When to go
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
Spring
Warm and green with alligators active and bass fishing at its best on Alligator Lake.
Pack Light layers, rain shell, and bug spray for the cypress-lined lake trail.
Summer
Hot and humid in the Delta; morning and evening are the best windows for wildlife and fishing.
Pack Sun protection, water, and heavy bug spray; alligators are most visible in warm water.
Fall
Pleasant and cooling, with good fishing, active alligators through October, and migratory birds.
Pack Light to mid-weight layers and binoculars for waterfowl and shorebirds in the Delta.
Winter
Mild by most standards, with seasonal hunting for deer, duck, and dove in the wildlife management area.
Pack Mid-weight insulation and hunting gear if pursuing seasonal hunting opportunities.
Top things to do
Alligator Lake and wild alligator population
Leroy Percy is one of the few Mississippi state parks with a resident wild alligator population. The lake is stocked with bream, catfish, and bass and is the focal point for fishing, paddling, and wildlife watching.
Alligator Lake Trail
A nature trail winding along Alligator Lake through the natural habitat of Delta hardwood forest, cypress, and ancient oaks with artesian spring influence.
Disc golf course and historic grounds
Mississippi's oldest state park, established in 1920, with a disc golf course that is part of the Southern National Disc Golf Association and picnic areas overlooking the lake.
Anchor the day around Alligator Lake and wild alligator population
Put the access rule first: shuttle, parking, timed-entry, or reservation windows should decide the order of the day. For one day in Leroy Percy State Park, make Alligator Lake and wild alligator population the non-negotiable, add Alligator Lake Trail only if the first stop runs clean, and keep Disc golf course and historic grounds as the flexible finish.
- 1Start with Alligator Lake and wild alligator population: Leroy Percy is one of the few Mississippi state parks with a resident wild alligator population. The lake is stocked with bream, catfish, and bass and is the focal.
- 2Add Alligator Lake Trail: A nature trail winding along Alligator Lake through the natural habitat of Delta hardwood forest, cypress, and ancient oaks with artesian spring influence.
- 3Use Disc golf course and historic grounds as the optional finish, not as a reason to rush the whole day.
Plan your trip
Turn Leroy Percy's conditions into water, pack, and sleep-system decisions.
Build around conditions
Let season, elevation, and weather set the plan.
Plan your trip
4 quick tools, already seeded for Leroy Percy State Park. Tune the numbers around temperature swings, footing, layers, and how much margin the route needs.
What to pack
Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.
Kit Authority
Leroy Percy State Park packing list
0 of 24 packed. Check items as you pack, then take this list to the store, trailhead, or campsite.
Pack planning
Decide what Leroy Percy State Park asks of your kit before you start checking boxes.
Use this as a constraint check while you are still shaping the trip. The active checklist becomes useful once your route, dates, and sleep plan are set.
- First constraintHydration and exposureWater, Electrolyte mix, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, 4 more
- Route realityFooting and tractionHiking boots, Hiking socks, Trekking poles
- Load choicePack and carry systemDaypack
- If overnightSleep and shelterTent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping pad
Checklist mode
24 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
- Dates and season are set.
- Primary route, campground, or lodge is chosen.
- Water, footwear, and overnight needs are sized.
One researched pick
The first gear decision for Leroy Percy
A stable daypack is the one purchase that organizes water, layers, food, first aid, and the small safety margin.
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THE DAY-HIKE PICK
Osprey Talon 22
- Volume
- 22 L
- Weight
- 2 lb 1 oz (945 g)
- Back Panel
- AirScape foam with ventilation channels
- Hipbelt Pockets
- 2 zippered
- Hydration
- Compatible up to 3 L reservoir (sold separately)
- Warranty
- All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime repair or replace)
The Talon 22 is the daypack you see on the trail more than any other for good reason: it packs in a padded hipbelt, adjustable torso harness, and dual hipbelt pockets into a 22-liter package that handles loads up to 20 lb without complaint. Owners across hundreds of Amazon ratings consistently cite its adjustability and durability as standouts.
