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Okatoma Creek facts for kids

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Okatoma Creek
Other name(s) Okatoma River
Country United States
State Mississippi
City Seminary, Mississippi
Physical characteristics
Main source 31°56′30″N 89°45′55″W / 31.94167°N 89.76528°W / 31.94167; -89.76528
River mouth Bouie River
157 ft (48 m)
31°25′50″N 89°24′12″W / 31.43056°N 89.40333°W / 31.43056; -89.40333

Okatoma Creek is a fun waterway in the state of Mississippi, United States. It flows into the Bouie River and is part of a larger system called the Pascagoula River watershed. A watershed is all the land where water drains into a specific river or body of water.

Fun on Okatoma Creek

Okatoma Creek is a super popular spot for outdoor adventures. People especially love to go canoeing and kayaking here. You can find several places to rent boats near Seminary, Mississippi.

Paddling Adventures

The creek is known for its easy paddling. It has many flat sections, which are great for beginners. There are also some exciting Class I rapids. These are small, easy rapids that add a bit of thrill without being too challenging. If you prefer, you can even carry your boat around the whitewater sections.

Swimming and Picnics

Along the creek, you'll find sandy beaches perfect for swimming. These spots are usually right after the whitewater areas. You might even discover a few rope swings! Many people enjoy picnicking and camping along the creek's banks. It's a great place for a half-day or full-day trip.

Best Times to Visit

The best times to visit Okatoma Creek are in early spring or late autumn. During these seasons, the temperatures are just right for outdoor activities. The average temperatures in Seminary range from about 36 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. In summer, they can be around 86 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall are cooler, usually between 60 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit, and often have more rain, which makes for better river conditions.

What's in a Name?

The name Okatoma comes from the Choctaw language. The Choctaw people are a Native American tribe. The word is thought to mean either "radiant water" or "foggy water." Different sources have slightly different ideas about its exact meaning.

Other Names for the Creek

Over time, Okatoma Creek has been called by a few other names. Some of these include "Lawsons Creek" and "Sun Creek." You might also hear it called "Okatoma River," "Oakatoma Creek," or "Ocatona Creek."

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