Ford Yates Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ford Yates Park is a popular recreational area located in the state of Mississippi.


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Summary

It is an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking. The park is named after Ford Yates, a former Mississippi legislator, who worked tirelessly to establish the park in the 1960s.

Among the things to see and do at Ford Yates Park are the beautiful lake, hiking trails, and playgrounds for children. Visitors can also rent cabins, RV sites, or campsites for an overnight stay. The park also has a well-maintained boat ramp for those who enjoy fishing or boating.

One of the most interesting facts about Ford Yates Park is that it is situated on a former gravel pit that has been transformed into a pristine outdoor recreational area. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer and turkey.

The best time of year to visit Ford Yates Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. However, visitors can also enjoy the park during the summer months when the lake is perfect for swimming and boating.

In summary, Ford Yates Park is a wonderful place to visit in Mississippi for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking. The park offers a variety of recreational facilities, including cabins, campsites, and playgrounds. It is also a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including the lake and wildlife. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall, but it is also enjoyable during the summer months.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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