Roosevelt State Park

Secluded park offers activity options for all ages

One of the 10 original state parks constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, Roosevelt State Park opened in 1940. The park bears the name of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was president at that time.

Roosevelt State Park sits at 2149 Mississippi Highway 13 near Morton in the 178,000-acre Bienville National Forest in Scott County east of Jackson. Situated in the national forest, the park offers many diverse recreational activities for people of all ages.

“In 1995, the older section of the park was designated as a Mississippi Landmark,” said Tyler Hines, the park manager. “It was placed on the National Register as the Roosevelt State Park Historic District in 1997. The park offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities in a picturesque setting. It’s a great place for everyone to enjoy. From peaceful scenic trails and lake overlooks, to fast pace mountain bike trails, disc golf, and even a seasonal swimming pool and water slide, the park offers something for everyone.”

Shadow Lake

One of the main highlights of the park, the spring-fed Shadow Lake covers 150 acres, great for fishing, boating and water skiing. The park rents kayaks for people to use on the lake. When not enjoying the lake, visitors can experience other watery recreation.

For the anglers, the state stocked it with largemouth bass, crappie, bream and catfish. Although open all year long and a reasonable drive from Jackson, the lake doesn’t receive a lot of pressure. Shadow Lake holds some big bass and catfish. It also produces good bluegill and crappie action.

“A huge hit for the summer months at Roosevelt State Park is the Shadow Lake Splash Zone!” Hines said. “The Splash Zone features a 2,600-square-foot pool overlooking the lake as well as a water slide with five twisting turns.”

The Alfreda Harris Lodge houses the visitor center, park office, camp store and dining hall with meeting rooms suitable for business conferences, public meetings and group gatherings for up to 250 people. On the lakefront, the lodge provides visitors 20 rooms for sleeping. The Conference Center can accommodate up to 90 people.

“The Commons Room features a large fireplace and is available for family reunions, banquets, receptions and conferences,” Hines said. “The Livingston Performing Arts & Media Center is a 600-seat community entertainment facility.”

People can stay in 110 newly renovated RV campsites and 15 cabins or go primitive camping in two campgrounds. A group camp facility offers housing for up to 128 campers.

“The park is conveniently located between Meridian and Jackson,” Hines said. “It is a great place for business conferences and seminars, school and church events, plays, pageants and ballet performances.”

Nature trails

With the park part of the national forest, people can easily get out into nature. Many adventurous hikers enjoy exploring the eight nature trails. The trails total nearly five miles. People might spot deer and other animals in the forest.

“With Roosevelt State Park in Bienville National Forest, there is a lot of native trees, flowers and wildlife to see,” Hines said. “The gently sloping landscape is particularly striking during the fall when the forest is bright with autumn colors. The scenic overlook provides a panoramic view of the national forest.”

People can also play on the 18-hole Moccasin Bend Disc Golf course, a pickle ball court, tennis courts, three playgrounds for the children and picnic areas with grills. Larger groups can rent one of five pavilions.

Roosevelt State Park stays open seven days a week. The seasonal Shadow Lake Splash Zone stays open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. For more information, call 601-732-6316. Online see www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/park/roosevelt-state-park.