Outdoor Recreation in Meridian, MS
It’s easy to find fun and healthy outdoor options
Schedule a play date in Meridian, where recreation options include lakes, parks, golf, tennis and a softball complex.
In This Article
Fun on the Water
Okatibbee Lake, measuring 3,800 acres and located 10 miles northwest of Meridian, has seven parks along with areas for camping and fishing, a marina, water slide, and swimming beaches. Bonita Lakes is a 3,300-acre park situated on three lakes, with activities such as horseback riding, nature trails, a walking track, mountain bike trails, fishing and boating. Dalewood Shores Lake is in a subdivision and features an 1,800-acre main lake and 10 smaller lakes ranging from 2 to 75 acres.
Great Parks
Highland Park has a swimming pool, duck pond, tennis courts, basketball courts, sports fields, playground and four shelters as well as a Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Museum, Dentzel Antique Carousel and the Kendallwood Craft Center. Velma Young Park is equipped with a playground, baseball fields, basketball courts, swimming pool, wading pool, a community center and picnic shelters, while Northeast Park serves the sports enthusiast with lighted softball and soccer fields, lighted tennis courts, an asphalt walking and running track, and a 10,000-square-foot Planet Playground.
Clarkco State Park, adorned with white sands and tall oaks, is just south of Meridian and features hiking, camping, cabin rentals and water sports. Dunn’s Falls is a water park located along the Chunky River, featuring swimming, hiking, barbecue grills and a 65-foot waterfall.
Baseball and Soccer
The Sammie Davidson Softball Complex near Meridian Community College hosts tournaments on its four lighted fields and also has tennis courts, a walking/jogging track and playground. Sykes Park, home to the Meridian Wildcats baseball team, has three fields and batting cages, while Phil Hardin Park offers baseball players four lighted fenced-in fields and is used for boys’ major and minor league play. Meridian Jaycee Soccer Complex and Northeast Park Soccer/Softball Complex both host youth soccer leagues.
Tennis, Everyone?
Tennis enthusiasts have several spots throughout the community to serve and volley, including Meridian Community College, Northeast Park, Northwood Country Club and the Sammie Davidson Complex.
Stay and Play
Golfers can enjoy the area’s four courses. Private courses are Briarwood Country Club and Northwood Country Club, while Lakeview Golf Course and Ponta Creek Golf Club are open to the public.
Shooting Sports
Binachi Shooting Sports is available for public and corporate use and features a 12-stand sporting clays course with shooting opportunities for all skill levels. The wooded property is also set up for skeet shooting, trap, five-stand and archery. Modern Outfitters specializes in all things related to the firearms industry, including indoor shooting facilities, weapons equipment and training sessions.