Description

On August 29, 2005, Buccaneer State Park took a direct hit from the most devastating storm in U.S. history, Hurricane Katrina. Winds of over 140 MPH and a tidal surge of over 28 feet completely leveled all of Buccaneer's 15 structures, support facilities, infrastructure and waterpark. The park has been under complete and varying reconstruction over the last five years. Buccaneer has been beautifully restored with state-of-the-art facilities and still provides a fun and exciting family recreational environment. There is still much work to be done to bring the park completely back. Phase III of park reconstruction includes the park's camp store, pavilion, laundry facilities, meeting rooms, picnic area, site amenities and Buccaneer Bay Waterpark Phase III construction is set to begin January 2012.

Located on the beach in Waveland, Buccaneer is in a natural setting of large moss-draped oaks, marshlands and the Gulf of Mexico. Use of this land was first recorded in history in the last 1700's when Jean Lafitte and his followers were active in smuggling and pirating along the coast. The French Buccaneer Lafitte, inhabited the old Pirate House located a short distance from what is now the park. The park site, also known as Jackson's Ridge, was used as a base of military operations by Andrew Jackson during the battle of New Orleans. Jackson returned to this area and built a house on land that is now Buccaneer State Park.

Buccaneer has made many changes after the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Now, all 149 previous campsites have full-hook ups. Royal Cay's 57 sites are also set with sewer as well, giving the park now 206 sites available with water, electricity and sewer. An additional 70 sites are set on a grassy field overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. These sites were redesigned after the storm, for easier parking and convenience for the visitor. These sites only have electricity and water services, are open on a limited basis and available by walk-in only. A central dumping station is located a short distance. The park has a total of 276 campsites.

Recreation:

Pirate's Alley Nature Trail
This Nature Area was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina. Nearly 8,000 trees were lost due to wind and tidal surge. Four years of new growth has changed the look but still provide an opportunity for visitors to see nature in its most natural setting. This 1.8 mile self-guided trail encompasses many species of Oaks, Sweet Bay Magnolias and a variety of endidgus plants of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A pier and gazebo extend over Mud Bayou's canal where visitors may spot some Brown Pelicans, Egrets or feeding Blue Crabs.

Disc Golf
Jackson's Ridge Par 3 Disc Golf course has 2350 ft. of playing course. Designed to be challenging for the pro, is also novice friendly with both amateur and pro tee boxes. There is no charge to play but the normal park entrance fee is applied.

Facilities:

Developed Camping
Buccaneer has made many changes after the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Now, all 149 previous campsites have full-hook ups. Royal Cay's 57 sites are also set with sewer as well, giving the park now 206 sites available with water, electricity and sewer. An additional 70 sites are set on a grassy field overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. These sites were redesigned after the storm, for easier parking and convince for the visitor. These sites only have electricity and water services, are open on a limited basis and available by walk-in only. A central dumping station is located a short distance. The park now has a total of 276 premium sites.


Primitive Camping
25 primitive sites are nestled in the back of Royal Cay camping. A shell road takes you as deep into a wooded area near Grand Bayou. These sites are completely primitive with no services. Restroom facilities are located approximately 200 yards from the primitive camping area.


Bathhouses
Buccaneer State Park has 3 new bathhouses constructed after Katrina completely destroyed the previous ones. These new bathhouses are ADA accessible, have hot showers and are state-of-the-art design.


Pavilions
Three new pavilions were built as part of the reconstruction. Pavilion 1 is located in Buccaneer's day use area, on Beach Boulevard and across Grand Bayou. Pavilion I is currently closed and in Phase 3 construction. Pavilion 3 is located on the main park across from Buccaneer Bay Waterpark. Both pavilions 1 & 3 can seat approximately 100 people and have ADA accessible restrooms.


Worship Services
Hanging Moss Amphitheater is located in the campground across from Jean Lafitte campsites and overlooks Mudd Bayou. Non-demonational services are held every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Sunday Service begins at 8:30.


Campstore
A seasonal camp store is available with camping supplies, ice, convenient store items, souvenirs and wearing apparel. An activities center within the complex with video arcade, pool tables, ping pong tables, foosh-ball table is open daily. Laundry facilities are located inside the complex, but are currently not available. Construction on the camp store/activities building is set to begin January 2012 .

Nearby Attractions:

Area Attractions

New Orleans French Quarter

World War II D-Day Museum

French Market

Beauvoir Jefferson Davis Shrine

Aquarium of the Americas

Deep Sea Fishing

Stennis-Sphere, NASA

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center


Annual Events

Mardi Gras (1 month up to Ash Wednesday)

BCS Sugar Bowl, Super Dome

Senior Bowl, Mobile Alabama

Nerids Mardi Gras Parade, Waveland

St. Patrick Day Parade Waveland

Blessing of the Fleet, Biloxi

Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo

Cruisin's The Coast

OLG Crab Festival


Buccaneer Bay Waterpark
Buccaneer Bay Waterpark is currently closed and under construction!


Pirate's Lagoon Wave Pool
Mississippi's first wave pool is undergoing massive reconstruction after Hurricane Katrina's devastating wind and tidal surge. This 460,000 gallon wave action pool provides 4 foot surf and lots of fun and excitement. Deck furniture is available for sun-bathing and for lounging. 17,400 square feet of swimming area


Pirate's Plunge Waterslide
This double waterslide takes you over 700 feet of twisting and turning excitement before splashing into the cool waters below. Each flume, one completely enclosed, provides its own unique set of twist, turns and drops, that are unique and fun for all ages. Children must be 42's tall to ride Pilate's Plunge.


Lil's Smugglers Cove
This zero depth pool is ADA accessable and is designed for small children just learning about the water. Pirate Flags with tipping buckets create a splashing good time for everyone.


Sea Dog Galley Concessions
This full service concession stands provides, hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, grilled chicken sandwiches, BBQ, nachos and a variety of treats that will feed any appetite. Food court tables, chairs and umbrellas are located for shady, cool dining.