Paul B. Johnson State Park
🏆 Mississippi’s Pine Belt Lake Park — Swimming, bass fishing, camping, and pine forest trails on Geiger Lake near Hattiesburg
Fifteen miles south of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where the longleaf pine forests of the Pine Belt region meet the red-clay hills of the Leaf River watershed, Paul B. Johnson State Park wraps around the shores of Geiger Lake — a 225-acre impoundment that serves as the recreational heart of one of Mississippi’s most popular state parks. Named for Paul Burney Johnson Sr., Mississippi’s 49th governor (1940–1943), the park combines southern pine forest scenery with accessible water recreation in a family-friendly setting.
What makes Paul B. Johnson special isn’t any single dramatic feature — it’s the combination of a well-stocked fishing lake, a clean swimming beach, comfortable cabins and campsites, and miles of woodland trails, all located close enough to Hattiesburg and the Mississippi Gulf Coast to serve as a convenient weekend retreat. For Mississippi families, this park is a tradition. For visitors from out of state, it’s a window into the warm, unhurried character of outdoor recreation in the Deep South.
Table of Contents
Geiger Lake
Geiger Lake (also called Gehu Lake) is the park’s centerpiece — a 225-acre reservoir created by damming a tributary of the Leaf River. The lake is surrounded by southern pine forest and features a mix of open water, shallow coves, and submerged structure (fallen timber, brush piles) that create excellent fish habitat. The lake has a boat launch, courtesy dock, and allows boats with electric trolling motors and small outboard motors.
Fishing
| Species | Best Season | Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🐟 Largemouth Bass | Spring–Fall | Plastic worms, spinnerbaits, crankbaits | Primary game fish, good numbers and size |
| 🐟 Crappie | Spring (Feb–Apr) | Minnows, jigs near structure | Excellent crappie fishery — target brush piles |
| 🐟 Bream (Bluegill/Shellcracker) | May–August | Worms, crickets, small jigs | Abundant — perfect for kids and families |
| 🐟 Channel Catfish | Summer | Cut bait, stink bait, chicken liver | Stocked regularly, good from bank |
A valid Mississippi fishing license is required. Bank fishing is available at several locations around the lake. For the best crappie fishing, target the submerged brush piles and timber during the spring spawn (February–April) with minnows or small jigs.
Swimming Beach
The park features a sandy swimming beach on Geiger Lake with a designated swimming area, bathhouse, and lifeguard during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). The beach is one of the most popular features, drawing families from Hattiesburg and surrounding communities during Mississippi’s long, hot summers.
Hiking & Nature Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Ridge Nature Trail | 1.5 miles | Easy | Longleaf pine forest, interpretive signs, birding |
| Lakeshore Trail | 2.0 miles | Easy | Lake views, fishing access, wildflowers |
| Woodland Loop | 1.0 mile | Easy | Mixed pine-hardwood forest, shaded, family-friendly |
The trails are flat to gently rolling — typical of Mississippi’s Pine Belt terrain. The longleaf pine ecosystem is ecologically significant, as this once-dominant southern forest type has been reduced to less than 3% of its original range.
Camping & Cabins
| Option | Details | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| ⛺ Tent/RV Sites | ~50 sites, water and electric hookups | $15–$22/night |
| 🏠 Cabins | Fully furnished cabins with A/C, kitchen, bathroom | $75–$110/night |
| 🏕️ Group Camp | Large group area for organized groups | Contact park |
The cabins are a popular option for families who want the outdoor experience without tent camping. Each cabin is fully furnished with air conditioning, a kitchen, bathroom, and linens. They book up quickly for summer weekends and holidays — reserve early through the MDWFP website.
Disc Golf
The park features an 18-hole disc golf course that winds through the pine forest. The course is well-maintained and free to play — popular with the Hattiesburg-area disc golf community. Bring your own discs.
Wildlife & Nature
| Category | Species |
|---|---|
| 🦌 Mammals | White-tailed deer, armadillo, gray squirrel, raccoon, opossum |
| 🐦 Birds | Red-cockaded woodpecker (nearby), pileated woodpecker, brown-headed nuthatch, pine warbler |
| 🦅 Raptors | Red-shouldered hawk, osprey (at lake), barred owl |
| 🐢 Reptiles | Eastern box turtle, five-lined skink, rat snake, copperhead (caution) |
The longleaf pine forest is the park’s most ecologically important feature. Longleaf pine ecosystems once covered 90 million acres across the southeastern United States but have been reduced by logging and development. The remaining stands at Paul B. Johnson support fire-dependent species adapted to frequent, low-intensity burns.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address | 319 Geiger Lake Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 |
| 📞 Phone | (601) 582-7721 |
| 🕐 Hours | Year-round. Gates: 6 AM – 10 PM. |
| 💰 Entry Fee | $4/vehicle |
| 🅿️ Parking | Free with entry |
| 📡 Cell Service | Good — near Hattiesburg |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Mar–May) | 65–85°F | Crappie fishing, wildflowers, comfortable camping |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) | 85–95°F, humid | Swimming beach, cabin stays, bass fishing |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep–Nov) | 60–80°F | Cooler hiking, reduced crowds, bass fishing |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) | 40–60°F | Mild winters, solitude, crappie start biting Feb |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Paul B. Johnson State Park?
Yes — the park has a sandy swimming beach on Geiger Lake with a designated swimming area and bathhouse. Lifeguards are typically on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day. The water is warm and calm, making it ideal for families with children.
What kind of fish are in Geiger Lake?
Geiger Lake supports largemouth bass, crappie, bream (bluegill and shellcracker), and channel catfish. The crappie fishing is especially good during the spring spawn (February–April). Target submerged brush piles with minnows or small jigs. A Mississippi fishing license is required.
Are there cabins?
Yes — the park has fully furnished cabins with air conditioning, kitchens, bathrooms, and linens. Rates range from $75–$110/night. They’re very popular, especially during summer and holidays — reserve well in advance through the MDWFP website.
How far is the park from Hattiesburg?
Paul B. Johnson State Park is approximately 15 miles south of Hattiesburg, Mississippi — about a 20-minute drive via US-49. It’s also roughly 90 minutes from the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Gulfport/Biloxi).
Is there a disc golf course?
Yes — the park features a free 18-hole disc golf course that winds through the pine forest. Bring your own discs. The course is well-maintained and popular with the local disc golf community.
Can you bring a boat?
Yes — the park has a boat launch and courtesy dock on Geiger Lake. Electric trolling motors and small outboard motors are permitted. Check with the park office for current horsepower restrictions. Kayaks and canoes are also welcome.
Is the park open year-round?
Yes — the park is open year-round. The swimming beach is seasonal (Memorial Day through Labor Day), but camping, fishing, hiking, and cabin rentals are available throughout the year. Mississippi’s mild winters make winter visits comfortable for outdoor activities.
🌲 Visit Paul B. Johnson State Park
Fish Geiger Lake, swim at a sandy beach, camp beneath Mississippi pines, or stay in a furnished cabin — all just minutes from Hattiesburg in the heart of Mississippi’s Pine Belt.
🗺️ Official Park Page
