Best Dispersed Camping near Wilmer, AL
Dispersed camping options near Wilmer, Alabama include two notable areas across the Mississippi state line. Leaf Wilderness Area offers primitive, free camping with sites visible along the main road. Deer Island Dispersed Camping provides a more secluded experience but requires boat access, situated approximately half a mile off the Biloxi coast. Both locations feature minimal amenities consistent with true dispersed camping on public lands.
The Leaf Wilderness Area permits campfires but provides no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Several visitors report hearing shooting in the vicinity due to its status as public land. Navigation can be challenging; some campers note difficulty finding the entrance due to lack of signage, particularly in poor weather conditions or after dark. Clear campsites are visible from the main access road once inside the area.
Deer Island offers a unique coastal camping experience accessible only by watercraft. Kayaking to the island takes just a few minutes from launch points in Biloxi. According to reviews, the island provides excellent bird watching opportunities and genuine solitude, especially on weekdays. Visitors should bring insect repellent as bugs can be present. The island experiences periodic crowding on weekends and some areas have accumulated litter along the shoreline. The proximity to Biloxi means casino lights are visible from certain camping spots. Kayak rental services are available in Biloxi for those without personal watercraft.
Both sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation systems. All supplies must be carried in, and all waste packed out to maintain these natural areas for future visitors.
