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Park Rules and Regulations

Check-in time for Cabin Reservations is 4:00 p.m. and Check-out time is 11:00 a.m. effective October 1, 2013.

Check-in time for Campsite Reservations is 4:00 p.m. and Check-out time is 4:00 p.m.

Any person renting a Cabin or Campsite must be 21 years or older and possess a valid driver's license with the exception of Military Personnel. The Board of Directors passed a resolution at their Board meeting on November 20, 2014 that, "All Military Personnel, age eighteen (18) or older may be allowed to rent a CAMPSITE at any Pat Harrison Waterway District park upon showing current military credentials and a valid driver's license. Exception may be granted by the Executive Director or designee i.e., Parks Director or Park Manager."

No person under 12 years of age is allowed in any of the parks unless accompanied by an adult.

Camping is allowed in designated areas only. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily and no visitors will be permitted in the parks during the quiet hours of 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Vandalism of any building, structure, plant or property of the District is prohibited.

No person shall litter, pollute or dispose of any waste in or on any property or lake of the District.

Swimming shall be allowed at designated times only in designated, buoyed areas of the lakes. Swimming is prohibited in all other areas. Any unauthorized use could result in criminal charges and failure to obey any and all rules and regulations may result in loss of swimming privileges and no refund. Continued abuse of rules and regulations may result in permanent loss of swimming privileges or expulsion from the park at the Park Manager's discretion.

All baitfish used on the District lakes are subject to a maximum size of 5". Snagging of bass is prohibited.

The use of platform boats is permitted on a year round basis effective March 1, 2012.

All boats shall be registered in accordance with Mississippi State law and operators shall adhere to all State boating laws. Park Managers have the authority to regulate, remove, and control any or all boats on District property. Boat operators are responsible for damages sustained due to negligence.

Skiing is allowed only at Archusa, Flint, Maynor, Okatibbee and Turkey Creek Water Parks in designated areas. Check with Park personnel for designated skiing times, designated areas for skiing and to make sure all equipment is in accordance with Mississippi State law.

Tubing - There shall be no more than one (1) tube or floatation device pulled behind any boat at any time. While in tow, a tube or floatation device designated for multiple people shall not exceed three (3) persons, or as deemed a condition of reckless endangerment from a standpoint of enforcement by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks' Conservation Officers.

Jet Skis' and Wave runners/Water bikes are allowed only at Flint Creek, Big Creek, Archusa, Maynor Creek, and Okatibbee Water Parks within designated areas. Check with Park personnel for designated skiing times and rules and regulations.

Pets are not allowed in the swimming areas, beaches, cabins, cabin areas, motel, motel area or offices at any of the District Parks. Pets are allowed at campsite areas only and shall be on a leash at all times. Employees shall not own or keep any vicious dogs if they reside on the park. If they live off the park, they shall bring no vicious dogs on the park.

All vehicles must be properly licensed under State law and obey State traffic laws and posted speed limits within the confines of District property.

ATV's ARE NOT ALLOWED, However, Golf Carts and side by sides are allowed in all District parks provided the guest pays an annual fee of $50.00, requiring all drivers of the golf carts have a valid drivers' license and proof of 10/20/10 liability insurance and in the future, the insurance coverage shall be the same as the state requires for automobiles. The golf carts are to be properly equipped with front and rear lights and must display a PHWD authorized decal.

Un-authorized entrance onto District property constitutes a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as provided by Mississippi State law.

Persuant to the terms of Miss. Code Ann. §45-9-101, as amended by Senate Bill 2862, 2010 Regular Session, any person possessing a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun as issued by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety - or any state which Mississippi recognizes as having reciprocal requirements for issuing such licenses - may carry a handgun upon his or her person while in or on any Pat Harrison Waterway District Park. Open carry of a firearm is prohibited on all District Parks except for sworn and certified law enforcement officers in pursuit of their lawful duties.

Pursuant to the terms of Miss. Code Ann. §97-37-1, a firearm is not considered to be unlawfully "concealed" if it is within any motor vehicle. Any person, not in possession of a valid concealed carry permit, going onto a District Park with a firearm in his or her vehicle, camper or conveyance, must keep the firearm in a secured condition, not readily accessible and preferably locked in a secure case, for the duration of their stay at the Park(s).

Explosives or fireworks are prohibited by park guests; however, professional fireworks are held on the 4th of July holiday at Flint Creek and Archusa Creek Water Parks.

Disorderly conduct is prohibited, including by not limited to: Abusive language, intoxication, disturbance, or breach of peace of others.

Violation of any applicable State, Federal, and Local law or ordinance and violation of posted instructions or warning signs is prohibited.

Any violation of these rules and regulations shall constitute a misdeameanor and shall be punishable as provided by Mississippi State law.

All employees of the District are charged with enforcement of these regulations and shall cooperate and assist all other lawful authorities in the enforcement of laws within the District.

Any and all requests for exhibits or displays at the Parks, whether political, social, economic or religious, shall be submitted and reviewed by the Park Liaison and a permit will be issued if approved by the Policy Committee.

The Executive Director may issue permits for exceptions from the foregoing rules and regulations as provided for therein. Requests for such permits shall be submitted to the Park Managers of the parks affected and referred to the Executive Director through the Park Liaison.

Areas designated and marked off by District by District personnel for limited or restricted use from February 1st through March 31st of each year shall not be utilized by the public.

The Pat Harrison Waterway District Board of Directors may amend these Rules and Regulations at any time as such changes or revision(s) are required, as allowed by law.

Pat Harrison Waterway District is not liable for any personal property brought onto the parks or into the cabins.