Shongelo
Parking
0.3 mi
Mississippi 39153
Shongelo is a ghost town in Smith County, in the U.S. state of Mississippi.
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
PondMS
Shongelo
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Explore Shongelo Lake photos and planning notes near Raleigh, Mississippi. Check Forest Service access and facility status before planning swimming or camping.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
Confirm present water access with the Bienville Ranger District. Historical swimming references and platform photographs do not authorize diving or jumping.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Pond
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
Current admission and payment arrangements not verified. Do not rely on the former no-fee label.
Best season
Choose a visit only after confirming current operations and permitted activities
Nearby towns
Jackson, Raleigh
Water body
Natural Water
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Jackson, Raleigh
Access location not verified
32.09867, -89.51275
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Shongelo
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
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
- Official sources checked . Swimming permission remains unconfirmed.
- 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.
Check access before planning Shongelo
Shongelo is a wooded lake recreation reference near Raleigh, Mississippi. Smith County's visitor page places it about five miles north of town and describes a swimming area, picnic sites, camping and a short loop trail. Treat that as background, not confirmation that those services operate today.
A facility proposal changes the planning advice
The Forest Service project summary describes a proposal to remove amenities at Shongelo and Marathon because of deterioration and limited use. Its October 17, 2024 update shows an in-progress status and estimated December 2024 milestones. Estimated dates do not prove the work happened, and this page does not establish today's opening status. Contact the Bienville Ranger District before arranging a swim or overnight stay.
What the gallery actually shows
Reviewed historical photographs show the lake, entrance signs and timber access structures. One includes a no-lifeguard warning, and another has walkway caution notices. A photographed platform does not establish safe depth or permission to jump. These images illustrate the setting without promising maintained facilities or current water access.
Resolve the practical questions first
Ask whether the gate and lake access are open, which activities are permitted, and whether restrooms, drinking water or camping remain available. Confirm fees and parking rather than assuming the old free-entry label is accurate. The retained directory pin is unverified and should not be treated as an exact arrival point. Do not use the project contact's office address as directions to the lake.
Getting There
Confirm the Shongelo Recreation Area entrance and permitted parking with the Bienville Ranger District before travel. The retained historical pin is not a verified parking or water-entry point. Do not rely on old fixed turn distances or use the Forest project contact's office address as lake arrival directions.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Current gate hours, seasonal opening dates and permitted activities remain unverified. The linked project page is planning evidence, not a live opening notice.
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
Confirm present water access with the Bienville Ranger District. Historical swimming references and platform photographs do not authorize diving or jumping. 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.
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
Raleigh
Parking
4.5 mi
Mississippi 39153
Raleigh is a town in and the county seat of Smith County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 1,094 at the 2020 census. Named for English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh, Raleigh has been home to such Mississippians as Governor Robert Lowry, Governor/U.S. Senator Anselm McLaurin and pioneer William H. Hardy.
Forestry Department
Campground
7.4 mi
5 (1)
505 Magnolia Dr, Raleigh, MS 39153
Bienville National Forest
National forest
11.7 mi
4.3 (1461)
Lake, MS 39092
Vast preserve with lakes & trails offering recreational options such as hunting, hiking & fishing.
Cycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroomRestroom
Turtle Point Nature Trail
Hiking area
35.7 mi
4.8 (22)
Scenic Dr, Brandon, MS 39047
Restroom and Showers
Public bathroom
40.4 mi
5 (2)
LeFleur's Bluff State Park Mayes Lake, Lakeland Terrace, Jackson, MS 39216
Frequently Asked Questions About Shongelo
Is Shongelo Lake open now?
Current opening status was not verified. The linked Forest Service planning page has an older update and estimated milestones; contact the Bienville Ranger District for today's access information.
Can I swim, dive or jump at Shongelo?
Current swimming permission is unverified. Historical photographs are not permission to enter the water, and a platform is not proof of safe depth for diving or jumping.
Can I camp at Shongelo?
Confirm current camping permission and an available site directly before planning an overnight stay. An older visitor description is not a current campsite booking or service guarantee.
Is Shongelo free to visit?
Current fees and payment arrangements were not verified. Ask about admission when checking access rather than relying on the old no-fee label.
Highlights
Wooded lake setting
Named recreation-area entrance in reviewed photography
Facility-status questions to resolve before travel
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump or dive from pictured platforms
- Photographs do not measure depth, underwater hazards or water quality
- No current lifeguard service verified; comply with current warnings and do not enter deteriorated or closed structures
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The entrance photograph includes a Shongelo historical marker beside the Bienville National Forest recreation sign. The old community and today's recreation access are separate subjects.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Four historical images show the wooded lake, named entrance signs, a timber walkway with caution notices and a no-lifeguard warning. They are context, not proof of today's operating condition.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect gates and site restrictions, pack out litter and avoid closed or deteriorated structures.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose a visit only after confirming current operations and permitted activities; no reliable gate schedule established.
Difficulty Level
Historical steps and timber walkways do not establish an accessible or currently maintained route. Confirm footing and access arrangements for your party.
Fee
Current admission and payment arrangements not verified. Do not rely on the former no-fee label.
Facilities
Do not count on functioning restrooms, drinking water or an accessible water-entry route. Ask the district which facilities remain available.
Activities
Lake scenery and historical recreation context; confirm lawful entry and permitted activities before visiting. Swimming, camping, diving and jumping are not verified current offerings.
Phone
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
Do not plan an overnight stay until the district confirms camping is currently permitted and identifies an available site. No current reservation or campsite service verified.
Loading weather data…
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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