Okatibbee Water Park

Park Rules & Regulations

To help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all guests, please observe the following rules while visiting any Pat Harrison Waterway District park.

Check-In & Check-Out

Cabins

• Check-In: 4:00 p.m.
• Check-Out: 11:00 a.m.

Campsites

• Check-In: 4:00 p.m.
• Check-Out: 2:00pm

Reservations & Park Access

• The individual renting a cabin or campsite must be 21 years of age or older and present a valid driver's license.
• Active military personnel 18 years of age or older may rent a campsite with valid military identification and a driver's license. Exceptions may be granted by the Executive Director or designated staff.
• Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Camping is permitted only in designated camping areas.
• Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Visitors are not permitted in the parks during quiet hours.

Park Conduct

Guests are expected to help preserve our parks by following these guidelines:

• Do not litter or pollute park property or lakes.
• Vandalism or damage to District property is strictly prohibited.
• Campfires are permitted only in designated fire areas.
• Disorderly conduct, abusive language, intoxication, or disturbing other guests is prohibited.
• Guests must obey all posted signs, park rules, and applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Swimming

• Swimming is allowed only during designated hours and in marked swimming areas.
• Swimming outside designated areas is prohibited.
• Failure to follow swimming regulations may result in loss of swimming privileges, removal from the park, or other legal action.

Fishing & Boating

• All fishing must comply with Mississippi fishing laws and regulations.
• Baitfish are limited to a maximum length of 5 inches.
• Snagging bass is prohibited.
• Platform boats are permitted year-round.
• All boats must be properly registered and operated in accordance with Mississippi boating laws.
• Boat operators are responsible for damages resulting from negligent operation.
• Park Managers reserve the right to regulate or remove boats from District property.

Water Skiing

Water skiing is permitted only at:

• Flint Creek
• Maynor Creek
• Okatibbee
• Turkey Creek

Please check with park staff for designated skiing areas and hours.

Tubing

• Only one tube or flotation device may be towed behind a boat at one time.
• Multi-person tubes are limited to three riders or fewer, subject to Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks regulations.
• NO TOWING ALLOWED BEHIND JET SKIS. No exceptions

Personal Watercraft

Jet Skis®, WaveRunners®, and water bikes are permitted only at:

• Big Creek
• Flint Creek
• Maynor Creek
• Okatibbee

NO TOWING ALLOWED BEHIND JET SKIS. NO EXCEPTIONS

Operation is limited to designated areas and must comply with all park and state regulations.

Pets

• Pets are welcome in campground areas only.
• Pets must remain on a leash at all times.
• Pets are not permitted in:
  • Swimming areas
  • Beaches
  • Cabins or cabin areas
  • Motels or motel areas
  • Park offices

Wildlife

• Hunting, trapping, or disturbing wildlife within District property is prohibited.

Vehicles & Golf Carts

• All vehicles must be properly licensed and operated in accordance with Mississippi traffic laws and posted speed limits.
• ATVs are prohibited.
• Golf carts and side-by-sides are permitted with:
  • Daily or Annual PHWD permit
  • Valid driver's license for all operators
  • Required liability insurance
  • Working headlights and taillights
  • Official PHWD decal displayed

Firearms

Pat Harrison Waterway District complies with all applicable Mississippi firearm laws.

• Individuals with a valid concealed carry permit recognized by Mississippi may carry a concealed handgun as allowed by state law.
• Open carry is prohibited except for certified law enforcement officers performing official duties.
• Firearms transported by individuals without a valid concealed carry permit must remain secured, not readily accessible, and preferably locked inside the vehicle, camper, or other conveyance.

Alcohol & Fireworks

• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• Fireworks and explosives are prohibited for park guests.
• Professionally managed fireworks displays may be conducted during approved District events.

Additional Regulations

• Unauthorized entry onto District property is prohibited.
• Aviation activity is prohibited without authorization.
• Areas temporarily closed or restricted by District personnel must not be entered.
• Requests for exhibits, displays, or special events must receive prior approval from the District.
• The Executive Director may approve exceptions to these regulations when authorized.

Enforcement

• Violations of park rules or applicable laws may result in removal from the park, suspension of park privileges, criminal penalties, or other action as provided by Mississippi law.
• All District employees are authorized to assist with enforcement of park rules and regulations.

Disclaimer

Pat Harrison Waterway District is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal property brought into the parks, cabins, campsites, or other District facilities.

These rules are subject to change at any time by action of the Pat Harrison Waterway District Board of Directors.