Okatoma River in Mississippi

Trip Overview

This was part of a weekend trip with two of my friends, we had stayed in Fountainbleu State Park in Mandeville, LA the night before and paddled there before heading to the Okatoma the next morning.

We took our kayaks and dropped them off at the put-in while my two friends stayed back and I drove the car to Seminary canoe rental. It was cheaper this way since we had our own boats. When I had returned we got out in front of the crowd that was loading up.

I was dissapointed in the water level, it was around 7.25 ft. I find it better at least around 8 ft. - we dragged the rocks through much of the shoals and swift water areas.

Although, I had found one spot that I could decently surf in, I was having so much fun I didn't want to leave. But my friends called me on. The falls and rapids on this river are small, but still very fun and challenging when the water level is so low.

Overall a fun trip, I plan to make the longer trek one day soon though.

Accommodations:

Seminary canoe rental has a general store and the take-out for the 8 mile trip is right where you parked. very convenient.

Fees:

for a take-out, (no shuttle of boat) it was 10 dollars. but for a private boat to be shuttled it is 15 dollars per boat.

If you have two cars, I recommend just make the 13 mile trip from bridge to bridge.

Directions:

From I-59, take the Hattiesburg exit east. Take the road to the Okatoma Outdoor Post, it is called walter lott rd. next to a store called the watermelon patch.