Clarkco State Park

This old park still offers abundant recreational activities

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Clarkco State Park opened in 1938 near Quitman in Clarke County. The park covers 815 acres of mostly forests about 20 miles south of Meridian near the Mississippi-Alabama state line east of Jackson.

“At Clarkco State Park, outdoors enthusiasts find many things to do,” said Toney Fleming, the Clarkco State Park administrator. “Visitors can fish, go boating, kayaking, tubing, swimming and enjoy other water sports at Clarkco Lake. We also have other types of outdoors recreation including camping, picnicking, hiking, tennis and disc golf.”

Also called Lake Ivy, Clarkco Lake spreads across 65 acres. It drops to about 14 feet deep near the dam. People can launch their own boats into the lake or rent kayaks. Boat engines must be 115 horsepower or less. The state stocked the lake with largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill.

Staying overnight

Overnight visitors can park recreational vehicles at 43 full hook-up sites or go primitive camping in tents. The park also rents cabins and a vacation cottage. Each of the 20 air-conditioned cabins can hold up to eight people with a beautiful view of the lake and a private pier. The two-bedroom, one bathroom cottage can sleep up to four people in a quiet, private area.

“Our lodge houses the park office, camp store and a meeting room that can accommodate up to 120 people,” Fleming said. “We have three bathhouses, two with hot showers, and a central sewage dumping station located in the developed camping area. We also have two laundry facilities for our overnight guests.”

While at the park, children will enjoy the splash pad and playground. Children and adults can also play pickleball or tennis. Try out the Twin Pines disc golf course with 18 holes winding through a beautiful pine forest.

“There are two recently resurfaced tennis courts and four pickleball courts that are available for day or night play,” Fleming said. “A basketball goal is also available.”

Nature trails

Bikers and hikers can explore about 14 miles of nature trails. One well-marked and maintained trail encircles the entire park. It runs for about five miles. People can also walk or bike over shorter trails. Some trails measure less than a half-mile. Bikers and hikers share the trails, but bikers must yield to hikers.

While on the trail, hikers could see many wildlife species that call this part of Mississippi home. This includes white-tailed deer, raccoons and numerous bird species. In the fall and winter, many birds, such as various waterfowl, migrate down to the Mississippi Flyway to spend cold months in the Magnolia State. People could climb into the observation tower at the upper end of the lake to get a better look at birds and other wildlife. The tower makes a great spot for photography.

“Since 1938, people have come here to enjoy the great outdoors and all that Mother Nature has to offer,” Fleming said. “Families have been coming to this park for many years, creating great memories for family reunions, weddings, birthdays or just to get away with family. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the picnic sites and pavilions.”

The park does not offer food service, but people can visit Quitman four miles away for dining or to buy supplies. Also, park guests could make a short drive to Meridian. Nearby attractions include the 178,541-acre Bienville National Forest and historic sites in Meridian. Check the internet for periodic special events.

The park stays open seven days a week all year long. Some facilities open seasonally on weekends. For more information on Clarkco State Park, call 601-776-6651 or go to www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/park/clarkco-state-park.