Honestly, if you go looking for a "Waveland Water Park" on a map, you might end up a little confused. Locals usually just call it Buccaneer Bay, and it sits right inside the massive Buccaneer State Park. It’s one of those places that feels like a core memory for anyone who grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
But there is a lot of outdated info floating around online. Some people think it’s still closed from the storm—which, come on, was twenty years ago—and others confuse it with the private water parks over in Gulfport.
The reality? It’s a 4.5-acre splash zone that literally overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. It’s gritty, salty, and surprisingly fun if you know how to play the system.
Why the Waveland Water Park Isn't Your Average Theme Park
Most water parks are corporate, concrete jungles. Buccaneer Bay is different because it’s a state park facility. That means it’s cheaper, but it also means it’s tucked away behind moss-draped oaks and marshlands.
You’re basically swimming on historical ground. Back in the late 1700s, Jean Lafitte and his pirate crew used to hide out right here at "Jackson’s Ridge." Andrew Jackson even used the site as a military base during the Battle of New Orleans.
Today, the only battles are over the best lounge chairs at Treasure Island (the park's 10,000-square-foot sun deck).
The centerpiece is the Pirate's Lagoon Wave Pool. It holds about 460,000 gallons of water and can crank out eight different wave patterns. You get everything from "deep ocean swales" to "beach crashing waves."
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One thing you've gotta know: they don't rent inner tubes anymore. Seriously. If you show up expecting to pay five bucks for a floatie, you’re out of luck. You have to bring your own. Most people just grab a cheap one at a gas station on Highway 90 before they pull in.
The Big Slides: Pirate’s Plank and Pirate’s Plunge
If you’re there for the adrenaline, you’re heading to the 40-foot tower. There are two main ways down.
- Pirate’s Plank: This one is a 375-foot completely enclosed tube. It’s dark, it’s fast, and you have no idea when the turn is coming until you’re sideways.
- Pirate’s Plunge: This is a 425-foot open-air twisting body slide.
They also added Splash Island recently. It’s a 5,000-square-foot area with three smaller slides and those massive tipping buckets that dump a hundred gallons of water on your head every few minutes.
It’s great for kids who aren't quite ready for the big tower but are too old for the toddler area. Speaking of toddlers, Lil’ Smuggler’s Cove is a zero-depth entry pool, so you don't have to worry about the tiny ones getting in over their heads.
What it Costs (The 2026 Reality)
State park prices have crept up a bit, but they’re still a bargain compared to the big-name parks. Generally, if you're over 48 inches tall, you’re looking at around $21.00 for a day pass. If you’re under that height, it drops to about $15.00.
They also do a "Twilight" rate from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It’s roughly half price.
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Is it worth it for two hours? Kinda. If you’re already camping at the park, it’s a perfect way to cool off before you start the campfire. If you're driving from New Orleans or Mobile, just pay the full day rate.
Pro tip: They offer seasonal passes for around $60-$70. If you plan on going more than three times, it pays for itself.
The "Abandoned" Rumors and the Landfill Mystery
If you fall down a Reddit rabbit hole, you’ll see people talking about an "abandoned water park" in Waveland.
Don't get it twisted.
There was a private park nearby that shut down in 2004 after a massive lawsuit involving a paralyzed employee. That place is a ruin now. Buccaneer Bay is very much alive.
There’s also a weird bit of trivia people bring up about the site being a former garbage dump. It's true. In the early 70s, the land was a landfill. But when the state decided to build the park, they did a massive overhaul to turn it into a recreational area.
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Does it matter today? Not really. Unless you’re planning on digging a ten-foot hole under your RV, you’d never know. The grass is lush, the oaks are huge, and the view of the Gulf is one of the best in Mississippi.
Getting There Without Bottoming Out
This is the part that gets people. If you follow Google Maps blindly, it might try to take you over a "steep train track crossing."
If you’re in a low-riding car or a big RV, you will bottom out.
The local secret: Take Highway 90 to Lake Shore Drive. Follow it all the way until it dead-ends into South Beach Blvd. This route is much flatter and saves your suspension a lot of grief.
Quick Checklist for Your Visit:
- Bring your own tubes. They won't give you one for the wave pool.
- Coolers are a no-go. They want you to buy pizza and burgers at the Sea Dog Galley.
- Check the calendar. The park usually goes to "weekends only" after the first week of August because the lifeguards (mostly college kids) head back to school.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable. There is very little shade once you’re actually in the water.
Is Buccaneer Bay Still Worth the Trip?
Look, it’s not Disney World. The Sea Dog Galley serves standard snack bar food—think nachos and chicken nuggets. The lines for the big slides can get long on a Saturday in July.
But there’s something about the salt air hitting you while you’re in a wave pool that you just don't get at inland parks. Plus, you’re right across the street from the beach.
If you want a low-stress day where you can actually afford to buy the kids an ice cream without taking out a second mortgage, this is the spot.
What to do next
Check the official MDWFP website or their Facebook page the morning you plan to go. They are notorious for closing the wave pool for maintenance without much notice. Once you confirm they're open, head out early to snag a spot at Treasure Island before the 10:00 AM rush.