Jackson Area

Jackson County is also home to a gigantic water and theme park for family enjoyment. The park includes a carousel, water slides, bumper boats, go-carts and one of the largest swimming pools in the South.

If fishing is your pleasure, you've found the perfect place. The County provides over 20 boat launching ramps throughout the area for easy access to the water. Take your boat or charter a trip to some of the greatest saltwater fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. If you prefer freshwater fishing, there is an abundance of rivers and bayous to explore. Maybe you'll discover your own "secret" fishing hole!

"Islanders" and "beach bums" will also enjoy many hours of fun and relaxation. The barrier islands in the Gulf are just minutes away by boat and provide for interesting weekend camping and explorations as well as clear gulf waters in which to swim and fish. For those who simply wish to laze around on the white sand, Jackson County provides spacious
and scenic beach areas.

Outdoor life in the County is always a beautiful and educational experience. As one of Mississippi's 27 state parks, Jackson County's own Shepard State Park provides its visitors with picnic areas, bike and nature trails, and areas for tent camping. The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge and the Pascagoula Wildlife Management Area are popular wildlife refuges that are open to hikers, bird watchers or anyone who wants to soak up the peace and beauty of nature. Campers will also enjoy the beautiful Gulf Islands National Seashore Park in Ocean Springs, one of the most scenic areas on the Gulf
Coast.

Another major part of outdoor life is hunting and South Mississippi is home to a variety of Wingatne, numerous plugs and land leases, both public and private, are available for hunters to utilize during the different hunting seasons.

Recreation - There is a wide variety of activities to participate in, in the Jackson area. Within easy driving distance is the Ross Barnett Reservoir, the Mississippi Petrified Forest, the Casey Jones Museum State Park, Roosevelt State Park, Lincoln State Park, Golden Memorial State Park, Lefleur Bluff State Park, Grand Gulf Military Monument, Holmes County State Park, Vicksburg National Military Park and Rocky Springs National Park.

In addition, there are several National Forests available. Approximately 10-15 miles east of the Jackson area is the Bienville National Forest. Within the forest there are the Bienville Wildlife Management Area, the Caney Creek Wildlife Management Area and the Tallaha Wildlife Management Area. Heading northeast of the Jackson area, approximately 24 miles is the Delta National Forest. Within this forest are the Twin Oaks Wildlife Management Area, Lake George Wildlife Management Area and the Sunflower Wildlife Management Area. Further east are the Anderson-Tully Wildlife Management Area, and the Shipland Wildlife Management Area. Southwest of Jackson is the Copiah County Wildlife Management Area. Northeast of Jackson is the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area.

Within Jackson, Lake Dockery is an excellent lake for fishing as well as Simpson County Lake in the southeast. Further south and southeast are Lake Mary Crawford, Lake Jeff Davis and Lake Mike Conner.

North of Jackson is the Hillside National Wildlife Refuge and northeast of Jackson is the Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Further northeast of Jackson is the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge.

Southeast of Jackson are two of Pat Harrison's Waterways, Big Creek and Dry Creek.

Climate - Mississippi generally has a temperate climate, with cool winters and warm, humid summers. Freezing temperatures are possible in the winter. Thunderstorms and are possible throughout the year but most common in the spring and summer. Tropical storms occasionally strike the coast during the hurricane season.

Location - Jackson City is located in the western central region of Mississippi approximately 30 miles from the eastern border of Louisiana.