Sunday, July 26, 2009

The Natchez Trace Parkway – Ross Barnett Reservoir, Jackson, MS

We continued our day trip from the Choctaw Agency (MM 100.7) north along the reservoir. Almost immediately, we discovered access to the parkway from Ridgeland, location of the Mississippi Crafts Center. Several interesting sites/pull-offs follow in the next 4 or 5 miles, one of which is the Reservoir Overlook (MM 105.6). The parkway parallels the reservoir for the next 8 miles.

BarnettReservoirOverlook

The 31,000 acre reservoir is owned/managed by the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District. The dam is on the northern edge of Jackson; the reservoir then stretches north up the Pearl River for just over 15 miles. There are 105 miles of shoreline. It provides Jackson’s water supply and is a major recreational focal point for the area.

There are 4 campgrounds on the reservoir, all supervised by the Pearl River Water Supply District. Two are convenient for use while visiting Jackson or pausing on a journey on the parkway. Timberlake Campground is nearest the city and all amenities (see earlier post). Goshen Springs Campground is a bit further north. Both are within easy access to the Natchez Trace Parkway. The fee for a full-hookup RV site is $24/night; senior citizens receive a $2 discount so pay $22/night. In summer, it’s wise to call for a reservation. The website and phone numbers are:

http://www.rossbarnettreservoir.org/about.html

Timberlake Campground: 601-992-9100, 143 Timberlake Dr., Brandon, MS 39047; Goshen Springs: 601-829-2751, 4248 Hwy. 43 North, Brandon, MS 39047

No comments: