Percy E Quin State Park - Group Camp

For Mississippians planning large gatherings, whether it's a multi-family reunion, a youth group retreat, or a special organizational event, Percy E Quin State Park offers a unique and dedicated solution: the Group Camp. Situated within the expansive and popular Percy E Quin State Park in Summit, this specialized facility is designed to accommodate bigger parties, providing a structured yet natural environment for memorable shared experiences. Overlooking the scenic Lake Tangipahoa, the Group Camp blends the beauty of Mississippi's outdoors with specific amenities tailored for sizable groups.

This article is specifically crafted for locals in Mississippi, aiming to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Percy E Quin State Park's Group Camp. We will delve into its convenient location and accessibility, detail the specialized services and facilities it offers, and highlight the unique features that make it a standout choice for accommodating large groups. While acknowledging some past concerns from reviews, we'll focus on its intended purpose and the overall potential it holds for fostering camaraderie and enjoying the natural splendor of Lake Tangipahoa. If you're coordinating a significant gathering and seeking a dedicated space in a beautiful state park setting, the Group Camp at Percy E Quin could be the perfect solution for your next big event in Mississippi.

Percy E Quin State Park's Group Camp is located at Summit, MS 39666, USA. This places it in Pike County, in southwest Mississippi, approximately six miles south of the city of McComb. The park is conveniently situated just off Interstate 55, a major north-south artery in Mississippi, making it highly accessible for residents traveling from various parts of the state, including Jackson, Hattiesburg, or even those coming up from the Gulf Coast.

The ease of access via I-55 is a significant advantage for groups traveling to the camp, as it minimizes complex navigation and allows for relatively straightforward journeys, even for larger vehicles or buses transporting participants. Once within Percy E Quin State Park, internal roads lead to the Group Camp area. While the main park roads are typically paved, visitors should be aware that some internal park roads, or those specifically leading to certain facilities, might be narrower or less perfectly maintained, as is common in state park settings. However, the overall accessibility of the park from a major interstate ensures that logistical planning for group arrivals is considerably simplified. The park itself is spread around the beautiful 490-acre Lake Tangipahoa, providing a scenic backdrop for the Group Camp facilities. This blend of convenient interstate access and a serene natural setting makes it an attractive and practical choice for any large gathering in Mississippi.

Percy E Quin State Park's Group Camp is specifically designed with large groups in mind, offering a set of services and facilities distinct from individual campsites. Based on available information and user reviews, here’s what can be expected:

• Multiple Group Huts: The primary accommodation consists of "eight separate group huts." These huts are communal bunkhouse-style buildings, each designed to "sleep up to 14 people," allowing for a total capacity of over 100 individuals for large gatherings.
• Communal Sleeping Arrangements: As described, the huts likely feature bunk beds or racks, providing basic, high-capacity sleeping quarters.
• Large Outdoor Pavilion: A significant amenity is the "large outdoor pavilion," which serves as a central gathering point for groups. This covered space is ideal for meals, activities, meetings, or simply as a sheltered area for social interaction, regardless of weather conditions.
• Separate Cafeteria: The presence of a "separate cafeteria" is a key service for group camps, indicating a dedicated facility for preparing and serving meals to large numbers of people. This often includes kitchen facilities (though access may be restricted to park staff or designated caterers) and dining areas.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities within Huts/Nearby: While one review mentioned issues like "floors stay wet from shower steam" and "inadequate ventilation" within huts, this indicates that the huts themselves or nearby facilities offer showers and restrooms, which are essential for accommodating large numbers of campers. The existence of "separate bathhouses with hot showers" in other areas of the park suggests a commitment to providing such amenities.
• Air Conditioning (A/C): At least some huts are equipped with "A/C, which works great," a crucial amenity for comfort during Mississippi's warm seasons.
• Recreational Access: Guests at the Group Camp have access to the broader park's extensive recreational offerings (see Features/Highlights below).
• Reservations: Group Camp facilities typically require reservations well in advance due to their popularity for large events. Contacting the park directly is essential for booking.

