Davis Bayou Campground, near Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Gulf Islands National Seashore. With a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and cabins, it caters to a variety of camping styles, making it a great base for exploring the area.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained restrooms and individual shower units, which campers appreciate after a day of outdoor activities. Many visitors have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, with one noting, “I enjoyed walking around by the water,” highlighting the scenic views and tranquility of the surroundings.

For those who like to stay active, there are plenty of opportunities for biking and walking in the nearby historic arts district of Ocean Springs. Campers have also taken advantage of the local restaurants and shops, making it easy to enjoy a meal or pick up supplies. The campground's proximity to the beach and the visitor center adds to the appeal, offering a chance to learn more about the local wildlife and enjoy ranger-led events.

While some sites are close together, the overall vibe is friendly and welcoming. Whether you're here for a quick stop or a longer stay, Davis Bayou Campground provides a solid camping experience with plenty to explore nearby.

## Overview

 Davis Bayou Campground is located east of downtown Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and is a part of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Visitors enjoy the campground for its easy access to boating, fishing, biking and hiking trails.
## Recreation

 Davis Bayou offers many recreational opportunities for visitors year-round such as fishing, boating, biking, bird watching, picnicking and attending ranger-led programs. Visitors may also enjoy hiking along the Davis Bayou Trail, which takes visitors through a coastal forest and over two local bayous, with an opportunity to see alligators and other reptiles. The campground offers easy access, a 1/2 mile, to the park's boat launch, as well as the scenic Davis Bayou Trail. The fishing pier, located near the Visitor Center, may be used by visitors who possess a Mississippi State Saltwater Fishing License.
## Natural Features

 The campground is nestled among live oaks and pine trees and is adjacent to a saltwater marsh. Most campsites offer some shade throughout the day and all offer a tranquil setting for migratory bird watching and picnicking. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Davis Bayou is home to many of the park's highly visited barrier islands, such as Horn, Petit Bois, East Ship and West Ship islands. Private boaters may enjoy fishing and swimming, as well as beach combing and bird watching. Private boaters may also enjoy island camping on all islands except West Ship Island, which is only open to visitors from sunrise to sunset. The barrier islands are accessible by boat only, therefore you may visit with your own boat or by private charter. Visitors may call 228-875-9057, ext. 114, for a list of park-approved licensed boat operators. Ferries run to West Ship Island from Gulfport, MS during the months March through October. For more information about the ferry service, please call Ship Island Excursions at 228-864-1014.

Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Ocean Springs, MS has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Ocean Springs. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Ocean Springs

The Best Camping Near Ocean Springs, Mississippi

My girlfriend and I were super excited to camp here because of the name; National Seashore. We expected kind of beach camping and couldn't find too many pictures of the park that would indicate otherwise. When we got there we quickly realized that we were mistaken and it was more of a swampy marshland, which we should have expected given it is Mississippi. So it took some time to find a place to pitch our small tent where we felt safe. The hardest part was how miserably hot and humid it was. All in all though the camp ground was nice and well kept, the bathrooms and showers were great, the staff and fellow campers were nice, and I had an overall good experience.  Also, the park had a nice welcome center and map that made it easy to find our way around. But I would not recommend tent camping in the summer months because of the heat. 

Camping in Mississippi

This campground is operated by the NPS and is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This is the smaller of the two campgrounds in the National Seashore, the other one being Fort Pickens in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Open year round, this spot has easy access to boating and fishing and provides a nice spot for visiting some of the outer islands of the park. However, the ferry service out to the islands does not operate year round. For more information on how to access the islands without your own boat, check out the NPS website.

This campground is nice and relatively quiet because generators are not allowed. Do note that the busy season is January through March (not the middle of the summer). So if you plan on visiting during this time of year, be sure to reserve your spot early. The campground has nice restrooms and clean showers.

Because this is a part of the NPS, there is a nice Visitor's Center on site and Ranger programs happen frequently. For more information regarding current events and programs, visit : https://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/upload/062817_MS_SummerRangerPrograms_Printable.pdf

If you're looking to spend time at the National Seashore, don't forget to check out the lesser known side here in Mississippi! We will be retuning to this campground this winter and I can't wait!

Coastal Camping

**This is an amazing area for exploring the Bayou by kayak and trails. We loved the diversity of environments, from dense mature hardwoods to marshes to the beach and of course the bayous.**

**Yay: nature center is great and rangers lead free hikes. The campground is medium sized, wooded but fairly open. It’s a simple campground but does have showers and some hookups. It’s very close to civilization, which may or may not be a selling point for you.**

**Nay: no tent only sites, but not bad.**

**Surprise: a few campsites are right next to the water! If you only camp in one place in MS I recommend this one.**

Classic Bayou and National Seashore 

We live very close to Davis Bayou, so we have experienced this area on more than one occasion.

**Camping:** We enjoyed our spot and the variety of locations to park. They are a little close to each other, but far enough to not feel claustrophobic. We enjoyed the fire ring and being close to the woods.

**Water:** There is a night boat ramp and dock here, but check before you come. We recently had some hurricane damage. There is a fee for the boat ramp, but it’s on $3 on an honor system. We purchased a $20 year long pass. This area is good for motor boat access to open water and canoe/kayak access to open water and the bayou. This is also good for fishing.

**Etc:** There is a little bit of hiking/nature trail access here. They have a good exhibit at the visitor center.

Overall a good park nestled in this community.

Camping and lake fun

We camped in the group campsite. The bathrooms were a short walk away but were very clean &amp; nice. There were plenty of trails, fishing areas &amp; lots to explore and see. I would definitely return.

