Questions people ask us

There are two float trips. Upper Short to Fairchild of the Okatoma begins at Seminary (MS HWY 590) and ends at Fairchild's Landing. It is approximately 7 creek miles with the 3 main falls of the upper run. The trip usually takes 3 to 4 hours; this allows ample time for picnicing and swimming, which makes this the most popular float.

The Upper Run of Okatoma begins at Seminary (MS HWY 590) and ends at Sanford (MS HWY 598). It is approximately 13 creek miles with 3 main waterfalls. The trip usually takes 4 to 6 hours; this allows ample time for picnicing and swimming.

There is a longer description of each run on the float trips page.

Reservations should be made ahead of time, especially for weekend floats. Six or more canoes require a deposit 2 weeks in advance.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED-CREDIT CARD REQUIRED TO HOLD RESERVATIONS-

PHONE FOR RESERVATIONS

601-722-4297 or 1-888-OKATOMA

Our canoe rentals include life jackets and transportation to the Okatoma Creek, as well as superb changing facilities and much more. Two life vests are provided with rental of each canoe.

Single Kayaks are one person, sit on top boats good for any age from 8 to 100. You are provided with one double blade paddle and life vest. Kayaks are very safe and stable in the water.

No. We offer complimentary transportation up river for a leisurely float back to your vehicle. You leave your car at the Post, we haul you and your boat upstream, and you paddle back down toward the car. The riding happens at the start of the day, not the end of it.

You leave your vehicle at the Post and float back to it. You may check your car keys in for safe keeping inside our store — do that rather than carrying them on the water. And do NOT take valuables down the river.

A canoe seats two, carries a cooler well, and has to be steered as a team. Single Kayaks are one person, sit on top boats good for any age from 8 to 100 — very safe and stable in the water, and because they are sit-on-top there is nothing to climb out of if you come off. Nervous first-timers usually get on better in a kayak; parties carrying gear usually prefer a canoe. There is a longer comparison on the float trips page.

We offer our rentals on the Okatoma Creek, a Class A River — easy moving water with ledge drops between the quiet stretches. Mississippi law requires anyone 12 years and under to wear a life vest at all times. State law also requires one life vest per person in each boat. We suggest that everyone wears their life vest. Single Kayaks are one person, sit on top boats good for any age from 8 to 100. If that matters for your party, call 601-722-4297 and ask before you book.

Two life vests are provided with rental of each canoe. If you need to know exactly how to split your party across boats, call the office on 601-722-4297. It is a five-minute phone call and it is the only way to get that right.

	One-Day Rental	Overnight Rental
Canoe	$50	$75
Single Kayaks	$40	$65
Double Kayaks	$65	$80.00

Primitive camping $5.00 per person per night.

Private Canoe Haul: flat rate $25.00

FOR NON-RENTING OKATOMA CREEK CANOEIST — Check-in office for pricing and fees.

PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE TAXES OR FEES

Special Weekday Rate:

• 6 or more Canoes $45.00 per day
• 6 or more Single Kayaks $35.00 per day
• 6 or more Double Kayaks $65.00 per day
• RESERVATIONS REQUIRED-CREDIT CARD REQUIRED TO HOLD RESERVATIONS-

That is a weekday rate for six or more boats. The everyday canoe rate is $50. See the groups page.

Canoes must be cancelled by NOON 48 hours ahead of trip. Cancelled canoes can be rescheduled. NO REFUNDS.

ANY CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE 24 HOURS PRIOR TO TRIP. IF YOU CANCEL ANY THE DAY OF YOU WILL BE CHARGED FULL AMOUNT. NO REFUNDS

We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover Cards.

Sorry, no personal out of state checks. Money orders, travelers checks and church checks welcomed for deposit and rental payment.

No. We are open March 1 through October 31, 8 AM – 6 PM. There is no winter season on this creek. If you are planning a spring trip, the first of March is the earliest we are on the water.

FOR CANOEING — sunscreen, bug spray, towels, dry clothes, old tennis shoes, life vest (two are provided with rental of each canoe), plenty to eat and drink.

The full list, including what to bring for camping and why the shoes matter more than anything else on it, is on what to bring.

What not to bring?

• NO GLASS CONTAINERS
• NO STYROFOAM COOLERS
• NO FIRE ARMS ALLOWED ON PREMISES OR IN CANOES
• LAW PROHIBITS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Fireworks, explosives, firearms, and other weapons are absolutely not allowed and will lead to immediate dismissal from the campground. Off-road vehicles & dirt bikes are not allowed in the camp.

Bring a plastic bag for your garbage. You may dispose of it here at the Outdoor Post. Please do NOT leave it on the river.

No dogs on campgrounds overnight. We do not recommend taking your dog on the creek, however, it is allowed. If you can we suggest that you leave your pet at home. All dogs are required to be on a leash while on the premises.

If you are planning to bring a dog, call 601-722-4297 first.

Creek level changes the character of a float — how fast you move, how much rock you find, how deep the pools are. There is a plain explanation of what a gauge reading is and how to read the USGS page on our water level page, which links straight to the gauge. If the creek is up, or it has rained hard upstream overnight, call 601-722-4297 before you drive out.

Yes. Primitive camping $5.00 per person per night. You get the use of our bathhouses and spacious wooded areas within easy walking distance of the Okatoma Creek. It's great for canoeists, walkers and people who just want to get away for a few days!

All campers and visitors must register before setting up camp, quiet hours are between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and there are no dogs on campgrounds overnight. The full rules are on the camping page.

We also have a bunkhouse — see groups.

We have an old tyme store with souvenirs, old fashioned candy, cold drinks and snacks. We pride ourselves on clean and spacious restrooms with hot showers, and changing area.

If you are counting on buying something particular before your float, call ahead and check we have it.

550 Walter Lott Road, Seminary, MS 39479. We are located in South Central Mississippi near Sanford and Seminary, on the banks of the river at the Sanford bridge.

Written directions from Meridian, Jackson, Hattiesburg and New Orleans are on the contact and driving directions page. Note that Sanford and Seminary are two different places: both float trips put in at Seminary on MS HWY 590.

That is a large part of what we do. We operate a fleet of buses which are available for a wide range of uses. For example, we can provide transport for students and church groups. There is a Special Weekday Rate for 6 or more boats, a bunkhouse, and church checks are welcomed for deposit and rental payment. Start on the groups page, then call 601-722-4297.