Campers head to Choctaw Lake for Memorial Day weekend

CHOCTAW COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- For many people, heading to the campground for some family fun is a Memorial Day weekend tradition.

“It’s kind of like the unofficial kickoff of summer,” said Forestry Technician John Furr.

Furr said the holiday couldn’t have fallen at a better time.

“The recreation work and the use of these type areas, I’ve noticed over the years, are very dependant on the weather. We have a really nice forecast, you know, for this weekend and the next few days ahead. It’s going to be pretty busy out here,” said Furr.

In fact, the nice weather provides campers with an opportunity to swim, hike, have a picnic, or even go fishing.

“My dad and me come camping sometimes. We like to enter the fish contest. I caught one, but it didn’t have the tag on it,” said 8-year-old Braden Steadman.

Furr said when it comes to using the lake’s facilities, safety is the park’s number one priority.

“You know in the swimming area its always good to have a partner and never swim alone and have someone accountable for each other. If you’re in a boat, be sure to wear your life jackets,” said Furr.

He said the lake provides a safe and fun place for people who otherwise wouldn’t have anywhere to go for the weekend.

“A lot of people depend on public places like this to come to because they don’t have a place to go, especially in a rural area like we’re in. They look to federal and state agencies to have places to come,” said Furr.

However, Furr said the park is about more than just having a good time.

“When you come out like this, you can kind of leave your cell phones at home, and you can spend time with mom and dad and aunt and uncle and your cousins, brothers, and sisters. Just enjoy the outdoors. There’s a lot to offer in the outdoors that you don’t see unless you get out here and participate in it,” said Furr.

Park employees say the $5 entry fee, as well as the donations, goes toward helping keep the park clean and functional.

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