- Adjustable torso fit covers a wide range of body sizes
- Padded hipbelt and dual hipbelt pockets at this size are rare
- At 2 lb 1 oz it runs heavier than ultralight rivals for the same volume
Best for
Hikers who want a proven all-around daypack with solid load support, plenty of adjustment, and a warranty they can actually use.
Gear for Leroy Percy
The buying guides that match what Leroy Percy asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
Where to stay
The park has 16 developed RV sites with full hookups, three wooded tent camping sites, eight vacation cabins near Alligator Lake with air conditioning and fireplaces, and a group camp sleeping up to 44. All overnight facilities are reservable through reserve.mdwfp.com or by calling the park at (662) 827-5436. Hollandale is nearby; Greenville is about 25 miles away.
Camping reservations
Camping reservations
Reserve Leroy Percy cabins and campsites through reserve.mdwfp.com or by phone.
The eight lakeside cabins are the main draw for overnight stays; they fill for fishing and hunting weekends. The 16 RV hookup sites and tent camping area provide camping alternatives.
Reviewed June 11, 2026
Booking window
Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance through the online reservation system or by calling the park at (662) 827-5436.
- 16 developed RV sites with water, sewer, and electrical hookups; a bathhouse with showers is nearby.
- Eight vacation cabins near Alligator Lake with air conditioning, heat, bed and bath linens, basic kitchen equipment, and fireplaces.
- Pets and smoking are not allowed inside any Mississippi state park cabins or lodging.
Where to book or verify
Official MDWFP online reservation system for Leroy Percy campsites and cabins.
Official MDWFP park page for facilities, fishing, hunting, and trail details.
Check for federal campground, backcountry, tour, and permit inventory tied to this park.
Campgrounds to know
Leroy Percy developed campground and tent sites
Details- Booking
- Up to 12 months ahead through reserve.mdwfp.com or by phone.
- Season
- Open year-round.
- Sites
- 16 full-hookup RV sites (water, sewer, electricity) and 3 wooded tent camping sites.
- Bathhouse with hot showers and a laundry facility are near the developed camping area.
Getting there and practical info
Build the arrival around the reservation.
Entry windows, permit pickups, and drive time should be checked before the itinerary gets crowded.
Getting there
Get to Leroy Percy State Park with the required window already protected.
- Access rhythm
- Plan the last mile
- Region
- Mississippi
Arrival note
Leroy Percy State Park is at 1400 Highway 12W, five miles west of Hollandale, Mississippi, in the flat Delta landscape about 30 miles south of Greenville.
Car strategy
Drive west on Highway 12 from Hollandale and the park entrance is on the right.
Local movement
From Greenville, allow about 40 minutes.
Pair this with lodging: choose the base that keeps the reservation or permit pickup from becoming the hardest part of the day.
Can you photograph here? Permit and drone rules
Mississippi requires no state filming permits or fees; the film office keeps your location agreement and insurance on file, and state parks arrange commercial shoots park by park.
- Permit
- Usually fine for personal shoots; commercial or large productions can need a permit
- Drones
- Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107
- Land
- Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US
From our photography sister site, Aperture Authority. Verified 2026-07-01.
Frequently asked questions
Are there real alligators at Leroy Percy State Park?
Yes. Leroy Percy is known for its resident wild alligator population in and around Alligator Lake. They are especially visible during warmer months from spring through fall. Visitors should keep a safe distance and never feed them.
What is the history of Leroy Percy State Park?
It is Mississippi's oldest state park, established in 1920 and named for a prominent Delta planter and U.S. Senator. The park is characterized by artesian springs, ancient cypress and oak trees, and Delta hardwood forest.
Can you fish at Leroy Percy State Park?
Yes. Alligator Lake is stocked with bream, catfish, and bass. A Mississippi fishing license is required for anglers between ages 16 and 65; licenses can be purchased at the park office. A boat launch is available for a small fee.
Does Leroy Percy State Park have cabins?
Yes. There are eight vacation cabins near Alligator Lake, each with air conditioning, heat, bed and bath linens, basic kitchen equipment, and a fireplace. Reserve up to 12 months ahead through reserve.mdwfp.com or by calling (662) 827-5436.