52 Weeks of Fun

Not Just Destination Finders, But Destination Storytellers

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fish and Parks

Buccaneer State Park and Campground

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina, the most devastating storm in the history of the United States, came ashore. Winds of over 160 MPH and a tidal surge of nearly 30 feet completely destroyed all of Buccaneer State Park's structures, waterpark, and support facilities. The park has been under varying stages of reconstruction over the last eight years. The final phase of reconstruction was completed in November of 2013. Today, Buccaneer has been beautifully restored.

Located on the beach in Waveland, Buccaneer is in a natural setting of large moss-draped oaks, marshlands, and the Gulf of Mexico. The French Buccaneer, Jean Lafitte, inhabited the old Pirate House located a short distance from what is now the park. The park site, also known as Jackson's Ridge, was used as a base of military operations by Andrew Jackson during the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson later returned to this area and built a house on land that is now Buccaneer State Park.

Numerous changes within the campground have taken place since the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Today, the park has 206 premium campsites with full amenities including a sewer. In addition to the premium sites, Buccaneer has an additional 70 campsites that are set on a grassy field overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. These sites were redesigned after the storm for easier parking and convenience for the visitor. These Gulf view sites only offer water and electricity, are open on a limited basis and are available by walk-in only through the park office.

Most sites include a picnic table and barbeque grill and/or firepit. Park amenities include a central dumping station and restrooms with hot showers, a 4.5-acre waterpark, the Pirate's Alley Nature Trail, a playground, disc golf course, activity building, camp store, and Castaway Cove pool.

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fish and Parks
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fish and Parks

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Buccaneer State Park and Campground

The use of this land was first recorded in history in the late 1700s when Jean Lafitte and his followers were active in smuggling and pirating along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

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Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fish and Parks

Buccaneer Bay is a 4.5-acre water park overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The Wave Pool can generate up to eight different wave patterns, simulating deep ocean swales, body surfing and beach crashing waves to name just a few.
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fish and Parks

The playground includes a rock climber, three different swings sets, monkey-bars, multiple slides, merry-go-round, fireman's pole, and a new sphere challenge climber.
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fish and Parks

The Jackson Ridge Disc Golf Course has tight and open fairways, natural obstacles, and holes that come into play along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fish and Parks

Buccaneer State Park has 206 premium campsites with full amenities including sewer. In addition to the premium sites, Buccaneer has an additional 70 campsites that are set on a grassy field overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

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