Paul B. Johnson State Park

Paul B. Johnson State Park sits on the eastern shore of Geiger Lake about 10 to 12 miles south of Hattiesburg in Forrest County, Mississippi. The park covers about 1,015 acres, with 225-acre Geiger Lake as its centerpiece, drawing swimmers, anglers, and paddlers throughout the warm months. What sets it apart from other Mississippi state parks is the combination of a developed swimming beach, disc golf courses, comfortable cabin accommodations, and easy proximity to a mid-size city, making it a practical destination for both short day trips and longer stays.

Swimming and Beach Recreation at Geiger Lake

The sandy swimming beach on Geiger Lake is the main reason most day visitors come to the park. A sand beach and swimming area is located behind the Visitor Center; confirm current supervision/lifeguard status with the park before visiting. The calm, dark-water lake is well suited to families with children. Boating is available on Geiger Lake, and visitors should confirm current canoe/kayak or other rental availability with the park office. The lake also supports fishing for bass, bream, and catfish, and anglers can work the shoreline or launch small boats from the park’s ramp. Fishing is a quieter draw compared to the beach, but it remains a consistent reason people return throughout the year.

Disc Golf Course

The disc golf courses at Paul B. Johnson include Desert Fox and Arctic Fox, both 18-basket courses, plus Kit Fox. They wind through the pine forest, using the natural terrain and tree lines as obstacles. The courses are open to the public and draw players from Hattiesburg and the surrounding region, including a fair number of visitors who come specifically for the courses rather than the lake. Discs are not rented on-site, so players should bring their own equipment.

Camping and Cabins

The park offers a range of overnight options. RV sites have water, sewer, and electrical hookups, but visitors should check current renovation closures before booking. Tent sites are also on hand for those traveling lighter. The cabin rentals are a popular choice, particularly the waterfront units that sit close to the lake. The cabins have been updated in recent years and include modern amenities, which makes the park a reasonable alternative to a motel for visitors attending events in Hattiesburg or simply looking to spend a weekend outdoors without sacrificing basic comfort. Reservations for cabins fill up on summer weekends, so booking well in advance is advisable.

Trails and Forest Exploration

The park has a nature trail; visitors should confirm total distance with the park map or office before planning a route. The trails are not technical or strenuous, and they are best suited to casual walkers rather than dedicated hikers. They offer a good way to observe the park’s bird life, including woodpeckers common to pine forest ecosystems, and to get away from the more populated beach and picnic areas. Trail conditions can be wet following heavy rain, particularly near the lake margins.

Pet Policy

Pets are welcome at Paul B. Johnson State Park but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Pets are not permitted on the swimming beach or inside cabin facilities. They are allowed in the campground and on the trails. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals throughout the park.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

The park’s combination of pine forest, lake shoreline, and wetland edges supports a variety of wildlife, some of which requires a degree of caution. Snakes may be present in the park’s pine forest and lakeshore habitats; avoid reaching under rocks or logs, stay on established paths, and watch where you step. Snakes near the water’s edge are especially common in warm months.

Alligators occur in parts of Mississippi and may be possible in suitable freshwater habitats; confirm local alligator guidance with park staff rather than assuming they are or are not present. Keep a safe distance from any alligator you observe, do not feed or approach them, and keep children and pets away from the water’s edge in areas away from the supervised beach.

Fire ants are common throughout the park, particularly in grassy picnic areas and open ground near the beach and campground. Their mounds can be difficult to spot until you are already standing near one. Closed-toe shoes are a practical choice, and parents with young children should scan the ground before allowing kids to sit or play on grass.

Practical Information

Paul B. Johnson State Park is located at 319 Geiger Lake Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, at approximately 31.1418 degrees north, 89.2403 degrees west. From Hattiesburg, take US-49 south to reach the park entrance. The nearest commercial services are in Hattiesburg, about 10 to 12 miles to the north.

Day-use admission is $2.00 per person, with ages 5 and under free; confirm current fees before visiting. Primitive camping starts at $17 per night, and RV camping starts at $25 per night, according to the current MDWFP fee schedule; confirm rates when booking. Cabin rental rates vary by unit type. All fees should be confirmed on the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks fee page, as rates are subject to change. The park is generally open year-round, though beach supervision and some rental services are seasonal. Cabin and campsite reservations can be made through the MDWFP reservation system, and summer weekends in particular book up quickly.