Discover the hidden gems of the Magnolia State.
Have you ever imagined paddling alongside alligators or through serene bayous?
The best places to paddle board in Mississippi are waiting for you.
Embark on a journey through Mississippi’s enchanting waters.
Are you ready to set sail?
Map
Planning Your Paddle in Mississippi
Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.
- Season: average daily highs stay above 59 °F right through the year, so there is no closed season. August is the warmest month, averaging 88 °F.
- Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.
Where to Paddle Board in Mississippi
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Old Fort Bayou
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bayou
- 📍 Access Point: Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Airboat Swamp Tours (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, slow-moving water, sheltered from wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Alligators, turtles, fish, and various bird species
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Lush greenery, moss-covered trees, bayou scenery
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be respectful of wildlife, maintain a safe distance from alligators
Old Fort Bayou is a calm and scenic area for paddle boarding. The bayou offers a unique paddleboarding experience, surrounded by lush greenery and the opportunity to observe alligators and other Mississippi wildlife up close.
Exploring Old Fort Bayou provides an escape into nature and a sense of tranquility everyone can enjoy.
#2 Wolf River
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Wolf River Canoe & Kayak (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, freshwater birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Cypress swamps, marshes
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid paddling during heavy rainfall, respect private properties
The Wolf River offers a serene paddleboarding experience meandering through the picturesque cypress swamps and marshes of Mississippi. The slow-moving river allows for a peaceful escape from your daily routine.
Take in the serene beauty of the area as you glide through the calm waters, discovering the diverse wildlife that calls the river home.
#3 Bayou Casotte
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍 Access Point: Point Park Boat Launch (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild ocean swell
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, and turtles
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Intracoastal scenery, picturesque bay views
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be careful of boat traffic, adhere to area regulations
Bayou Casotte offers paddlers serene coastal views and calm bay waters. Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, the surrounding area is home to a variety of fish species, birds, and turtles.
Paddleboarding in Bayou Casotte affords paddlers the chance to explore the tranquil bay and enjoy its picturesque scenery.
#4 The Rez (Ross Barnett Reservoir)
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Pelahatchie Bay Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, occasional winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, crappie, catfish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Woodland scenery, Natchez Trace Parkway
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, adhere to designated zones
Ross Barnett Reservoir, also known as “The Rez,” provides a serene lake setting for paddlers in central Mississippi. Surrounded by dense woodland scenery, it’s a beautiful spot for exploring the waters and observing local wildlife.
Whether you’re fishing or simply enjoying a leisurely paddle, The Rez is a convenient and scenic destination for a day of paddleboarding.
#5 Gulfport-Biloxi Coastal Waters
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Gulfport Small Craft Harbor (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, birds, fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Gulf Coast beaches, barrier islands
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, consider water conditions
Mississippi’s Gulf Coast offers paddleboarders a chance to explore the coastal waters of Gulfport and Biloxi. With white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and a lively marine ecosystem, this area is a popular destination for those seeking an oceanfront paddleboarding experience.
Glide through the waters off the coast and keep an eye out for dolphins as you take in the stunning scenery.
#6 Deer Island
- 🏖️ Location Type: Island
- 📍 Access Point: Biloxi Beach near the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Tidal currents, gentle ocean swell
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea birds, fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Gulf Coast, Deer Island landscape
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats, respect protected areas
Deer Island, located just off the coast of Biloxi, offers yet another paddleboarding opportunity on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Clear waters and a natural island habitat make for an extraordinary day on the water.
As you paddle around the island, be on the lookout for dolphins, shorebirds, and other marine life that inhabit the Gulf Coast waters.
Mississippi has a short Gulf coast, a sound protected by barrier islands and plenty of quiet river. Alabama and Louisiana sit either side, and Sanibel and Captiva show the Florida version.
What to Take With You
Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.
- Typefoam, paddle cut
- ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada
Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding
- Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
- Swivelstwo in-line
- RatingIP68 certified, 1 m for 30 minutes
- Floatsyes
- Capacity20 L, range from 10 to 55 L
- Material500D PVC tarpaulin
Every model we tested: The 9 Best Dry Bags for Paddle Boarding
- Typetall neoprene boot
- Thickness3 mm
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Mississippi?
Some great places to paddle board in Mississippi include Gulf Islands National Seashore, Okatoma Creek, and Ross Barnett Reservoir.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, paddle boards do not need to be registered.
When is the best time to paddle board in Mississippi?
The optimal paddle boarding season in Mississippi is from late spring to early fall when temperatures are warm.
Paddle Boarding Near Mississippi
Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Mississippi.
- New Orleans (67 miles west)
- Gulf Shores (79 miles east)
- Alabama (84 miles east)
- Louisiana (100 miles west)
