Parks and the outdoors in Oxford

8 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Oxford.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Do
John W. Kyle State Park
Features 20 air-conditioned cabins, furnished with basic kitchen equipment and bed and bath linens. All of the cabins are near the water, have fire places and accommodate up to four people. There are 2 cabins on the Mallard Pointe Golf Course. Each of these cabins consists of 4 bedrooms, and they're equipped much the same as the other cabins. Reservations are required.
Do
Puskus Lake Recreation Area
About 10 miles east of Oxford on Highway 30. The Puskus Lake Recreation Area is a lovely place to enjoy the natural beauty of the Holly Springs National Forest. Those looking for an alternative to crowded, concrete recreation areas will delight in Puskus Lake's natural beauty and quiet setting. Its remote setting, convenient to Oxford, provides a perfect atmosphere for camping, fishing, hiking and relaxing.
See
University Museum
Features Greek and Roman antiques, 19th-century scientific instruments, the Theora Hamblett collection, a growing Southern folk art collection, and other temporary exhibits. There is an unpaved natural trail that leads from the museum parking lot to Rowan Oak (Faulkner's home). It is an easy walk that will give you a glimpse of an old-growth Mississippi forest, and it will also give you an idea of the jungle that the first settlers here had to clear in order to build their plantations.
Tue-Sat 9:30AM-4:30PM, Sun 1-4PM, closed most University holidays
Do
Wall Doxey State Park
Offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities in a setting rich in natural beauty centered around a 60-acre, spring-fed lake.
Day use $4/vehicle and $.50 per person over 6 people
Do Not mapped
Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts
A performing arts center featuring a range of performances from classical and popular artists, noted speakers and theatrical performances. The grounds also include a memorial rose garden and a smaller sculpture.
Do Not mapped
Mallard Pointe Golf Course
A public 18-hole golf course just outside of Oxford in the beautiful John Kyle State Park. This has been ranked as one of the great public courses to play by several golf publications. For Ole Miss students M-Th, it's less than $17 including cart. For weekend visitors, it's about $45.
Do Not mapped
Sardis Lake/Clear Creek
The Sardis Lake area offers a wide variety of recreational activities such as camping, fishing, boating, skiing, picnicking, and more. There are 32 sites available with electricity, picnic tables, grills, water hookups, etc. Campground is open year round. Reservations must be made in advance.
Eat Not mapped
Taylor Grocery
Taylor Grocery
This may well be the best catfish place in the world. Rustic atmosphere in a historic former grocery in the arts community of Taylor, about 10 minutes south of Oxford. Menu includes steaks, pork, and chicken, but well known for its fried catfish. Live bluegrass and blues. Brown Bag (bring your own alcohol) is a must. Be prepared to wait for at least 30 minutes to an hour, but it's well worth it. Locals bring their own drinks and tailgate outside on the front porch. An art gallery is close by, as well as sculptor's and potter's shops, which you can browse while waiting for your table. Down the road is Taylor Creek Farm, where you can find fresh flowers, herbs and eggs, and they welcome folks to tour the gardens during the summer. Just steps away Big Truck Theater hosts Mississippi-rooted music, and they will notify you when your table at Taylor is ready. You are encouraged to brown bag there as well. It is customary to sign the Taylor Grocery guest book as well as the walls, so bring your Sharpie. Such notable signatures on the walls of Taylor Grocery include Archie, Eli, and Peyton Manning, Deuce McAllister, Barbara Walters, Jimmy Buffet, Elvis (though no confirmation on authenticity), and a number of literary greats. Head south on Old Taylor Road for about 8 miles. When you think you are lost, the road will end, and you'll see the place. Featured in Southern Living and many other publications. Open Th-Su from 5PM until they decide to close. No reservations, and they frequently quit taking names by 7PM on the Friday of football weekends.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Oxford (CC BY-SA 4.0).