Best Places to Paddleboard in the United States – Mississippi 2021
1: Ocean Springs Beach
To the right of the Biloxi Bay Bridge, Ocean Springs Beach is one of the best launch points for those wanting to surf in the Gulf of Mexico. Several vendors are located within walking distance of the beach, all ready and willing to rent gear or help you improve your surfing skills.
If you have a touring board, you can cut up the Old Fort Bayou or the Gulf Island National Seashore Preserve to check out the marshlands and ancient oak trees that grow in the area. Snappers, Mullets, and Mackerels tend to swim along the coasts as well, along with several other fish as you paddle into the Mississippi bayous.
With plenty of exploration options and excellent surfing, we highly recommend paddling at Ocean Springs Beach.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 216
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Ocean Springs
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
2: Biloxi Beach
Biloxi Beach is very close to our previous recommendation, but it makes our list for a couple of reasons. Biloxi Beach isn’t as protected as Ocean Springs Beach, so for those who want a more intense surfing experience, you’ll find it here. Biloxi Beach is also near one of the most popular commercial piers in Mississippi, allowing you to get great shots of freight boats and other ships as they come into the Gulfport Harbor.
The Broadwater Beach Marina Light also illuminates much of the surrounding area, so this is a popular beach option to get out on the water after sunset. You can go from Ocean Springs Beach to Biloxi Beach in less than fifteen minutes, visiting two of the best paddleboarding destinations on the coast of Mississippi.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 216
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Biloxi
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
3: Ross Barnett Reservoir
The 52 square mile reservoir is the largest drinking water source in Mississippi and one of the most popular paddleboarding destinations for residents and visitors to Jackson. Five official campgrounds make the 105-mile shoreline, with dozens of other trails and beaches that you can rest or launch at as you explore the water.
This is one of the best fishing spots as well, with record 50 lbs Smallmouth Buffalo and 18 lbs Bowfin caught in this reservoir. The Bassmaster Classic World Championship and other fishing competitions are held at this reservoir as well. You don’t have to be into fishing to have fun here, though, as the calm waters average 11 ft deep, making it beginner and family-friendly without being so shallow as to force you to rely on a river SUP.
You’ll make plenty of friends and meet new paddlers as you navigate the Ross Barnett Reservoir.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 211
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Jackson
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
4: Okatibbee Lake
The 4,000 square acres and 28 miles of shoreline form Okatibbee Lake, a smaller but still popular waterfront for those visiting in the Meridian area. The lake isn’t as popular with boaters, ensuring that you can practice yoga or fish for Crappie and Bass without having to worry as much about chop and other distractions.
The secluded location makes birdwatching and wildlife viewing common, offering glimpses of Bald Eagles and Deer thanks to the state-managed food plots and nesting boxes. With plenty of recreational activities available on the shoreline, Okatibbee Lake is an excellent option for solo and group paddlers exploring eastern Mississippi.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 222
Distance to Major Cities: 30 Minutes to Meridian
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
5: Sardis Lake
The 99,000 acres Sardis Lake is popular for those living in northern Mississippi and for recreational enthusiasts residing in the nearby Memphis, Tennessee. The marina offers the equipment you need to paddle, along with a restaurant and other fun shops you’ll want to visit before you leave.
Once you’re on the water, try your luck fishing if you’re interested in catching Catfish, Sunfish, Bluegill, or Bass. The Sardis Lake State Wildlife Management Area attracts and protects animals on its south-center shores and is a popular resting spot for migratory birds such as endangered Black Rail, Sandhill Crane, and Whooping Crane.
If you are someone who wants something a bit more exciting to do, start from the marina to meet up with other paddling enthusiasts to embark on a guided tour or friendly race. Located on the border of Mississippi and Tennessee, you’ll have a fantastic time paddling on Sardis Lake.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 217
Distance to Major Cities: 15 minutes to Oxford, 1 Hour to Memphis
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
Conclusion: Plan Your Paddle Board Trip and Have Fun!
Thank you so much for visiting our top recommended paddleboarding destinations for Mississippi! While we’ve had the chance to see a couple of these places ourselves, a few of the locations on our list are based upon other paddleboarding enthusiasts’ recommendations. If you have an area you would recommend everyone in Mississippi should check out, let us know by leaving a comment below or sending us an email with your thoughts!
You can also check out our top 15 recommended paddleboarding destinations for the whole United States right now! At SUPBoardGuide.com we are striving to become the best paddleboarding resource on the internet, with reviews and videos of the latest SUPs on the market, along with instructional tips and guides to help paddlers improve their skill.
We hope you enjoy our articles and find something that will help you become a better paddler. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy paddleboarding in Mississippi!
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