Leroy Percy State Park holds the distinction of being Mississippi’s oldest state park, tucked into the heart of the Delta in Washington County. What sets it apart is the landscape itself — towering bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss rise from dark, still waters fed by artesian springs, creating a scene that feels more like Louisiana bayou country than the surrounding cotton fields of the Delta.

The park’s most popular attraction is its alligator pond, where a boardwalk lets you observe American alligators basking and swimming in their natural habitat. It’s one of the northernmost places in the Mississippi River Valley where you can reliably spot wild gators. Beyond the boardwalk, hiking trails wind through bottomland hardwood forest, and the artesian spring-fed lake offers fishing for bass, bream, and catfish.

Camping options include developed sites with water and electric hookups shaded by massive oaks, along with picnic pavilions and a playground. The park’s relatively small size makes it manageable for a day trip or a relaxed overnight stay rather than a multi-day expedition.

The best time to visit is spring through early summer, when the cypress canopy is lush green and alligator activity peaks. Fall brings cooler temperatures and excellent birding as migratory species pass through the Delta flyway. Summer can be intensely hot and humid, so bring water and insect repellent.

Leroy Percy rewards visitors who appreciate wild, atmospheric landscapes — a genuine Delta experience you won’t find anywhere else in the state park system.

Explore Nearby

• Tombigbee National Forest — National Forest in Mississippi
• Homochitto National Forest — National Forest in Mississippi
• St. Joseph Island Light — Lighthouse in Mississippi
• Ship Island Light — Lighthouse in Mississippi