HATTIESBURG, MS.  We arrived at the beautiful and huge Paul B. Johnson State Park early this afternoon.  Like many state parks, the staffing is sparse, so we found the entry booth unmanned.  It was at an intersection of roads that left no direction for motorhomes.  There was a lake in the background, a very narrow passageway to the right of the booth, and a very sharp right turn to go around the lake on the right side.  The latter was impossible for a motorhome to negotiate, so we squeezed by the booth and headed down the left side of the lake.  It wound around a bit, then came to what looked like a dam with water running across it.  There was nowhere else to go.  We stopped and looked a while, then cars went around us and drove through the water to continue on the road.  After a large SUV passed us and crossed over, we proceeded across with motorhome and Jeep in tow.  All went smoothly, though this was one more strange event to add to our travel experiences.

Dam Spillway

Lake Level Is Controlled By Adding 2X12 Boards Between Posts

After winding through more roads, with no signs to direct traffic to where the campsites were, we saw a sign to where the office was located.  We parked in the road opposite the office and walked inside.  There we were checked in by a lady at a long counter, much like a reception desk in a motel.  We were given maps and direction to where we could find our parking site for the next two days.

A very nice campground, with a huge lake that wraps around the roads.  There are cottages and cabins, the latter being brick buildings that look like they belong in Williamsburg rather than a state park.  Pretty upscale "cabins."  There is a water park for small children where they can run through various stations spraying water.  In this heat, getting wet is a welcome event.  It is clearly a very popular park.

Our Site for the Weekend

The Hard Clay Ground Would Not Let Us Place
the Sign Any Closer to Our Home on Wheels

The state of Mississippi has provided lavishly for family fun in this park, likely one of the best in the country.  Shows that there are still places left in this country for wholesome fun.