Known for its white, sandy beaches and stunning blue waters, Gulf Islands National Seashore spans nearly 160 miles along the coasts of both Mississippi and Florida. Designated to protect barrier islands, the national seashore is divided into 12 distinct regions between the two states. From exploring marshlands and historic forts to hiking trails and swimming, the Gulf Islands offer a myriad of adventures, including plenty of places to camp in and near this National Park Service (NPS) land.
Here are seven RV campgrounds perfect for visiting the Gulf Islands National Seashore and its surrounding coastal attractions.
Gulf Islands National Seashore Campgrounds
1. Fort Pickens Campground
Located in Florida, the Fort Pickens region of the national seashore is filled with Civil War-era history, including its namesake fort which was used by the U.S. Army from the 1800s through the end of World War II. The area’s historic attractions, combined with pristine beaches and coastal views, are a few reasons why the Fort Pickens Campground is one of the busiest NPS camping sites in the U.S.
Featuring more than 200 campsites with electric hookups, this year-round campground welcomes RV and tent campers. Visitors can enjoy easy access to beaches and the Florida National Scenic Trail. The campsites have picnic tables and fire pit rings—plus, there’s a dump station, laundry facility, flushable toilets, and hot showers. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov.
2. Davis Bayou Campground
On the Mississippi side of the national seashore, RVers can camp at the Davis Bayou Campground. This region of the Gulf Islands features marshes, woodlands, and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Take a stroll along the area’s many boardwalks overlooking the Davis Bayou, which connects to the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico.
With more than 50 campsites with electric hookups, this Gulf Islands campground is open year round and is less crowded than the Fort Pickens area. Visitors have access to flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Each campsite features a paved pad and comes with a fire pit and picnic tables. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov.
Other Nearby Campgrounds to Gulf Islands National Seashore
3. Big Lagoon State Park
Tucked between the Mississippi and Florida sections of the Gulf Islands, this Florida state park is located near Perdido Key. Featuring access to the Intracoastal Waterway, Big Lagoon State Park is ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and other water recreation. It’s also a great destination for bird-watching and stargazing.
Top 6 of Florida’s Fantastic Beach Campgrounds
The park’s campground offers 75 sites with 30- and 50-amp hookups, three full-service restrooms, a dump station, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campsites are surrounded by pine flats and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Pets are allowed and reservations can be made online through Florida’s state parks reservation system.
4. Biloxi Bay RV Resort and Marina
This luxe Mississippi campground offers an abundance of amenities and proximity to coastal attractions. It’s also close to the area’s many casinos, restaurants, and entertainment options. Explore portions of Mississippi’s Gulf Islands by chartering a boat to Ship Island or Cat Island off Biloxi’s coast.
With more than 170 RV sites—each featuring 30- and 50-amp hookups—the Biloxi Bay RV Resort offers picturesque water views, a swimming pool, a lazy river, full-service restrooms, and more. There’s also a dog park on-site for those bringing their four-legged friends. If you’re looking for an upscale experience near Gulf Islands National Seashore, this campground features everything you need for a relaxing camping experience.
5. Southern Comfort Camping Resort
Located across from Biloxi Beach in Mississippi, Southern Comfort Camping Resort puts you near Mississippi’s Gulf Islands regions and everything this Southern city has to offer. Family-owned for more than 50 years, Southern Comfort prides itself on customer service and hospitality.
Featuring more than 90 sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups, Southern Comfort can accommodate RVs of all types and sizes. The property features a pool, laundry facility, picnic tables, and more. The campground is pet friendly and reservations can be made by calling 228-432-1700.
6. Baywood Campground RV Park
This Gulfport, Mississippi campground offers proximity to the coastal attractions of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and freshwater recreation on either Big Lake or Mullet Lake, both located less than 10 miles from Baywood Campground. Campers are near dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Featuring more than 100 RV sites, Baywood is big rig and pet friendly. Most sites offer full hookups and each comes with a paved pad and picnic table. There’s also a swimming pool, playground, laundry facility, and dump station on-site. Reservations can be made by calling 228-896-4840.
7. Henderson Beach State Park
Located less than 10 miles east of Florida’s Gulf Islands National Seashore, Henderson Beach State Park provides picturesque views along the Gulf of Mexico and puts RVers near popular vacation destinations like Destin, Florida. What this campground lacks in luxe amenities, it makes up for with its impeccable location.
Why RVers Love Florida State Parks
There are 60 RV sites at Henderson Beach with most of them featuring 30- and 50-amp electric hookups. With a blend of pull-through and back-in sites, the park can accommodate all types of RVs, including rigs up to 60 feet long. The campgrounds shower and restroom facilities are heated and air-conditioned—plus, there’s a laundry facility and dump station. Reservations can be made online up to 11 months in advance through Florida’s state park system.
