You’ve probably seen the signs for George P. Cossar State Park while barreling down I-55 in North Mississippi. Most people just keep driving. They assume it’s just another patch of pine trees and a boat ramp.
Honestly? They’re missing out on a world-class fishing spot and one of the chillest campgrounds in the Delta foothills.
Basically, if you aren't a hardcore crappie angler, this place might not even be on your radar. But it should be. It’s tucked away on the shores of Enid Lake near Oakland, and it’s got a weirdly specific claim to fame that still draws people from across the country.
The 5-Pound Legend of Enid Lake
Let’s get the big one out of the way. People come to George P. Cossar State Park for the ghosts of giant fish.
Back in 1957, a guy named Fred Bright pulled a white crappie out of Enid Lake that weighed 5 pounds and 3 ounces. Think about that for a second. Most crappie are the size of a dinner plate. This thing was a monster.
That world record still stands today.
Because of that one fish, the lake has this almost mythical status. You’ll see guys out there with $80,000 bass boats and "active sonar" (basically underwater TVs) trying to find the next record-breaker. But you don't need a fancy rig. Plenty of people just sit on the bank or the pier below the dam and pull in catfish or bream.
If you're planning to drop a line, remember that Mississippi is pretty strict about licenses. You can grab one at the park office if you’re between 16 and 65. Also, the "creel limits" are no joke—you can generally keep 10 crappie per person, but they have to be over 12 inches.
It Wasn't Always Called Cossar
The park opened in 1966, but back then it was called Yocona Ridge State Park. It wasn't until 1979 that they renamed it after George Payne Cossar, Sr.
Who was he? Just a prominent local attorney and legislator.
The "Yocona Ridge" name still lives on in the campground, though. It’s a bit of a local secret that the campground is one of the few in the Mississippi state park system that offers full hookups—sewer, water, and electric—at every single one of its 76 sites.
If you've spent any time in an RV, you know how rare that is. Most state parks make you lug a "honey wagon" to a dump station. Not here.
Cabins and "Roughing It"
If you aren't an RV person, they’ve got about 13 or 15 cabins (the count varies depending on which map you're looking at, but 13 is the standard number for the camper-style ones).
Warning: These aren't luxury villas.
They are cozy, sorta dated, but they have fireplaces and AC. If you want a weekend where you actually talk to your family instead of staring at a screen, this is the vibe. Just don't bring your dog to the cabins—they have a strict "no pets" rule for the indoor lodging, which is a bummer for some, but keeps the rooms from smelling like wet retriever.
The Disc Golf Scene is Unexpectedly Intense
You wouldn’t expect a quiet park in Yalobusha County to be a hub for disc golf, but here we are.
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They have two 18-hole courses:
- Eagle Crest: This is the "fun" one. Par 54, concrete tees, starts near the cabins. It's manageable.
- Eagle’s Nest: This is the one that humbles you. It’s an advanced, par-64 technical course. If you don't know how to "shape" a shot through thick Mississippi hardwoods, you're going to lose some plastic in the woods.
The best part? It’s free to play if you’ve already paid the park entrance fee. You can even rent discs at the office if you forgot yours.
Hiking and the "Missing" Camp Store
There’s a 2.5-mile nature trail (some call it 3 miles) that starts near the boat ramp. It’s a solid loop through pine and hardwood forest. It isn't the Grand Canyon, but it’s great for seeing deer.
Actually, the deer at George P. Cossar State Park are basically roommates with the campers. They wander through the campsites like they own the place.
Pro Tip: There is no camp store on-site.
This is where people usually mess up. If you forget milk, charcoal, or bait, you’re driving back out to Oakland or toward Batesville. The nearest "real" store is a good 10-to-15-minute drive. Pack like you're going to be stranded, because once you get that campfire going, you won't want to leave.
Why it Still Matters
In a world of "glamping" and over-manicured resorts, George P. Cossar State Park feels like Mississippi in the 80s—in a good way. It’s quiet. The stars are actually visible. The water is huge and a little bit intimidating when the wind picks up.
It’s a sportsman’s paradise, sure, but it’s also just a place to exist without a notification popping up every five seconds.
Your Next Steps
If you're ready to actually check this place out, here’s how to do it right:
- Book Early: The 35 waterfront RV sites go fast, especially during the "crappie spawn" in early spring (March/April). Use the Mississippi MDWFP reservation portal.
- Check the Water Levels: Enid Lake is a flood control reservoir managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. In the winter, they drop the lake levels significantly (the "winter pool"). If you want the full-water experience, visit between May and August.
- Pack a Putter: Even if you think mini-golf is for kids, the 18-hole course near the visitor center is a cheap way to kill an hour for four bucks.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service can be spotty once you get deep into the park.
Don't just drive past the Oakland exit next time. Pull over. Even if you don't catch a 5-pound fish, the sunset over Enid Lake is worth the $4 entry fee.