Generated illustration of a natural swimming setting; not a photograph of this location
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Two Separate Creek And River ParksMS

Mendenhall Region Swimming Spots

By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated

Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.

Compare Merit Water Park on Rials Creek with D'Lo on the Strong River, keeping swimming context, camping and facilities specific to each park.

Water type
Two Separate Creek And River Parks
Access
Informal
Fee
Confirm the destination and activity charge; no blanket free-access claim.
Best season
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date
Nearby towns
Mendenhall, D'Lo, Pinola
Water body
Rials Creek At Merit; Strong River At D'Lo

Location

Map & Directions

MS
Nearby towns
Mendenhall, D'Lo, Pinola
Access location not verified
Pinola, MS
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.

Sources & checks

This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.

Swimming rules
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
Access location not verified
The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
Record updated
· This is a data update, not a field visit.

Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.

Two named parks, not one shared facilities list

The historical Mendenhall reference names Merit Water Park on Rials Creek and D'Lo Water Park on the Strong River. Visit Mississippi describes Merit as a swimming-hole destination. D'Lo's current operator guidance addresses swimming in its waters as well as floats, kayaking, canoeing and accommodations. Choose the exact park and activity rather than applying one park's facilities or booking terms to both.

Merit: check the exact creek visit

The state's tourism page identifies Rials Creek and its waterfall context, but does not certify a surveyed pool depth, a natural slide or current lifeguard coverage. Obtain current park rules and lawful parking instructions. The archived shop-side parking description is not an independently confirmed present entrance.

D'Lo: swimming rules and a separately booked stay

The operator's swimming guidance states that no lifeguard is on duty and children must remain accompanied by an adult. Follow posted rules and the park and picnic area's no-glass rule. Swimming is subject to current conditions and individual ability; that guidance is not clearance for every Strong River bank, a safe pool-depth guarantee or a policy for Merit.

D'Lo publishes remodeled cabins, glamping and RV/camper accommodation with full hookups, alongside river floats and other recreation. Visit Mississippi also lists a bathhouse and canoe/shuttle services. Confirm the current package, hours and charge at 601-847-4310. D'Lo accommodation does not authorize overnight use at Merit, and rental services do not establish permission at every Strong River bank. Avoid jumps, rock slides and water entry during unsuitable flow.

Getting There

Identify Merit or D'Lo first and obtain that park's current entrance and lawful parking instructions. Do not use an old shop-side route as current approval.

Access Notes

Confirm the exact named destination, permitted activity and current notices before travel. Regional sources do not authorize every archived water approach.

Plan Your Visit

Parking & Access

Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.

Regulations & Fees

D'Lo: no lifeguard, children accompanied by an adult, no glass in park and picnic areas, and follow current posted rules. These terms do not replace Merit's own rules. Do not jump, dive or use natural slides. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.

Seasonality & Flow

Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.

What to Bring

Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.

Nearby Facilities

Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.

Map data retrieved 2026-06-15

Mendenhall Sports Complex

Park

4.1 (59)

113 Baseball Drive, Mendenhall, MS 39114

Baseball fieldPicnic tablesPublic restroom

Clark Creek Natural Area

State park

4.7 (545)

366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669

Trails wind through this 700-acre public space with diverse trees, wildlife & over 50 waterfalls.

Public restroom

Clear Springs Nature Trail

Hiking area

4.5 (84)

Sardis, MS 38666

Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge Fontainebleau Nature Trail

Hiking area

4.7 (98)

Ocean Springs, MS 39564

D'Lo Water Park

Campground

4.5 (433)

135 D'Lo Park Rd, Mendenhall, MS 39114

State-run park on the Strong River offers camping options, canoe outfitting, ballfields & more.

Barbecue grillBaseball fieldPicnic tablesPublic restroom

Dry Creek Reservoir and Campground

Campground

4.6 (82)

13 Water Park Rd, Mt Olive, MS 39119

Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water

Forestry Department

Campground

4.4 (5)

2355 Simpson Hwy 49, Mendenhall, MS 39114

Mendenhall City Hall

City government office

5 (4)

172 W Maud Ave, Mendenhall, MS 39114

Restroom

Frequently Asked Questions About Mendenhall Region Swimming Spots

Which two parks does this listing describe?

Merit Water Park on Rials Creek and D'Lo Water Park on the Strong River near Mendenhall.

Is Merit described as a swimming destination?

Yes. Visit Mississippi identifies a swimming hole at Merit. Confirm current park permission, conditions and the actual entrance before water entry.

What swimming rules does D'Lo publish?

The operator states there is no lifeguard and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Follow current posted rules and the park and picnic area's no-glass rule; do not transfer these terms or current conditions to Merit.

Can I camp at either park under one booking?

No. D'Lo lists cabins, glamping and RV/camper accommodation; those arrangements do not establish camping at Merit.

Are natural chutes approved slides?

No surveyed slide landing or jumping permission is established by the tourism description. Do not use rock chutes as slides or jump into pools.

Can I rely on the old store-side parking directions?

Treat them as historical context. Ask for current lawful parking and the exact authorized approach rather than assuming the old shop route remains available.

Location & Area Map

Safety Information

Important Safety Tips

  • Do not jump, dive or use rope swings
  • Water appearance does not establish depth, current, water quality, underwater hazards or an exit

Cultural & Historical Context

Historical Background

Respect protected sites and local rules; no invented cultural associations.

Photography Guide

Photo Opportunities

Photograph only from permitted viewpoints and respect visitors' privacy. Scenery is not a current water-condition report.

Conservation & Ethics

Protect This Place

Respect property boundaries, use authorized routes and carry out waste.

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At a Glance

Best Time to Visit
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date.
Difficulty Level
No verified accessible descent or surveyed route to an informal water entry.
Fee
Confirm the destination and activity charge; no blanket free-access claim.
Facilities
Check Merit facilities independently; no shared lifeguard or pool-depth assurance.
Activities
State-tourism-supported Merit swimming context; D'Lo operator-supported swimming, floats, canoeing and kayaking subject to current conditions and posted rules.
Phone
601-847-4310 (D'Lo only)

Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

Camping Information

D'Lo accommodations require separate operator booking; no Merit overnight authorization established.

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Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

  • Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
  • Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
  • Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
  • Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
  • Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
  • Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes

Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.

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