Buccaneer State Park is a fantastic state park that offers something for everyone. If you find yourself bored while staying here, it’s not because there’s a lack of options.

Anyone passing through the area should consider stopping for a night or two. It’s a great place to set up camp for a few days.

Today, we’re sharing a state park we think is a hidden gem.

Let’s take a look! 

Buccaneer State Park is in Waveland, Mississippi. This park sits along the Gulf of Mexico shores and offers various outdoor recreational activities. If you want to experience the beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, this is the place to do it.

You can find thick pine forests, salt marshes, and several scenic waterfront areas throughout the roughly 400 acres. It’s a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. However, this state park has something we can’t remember seeing anywhere else.

Buccaneer Bay, a seasonal waterpark, provides a fantastic opportunity to beat the Mississippi heat. Float in the wave pool or lazy river and race down the water slides until you can’t take it anymore. The splash pad rounds it out to be a fun and refreshing experience for the whole family.

Pro Tip: If you’re in the area, why not head west to the Big Easy to check out some seriously tasty soul food!

While many states charge per vehicle, Buccaneer State Parks charges per person. While children under five years of age are free, it’s $2 per person for anyone over five. Despite this, it’s important to remember that this is simply the entrance fee to enter the park. Other activities, such as Buccaneer Bay, have an additional entrance fee.

You’re in luck if you’re looking for things to do near Buccaneer State Park. We’ve found several fantastic ways to keep you and others camping with you entertained.

When visiting Buccaneer State Park, one of the top things to do nearby is to explore the Buccaneer Bay Waterpark. As we mentioned, it’s a fantastic destination for water enthusiasts of all ages. 

This waterpark offers many attractions, including a wave pool that simulates the ocean’s gentle swells, a lazy river for leisurely floating, and thrilling water slides that provide an adrenaline rush. Families can also enjoy the splash pad and kiddie pool, making it an ideal spot for children to cool off and play. 

Buccaneer Bay is a great place for guests to relax with palm trees, lounge chairs, and tropical music. Make sure you put on sunscreen throughout the day, reapply every 90 minutes, or follow the instructions on your SPF.

Staying in the Buccaneer State Park campground is an excellent way to make the most of your visit. The park offers a variety of campsites, including waterfront sites with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. 

Whether you prefer RV camping, tent camping, or renting a cozy cabin, you can find a place to sleep. Camping at Buccaneer State Park allows you to enjoy the area’s natural beauty without wasting time driving to and from the park.

No trip to Buccaneer State Park is complete without a trip to the beach. Luckily, the park sits right on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The park has direct beach access to the shoreline, where you can relax, listen to the crashing waves, or bask in the sun.

The beach at Buccaneer State Park is known for being clean and having a laid-back atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for beachcombing, building sandcastles, and settling in with a good book. Let the gentle waves melt your stress and worries away.

Whether you’re looking to relax in the sand, enjoy water sports, or soak up the sun, Buccaneer State Park’s beach is the place to be. Again, make sure you bring your sunscreen and reapply as necessary.

Hitting the trails is another popular activity at Buccaneer State Park. The Buccaneer Nature Trail takes you through a forest and provides scenic bay views. If you’re quiet, you may get lucky and encounter various wildlife and birds that call the park home.

If you want more of an adventure, the park serves as a trailhead for the massive 41-mile-long Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge Trail. This scenic route takes you through the protected wetlands and offers excellent bird-watching opportunities. 

A few miles up South Beach Boulevard is the small town of Waveland, Mississippi. With a population of approximately 7,000, it’s the perfect combination of a warm community and coastal charm. 

The city has a reputation for having incredibly friendly residents and a welcoming atmosphere. Take the opportunity to stroll the streets and learn about the town’s rich history. Stop in at the Waveland Ground Zero Hurricane Museum and gain an appreciation for the resilience of the city and its people.

One of the highlights of the town is the ocean views. Stroll along the beach, do some beachcombing, and soak in the views. Once done, grab a bite to eat at nearby restaurants and eateries. Waveland’s beautiful beachfront is a highlight of the town. Take a stroll along the beach and soak in the views. When finished, grab a bite to eat at nearby restaurants and eateries. You can’t get much fresher than locally caught seafood. 

Jackson’s Ridge Disc Golf is a par-3 disc golf course with 18 holes. All 6,359 feet of this course will be fun and challenging for rookies and veterans of the sport. It has a reputation for being a challenging layout, as the Gulf Coast views can be distracting.

The course takes you through wooded areas and open spaces. Enjoy the whole experience as you play each hole. You get the thrill of the game with beautiful scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife.

The Mississippi coast is an exciting place for visitors to Buccaneer State Park. It’s got several vibrant coastal communities and a rich cultural heritage. Take a scenic drive along the coast and explore the charming beachfront towns. 

Take the opportunity to stop at iconic coastal towns like Bay St. Louis and Ocean Springs. Shop at the various locally owned art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

Be on the lookout for festivals and other activities along the coast. There’s always something exciting going on here. 

If your travels take you through Mississippi, consider visiting Buccaneer State Park. But if you’re coming to the waterpark, check the schedule as it operates seasonally. We’d hate for you to show up and discover that your favorite attraction isn’t open or available. You and anyone camping with you can have a memorable time when you stay here.