Percy E Quin State Park's Group Camp, by virtue of its design and location within the larger state park, offers several notable features and highlights for large groups:

• Dedicated Facilities for Large Groups: The most significant highlight is its specialized design for "large groups" with "eight separate group huts" and a high sleeping capacity. This makes it ideal for family reunions, scout troops, church groups, and educational retreats who need dedicated, shared accommodation.
• Scenic Views of Lake Tangipahoa: The Group Camp offers a "great view of Lake Tangipahoa," providing a picturesque natural backdrop for activities and relaxation. The 490-acre lake is a central feature of the park.
• Centralized Outdoor Pavilion: The "large outdoor pavilion" is a valuable asset, offering a versatile, covered space for communal activities, dining, or simply gathering, protecting groups from sun or rain.
• On-Site Cafeteria: The "separate cafeteria" simplifies meal planning and preparation for large groups, making it easier to manage food service for numerous attendees.
• Access to Lake Activities: Campers at the Group Camp have access to Lake Tangipahoa, which offers a wide array of activities including fishing, boating (with boat launch and marina available), waterskiing, and jet skiing.
• Extensive Park Amenities: Beyond the group camp, visitors can utilize the broader state park's amenities, which include picnic areas, a swimming pool, playgrounds, tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course (Quail Hollow), and a game room.
• Hiking and Nature Trails: The park features a four-mile nature trail and other paved trails suitable for hiking, offering opportunities for nature observation, wildlife viewing (deer, geese, alligators), and leisurely walks.
• Year-Round Operation: As a state park facility, it's generally available year-round, allowing groups to plan events in different seasons, as evidenced by a family spending "the week of Thanksgiving here."
• Proximity to McComb: Being near McComb provides convenient access to town amenities, supplies, and services if needed during a group stay.

For detailed information, availability, and reservations for Percy E Quin State Park - Group Camp, it is best to contact the park directly, as it is managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

• Address: Summit, MS 39666, USA (The general park address is often listed as 2036 Percy Quin Dr, McComb, MS 39648.)
• Primary Park Phone: (601) 684-3938 (This is the main contact number for Percy E Quin State Park and should be used for inquiries about the Group Camp, reservations, and general park information.)
• Mississippi State Parks Reservations Line: 1-800-GO-PARKS (This centralized reservation line can also assist with bookings for state park facilities, including group camps.)

It is highly recommended to contact the park directly well in advance, especially when planning for a large group. They can provide the most current information on Group Camp availability, specific rules and regulations for group stays, pricing, and any seasonal considerations or restrictions that might affect your visit. Inquire about the condition of the huts and facilities at the time of booking to manage expectations.

For Mississippians, Percy E Quin State Park's Group Camp represents an incredibly valuable resource, perfectly suited for fostering community, strengthening family bonds, and facilitating large-scale youth activities. Its primary suitability lies in its dedicated infrastructure for substantial gatherings, providing a rare opportunity for groups exceeding standard camping capacities to come together in a natural, controlled environment. The provision of eight separate group huts, each capable of sleeping up to 14 people, along with a "large outdoor pavilion" and "separate cafeteria," offers a robust solution for multi-family reunions, church retreats, school trips, and Scouting events that often struggle to find appropriate accommodations.

The ability to host a Thanksgiving week gathering, as highlighted by a local review, underscores its utility for significant family traditions, allowing multiple generations to stay together and create shared memories. While one review mentioned specific maintenance concerns like "squeaky bunks" or "mildew smell," the overall design and commitment to providing core amenities like A/C (which "works great") demonstrate the park's effort to make large group stays feasible and as comfortable as possible in a rustic setting. These facilities greatly simplify the logistics for organizers, reducing the stress of finding accommodation and communal spaces.

Furthermore, the Group Camp's location within the beautiful Percy E Quin State Park, overlooking Lake Tangipahoa, means that group activities extend far beyond the camp itself. Access to the lake for fishing, boating, and swimming, along with the park's extensive hiking trails, playgrounds, and even a golf course, ensures that there are diverse recreational options for all ages and interests within the group. This allows Mississippians to experience the beauty of their state's outdoors together, fostering a deeper appreciation for local natural resources. The ease of access from I-55 also makes it a practical choice, minimizing travel burdens for participants coming from various parts of Mississippi.

In conclusion, for Mississippi locals aiming to organize an impactful and enjoyable event for a large number of people, Percy E Quin State Park's Group Camp offers a purpose-built, scenic, and amenity-rich option. It provides the necessary scale and supporting facilities to make large group gatherings not just possible, but truly memorable, solidifying its place as a cornerstone for communal outdoor experiences in the state.

Percy E Quin State Park - Group Camp

Summit, MS 39666, USA