Okatoma
The Okatoma River is probably the most well-known destination for paddlers in South Mississippi and possibly in the whole state. It has its headwaters all the way up near MS Highway 540 and Blackwell Rd. to the East of Mendenhall, and winds about 50 miles until it empties into Bowie Creek, turning it into the Bouie River. (See, Ernest Herndon, Canoeing Mississippi (2001).
The river gets its name from Choctaw words meaning "Shining Water". (New Choctaw Dictionary, First Edition, 2016. Oka -water, Tomi - shine)
We, along with Herndon don't consider the River navigable until it reaches the vicinity of Collins, MS. We have paddled the Okatoma in three sections from Collins to the Bouie with the exception of a small section from the Okatoma Outdoor Post in Sanford to the Lux Road bridge.
The Okatoma River is popular because, in a fairly short stretch of river is hosts numerous rapids with a few Category 2 rapids. There are at least 2 well-known outfitters that do a booming summer business renting canoes and kayaks, the Okatoma Outdoor Post and Seminary Canoe Rental. Both run pick up and drop off points from the Seminary bridge to their own private river front landings near Sanford. And for a small fee, they will allow you to use their landings as pick up and drop off points for your own canoes.
Click Below for NOAA Okatoma River Water Level at Sanford, MS
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Collins to Seminary
The Okatoma River/Creek at Collins crosses Kola Rd. at a beautiful, although small, waterfall that stretches the span of the river. Recently (2019) the site at the bridge was improved, and a small concrete landing was constructed.
When we paddled this section of the Okatoma, it was plagued with numerous logjams, but it was beautiful and pristine. When we made the run, we did not encounter a single other boat.
LANDINGS - DIRECTIONS
SEMINARY TO SANFORD
The section of the Okatoma from Seminary to Sanford is probably the most popular paddling destination in Mississippi, primarily because of its class 1-2 rapids and successful commercialization by local outfitters.
There is a public landing with a concrete boat ramp and a roomy sand bar at the Hwy 590 bridge across the Okatoma. There are take outs at Fairchild Landing which is privately operated by the Okatoma Outdoor Post and at the privately operated Seminary Canoe Rental Landing a little further downstream. Both canoe rental places will allow you to take out at their respective landings for a fee. Last time I checked, it was $5.00 per boat. However, if you want to go it alone without paying the commercial outfits, you will have to paddle all the way to Pep"s Point road or make arrangements with private landowners along the river. We have done this in the past and avoided paying the outfitters.