Paul B. Johnson State Park

Natural beauty abounds nestled in a huge national forest

Named for the 46th governor of Mississippi, Paul B. Johnson State Park covers 805 acres on the shoreline of Geiger Lake at 319 Geiger Lake Road off U.S. Highway 49 near McLaurin about 12 miles south of Hattiesburg in Forrest County.

“Paul B. Johnson State Park sits on rolling hills of flowering dogwoods,” said Heather Peterson, the park manager. “It’s the gateway to a natural wonderland marked by majestic longleaf and loblolly pines, delicate dogwoods and ancient oaks. The deep forests surrounding the park provide a picturesque setting for a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can lounge by the lake, fish, ski or hike on the trail.”

The park sits just inside the De Soto National Forest. At 518,587 acres, it is the largest national forest in Mississippi. The forest allows hunting during the season for deer and other game. It also contains two wilderness areas, the only National Wild and Scenic River in the Magnolia State and hiking trails. Many people paddle some creeks that flow through the forest.

Formally known as Lake Shelby, Geiger Lake offers fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, also called shellcrackers, crappie and channel catfish. The state periodically stocks it with fish. People can also swim, enjoy water skiing and other aquatic sports in a beautiful setting.

“The park has a very peaceful atmosphere,” Peterson said. “We have an abundance of wildlife and beauty to share for photo opportunities. The camp store is stocked with items needed for camping. The sunsets and sunrises on the lake are a sight to see. Beauty everywhere visitors look.”

Staying at the park

Many people camp in the park or rent cabins to fish in the lake. The boat ramp sits next to the camp store. The park features 25 primitive tent-camping areas and 129 pads for parking recreational vehicles. These pads come with water, sewer and electrical hookups.

“The very first 18-hole disc golf course was built here in 1995,” Peterson said. “Now we have three disc golf courses.”

Six large picnic pavilions with grills and tables overlook the lake, providing great facilities for large group outings and family reunions.

“We also have group camping facilities, picnic areas, a playground and a 5,000-square-foot splash pad featuring 37 fanciful water sprays and jets,” Peterson said. “Children enjoy sliding down a frog’s tongue or getting splashed by overhead buckets of water.

“The dorms in the group camp facility sleep 50 people on each side with a huge dining hall. We also have three huts that accommodate 18 people per hut. On the other side of the lake, people can rent 12 cabins, each with two bedrooms and a bathroom, plus two one-bedroom duplexes.”

The Visitor Center houses the welcome desk, lounge, park office, meeting room, and outdoor deck with a porch swing that overlooks the beach and Geiger Lake.

“Visitors can enjoy the sand beach and swimming area located behind the Visitor Center,” Peterson said. “People can also swim at the designated location in the picnic area. People can use the dining hall and Blue Bird Chapel for weddings and other gatherings.”

The park does not serve food, but visitors can get whatever they need in Hattiesburg. The park stays open all year long. For more information, call 601-582-7721 or see www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/park/paul-b-johnson-state-park.