Mississippi is home to a myriad of destinations, from the Gulf Coast’s Margaritaville Resort to Vicksburg’s historic treasures. Yet, Jellystone Park Pelahatchie stands out as a hidden gem, offering an experience centered around families and fun.
The park masterfully blends scenic beauty with engaging activities, ensuring everyone in the family has a great time. Plus, with a handy downloadable app, staying updated on all the events and amenities has never been easier.
Don’t miss the excellent, award-winning ranger station, which has everything you need to enrich your trip, such as pool toys, food and drinks, souvenirs, fishing gear, sunscreen and other sundries, and lots of other fun goodies.
Fun Fact: Jellystone Parks was founded in 1969 by Doug Haag. With nearly 80 properties around the country, it is the second-largest campground franchise in the country.
Morning Rituals and Daily Fun
Start your day at Jellystone Park Pelahatchie by saluting the flag and saying the Pledge of Allegiance at the Ranger Station. This daily ritual sets the tone for a day filled with excitement.
From there, the options are endless. Kids can spend the day at the splash pad or race down the thrilling waterslides while you chill by the pool. The park also offers golf cart rentals, allowing you to explore the property and enjoy the natural beauty, including bird watching and wildlife spotting.
Consider planning your visit to Jellystone Park Pelahatchie during the Mississippi State Fair, just a few miles away in Jackson.
A Cozy Night Under the Stars
End your day with a cozy fire at your personal fire pit, ideal for roasting s’mores and sharing stories. Whether in an RV or one of the park’s charming cabins, the serene landscape and quiet hours from 10:30 PM to 8 AM ensure a peaceful night.
I stayed in a lakeside RV spot with a pet kennel and picnic table, offering a perfect blend of comfort and nature.
Pet-Friendly and Full Hook-Ups
Jellystone Park Pelahatchie caters to both human and furry family members. Many campsites include fenced pet areas, making it a pet-friendly haven. Each site has full hook-ups, including electric, water, cable, and Wi-Fi, as well as a picnic table and fire ring.
If you’ve brought your kayaks, you can launch right from the banks of your campsite. Canadian geese will most likely come to say hello, except in our campsite, where a plastic, very lifelike coyote sits on the banks to deter them.
Diverse Campsite Options
The park offers a variety of camping options to suit different preferences. There’s something for everyone, from off-lake and premium sites to lakeside back-in spots with waterfront patios.
For those who prefer a roof over their heads, the adorable cabins—named after beloved characters like Boo Boo and Yogi Bear—provide a cozy alternative.
Pelahatchie is only minutes from Mississippi’s state capitol city, Jackson, where you’ll find some awesome things to see and do. Here’s a guide to the best things.
Lake Pelahatchie
And speaking of Lake Pelahatchie, you’ll find a boat launch, fishing pier, and kayaks for exploring the serene waters. Besides excellent fishing and birding ops, you may also see turtles nesting on logs in Lake Pelahatchie.
Remember, the lake is home to gators, so keep an eye on the kids!
Activities Galore at Jellystone Park Pelahatchie
The list of amenities and activities at Jellystone Park Pelahatchie is truly impressive. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- Swimming Pool
- Splash Pad
- Mini-Golf
- Playground
- Water Trikes
- Hayrides
- Beach Volleyball
- Jumping Pillow
- Basketball Court
- Activities Center
- Laser Tag
- Canine Corral
- Horseshoes
- Outdoor Movies
- Water Wars
- Human Foosball
- Yogi Stage (Karaoke)
Whether you’re into sports, crafts, or simply lounging by the water, there’s something for everyone. And remember the daily activities, such as karaoke at the Activity Field Stage, tie-dye t-shirt making, and movies under the stars.
Seasonal Attractions and Events
Jellystone Park Pelahatchie is part of Great Escapes RV Resorts, which is known for its seasonal activities and events. One of the biggest draws is the Halloween Trail of Terror, complete with trick-or-treating every weekend, pumpkin decorating, scavenger hunts, golf cart decoration contests, and candy bar bingo.
Families go all out with decorations and contests, creating a festive atmosphere you won’t want to miss. I reiterate…all out…as in coming in with trailers and U-hauls full of decorations. It’s a hoot!
Dining at Cartoon Cafe
You don’t even have to leave the property for delicious meals. The Cartoon Cafe, located beside the swimming pool, offers a range of breakfast and lunch options.
From Boo Boo Burritos and State Fair donuts to all-you-can-eat pancakes, the breakfast menu is a hit. Lunch features include cheese curds, nachos, pizza, and various sandwiches. Wash it all down with tea, soda, milk, or coffee.
The Genius of the Jellystone Park Pelahatchie App
The Jellystone Park Pelahatchie app makes staying organized and up-to-date a breeze. The app provides a campground map, a schedule of activities, and important details to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Conclusion
Jellystone Park Pelahatchie offers a unique camping experience that combines the best of nature with a plethora of activities. It’s where you can create lasting memories with your family, enjoy some quiet time by the lake, and participate in fun-filled events.
Whether you’re a local looking for a day pass or a traveler seeking a new adventure, this campground is one you will want to take advantage of.
I was hosted by Jellystone Resorts to explore this campground. All opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.
Read more of our Mississippi posts:
50 Cool Things to Do in Mississippi