found halfway down the road below the Grenada Lake dam. The Old River Run Nature Trails is a 1-mile trail located on the south side of the Grenada Lake spillway near the playground area.

Pascagoula River is located in George and Jackson Counties near Lucedale. The river is managed by the Mississippi Wildlife Federation and is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the upper 48 states.

Because of its pristine state, the biodiversity of the basin is very impressive. You’ll enjoy views of a multitude of wildlife throughout the year.

Several companies provide boat tours and kayak trips of the Pascagoula River. Pascagoula Boating and Tours captains have been fishing and boating the Gulf of Mexico for 30 years. Explore the Gulf of Mexico through a fishing or boating trip and visit any of the islands to relax or fish.

Currently, no ferry is offered to get from Biloxi to Deer Island. However, many choose to make the short paddle to the island in a canoe or kayak. The island lies at an angle to the mainland and is long and skinny.

The more common departure point is from Biloxi. The Northwest end of the island is only about two hundred yards from the Biloxi beach and is about a ten-minute paddle to the long sandy spit at this end of the island. From here, you can paddle around to the south side and enjoy several beach landing sites or paddle along the more protected north side.

The south beach is larger than the north. However, the north offers plenty of seashells to pick up as you take a stroll down the beach. The south side is exposed to the Mississippi Sound and creates more waves than the calmer north side; however, it is worth a venture due to the beach there.

The rest of the island is also a great place to visit. In places, it’s only about 50 yards wide. There are stands of pines and some very large oaks, tidal pools, lots of beach, and birds of all kinds. You may even see possum tracks and alligator tracks in the sand.

In search of your next Mississippi boating destination? On the lookout for an easy-access boat launch? Getting out for a day on the water is easy with the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks interactive boat launch map.

If you need to gas up the boat, grab a bite to eat, or find a place to dock for the night or the season, Mississippi’s Official Tourism page offers a complete list of marinas offering everything from food and lodging and boat repair and dry storage to fresh seafood and live music. 

With plenty of lakes, streams, and the Gulf Coast, there’s no shortage of fishing opportunities in the Hospitality State.

Did we mention that there are over 100 species of fish for the taking in the Mississippi River? You can fish for bass, carp, catfish, and trout, just to name a few — just remember to keep an eye out for gators.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks makes finding your next prime fishing opportunity easy. With their list of 20 state fishing lakes, plus their interactive bait shop map, it’s easy to hit up the closest bait shop and head straight to the lake.

So whether you’re planning a day of bass fishing on Arkabutla Lake or maybe Saltwater Fishing for the prized Cobia fish off the Gulf Coast, no matter where you cast your line, you’re sure to land your next big catch in this fisherman’s paradise. Just be sure to grab a State Fishing Lake Permit and find out about any licensing requirements before you go.

Be Safe and Have Fun When Boating in Mississippi

After reading about the many places you can boat and fish, you’re probably probably anxious to go boating in Mississippi!

Before you go, make sure you’ve got a good handle on what it takes to be safe when operating a boat or enjoying activities on the water. The Mississippi online boater education course through BOATsmart! is the best way to learn crucial safety essentials while meeting the state’s requirements for boating education. 

The course is simple and convenient! Start the course, get your boater education card, and then be safe and have fun on the water. 

Originally published in November 2018. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy October 8, 2024.