Nice campground

It was great to visit this hidden gem again and I was pleasantly surprised at what great shape it was in following Hurricane Irma and other tropical storms last year. We visited in late November/early December so the bugs weren't too bad at all. We did experience an incredible line of thunderstorms but managed to get some exploring in before the weather moved in.

There are only a few sites here and they are quite small, perfect for small RVs, tents or sleeping in your car. Large oaks and other vegetation provide ample shade for the cooler fall months. Our two four legged fellas enjoyed the flat open grass/dirt area around the campsite and were able to be on their leads without wandering too far in to the thick brush on the edge of the site.

There's a small picnic table that can be moved quite easily as well as well maintained fire rings at each site. There is fresh water available and electric hookups at each site. The bathrooms are clean, as are the showers. The ranger at the entrance station was friendly and chatty. From the campground you can walk along the road (back toward the Visitor's Center) a ways and the duck into the woods or jump on the boardwalk. Keep your eyes peeled, there are some impressive alligators hanging around.

Quaint and Beautiful

This is a small but very nice campground. It has One bathroom and shower building. We have tent camped here twice. Both times was awesome. My parents have stayed in a camper twice. Cruising the coast is a great time to stay. It books early for that time of the year.

Nice Quiet Comfortable

In order to reserve a space, you will need to check for openings on recreation.gov and then check into the visitors' building. There are showers, bathrooms, and water available on site. There is also a campground host present and a few trails within the park. If you want to go to the beach, Front Beach of Ocean Springs is only a 15 minute drive and it is very clean and uncrowded.

Great Campground

stayed here 1 night, part of national park system can use access pass, ac in bathrooms, electric, water, no sewers, has dump station, short drive to great restaurants and casinos!

casino close 

This is a popular park during the winter months as it is a National Park. Reserve early. No wifi, no laundry but clean bathrooms and shower. Electric and water at the campsites and a dump station is available. Close to town and all the good eats. Nice clean park.

Close to Ocean Springs, Ms.

Located directly off Highway 90 in Ocean Springs, this campground has water and electric hookups, along with clean bathrooms. Lots of nature trails and outdoor exploring inside the campground.

Right in the heart of Ocean Springs 

I've spent much of my life here. There's plenty of walking trails, and you can check out the gator alley area where you'll typically see at least one gator. There are plenty of pavilions around that you can rent for larger events, but it's generally pretty quiet here. It's far enough in the woods to where you don't hear much of the city traffic, but close enough to where emergency vehicles could reach you very quickly in case something happened. Safe area for kids, adults, and pets. You're guaranteed to see some pretty cool wildlife and sunsets!

Close enough to civilization, but far enough to feel secluded

Loved it

One of south Mississippi's best kept secrets. This is a small campground located in the National Seashore within the city limits of Ocean Springs.  The diverse ecosystem of the Bayou is fascinating and chances are very high you'll be able to see at least one large gator while you tour this park. (No worries,  they're not near the campsites). The campground itself has 50 reservable sites, all with 30/50 amp electric and water.  Fire rings and picnic tables are at each site also. Most are well shaded and far enough apart to be comfortable.  Terrific bath house and convenient dump station.  Ranger programs are offered through the visitors center which is a must see. The 20 minute video about the park's history and importance is well worth your time.  Make sure to save time to tour the downtown area of Ocean Springs.  It's one of the USA's top rated seaside communities.  

Hidden Gem

This was a super pleasant stop! We enjoyed exploring the trails and seeing the wildlife right around our campground. We had great internet for working and were close to an amazing BBQ restaurant featured on Guy Fieri’s show! We liked this park and would definitely stay again!

Great park!

Arrived in Biloxi only to discover the state park we selected to camp did not exist anymore.  We were directed to Davis Bayou by a very nice police officer.  We arrived at dark but were unaware this is a national park that requires reservations.  With no internet signal we could not complete our registration that night but the camp host let us stay.  In the morning all went well and we now know to always make reservations at a state or federal campground in advance.  Other than that the site #13 was great.  All concrete. Picnic tables and fire pits.  Lots of free firewood for the taking because of the hurricane damage.  22.00 per night

Lesson learned 

Oct 2-4, 2020.  Little late with this review.  Nice quiet little place on the coast. Right on Davis Bayou.  They’re is a nice public boat ramp in the park. The pads are asphalt. Most spots are shaded some part of the day. The sites have electric and water and there is a dump station next to bath house.  The bath house is nice and clean. The staff is friendly and helpful. There are lots of activities nearby.  We spent a day on kayaks exploring the smaller bayous.  Beautiful place that we will return to.  

Great place on the coast

No parking, no getting on the grass, no sewer, no golf carts. And you need to be at least 100 to camp here. 

Sucks

Apríl 2, 2021
Van Camper
Clean facility. Well maintained grounds. Huge picnic park  
Friendly staff. 
My site #35 is on the outside of the loop and on two levels. I can see the bayou through dense brush and trees. Little to no privacy anywhere in campground. Lots of car traffic, bicycles, dog walkers constantly passing by. Sites literally on top of each other. 
Walked with dogs to Nature Trail but found it to be closed due to hurricane damage. 
Lots of activity at the Boat Launch. 



Crammed

Easy access from town and nearby aquarium and art museums. Great drive on 90 along the beach to get there. Check out the small but interesting William Anderson art museum close by the campground. Park was full but sites are well spaced. Clean bathroom with separate shower rooms. Easy walk to the shoreline for bird watching. Some hikes in the campground closed (due to overdue maintenance IMHO).Very friendly ranger checked us in.

Pleasant stay in well kept park

There is not a lot to do in the campground, but it is close to a lot of things.  We had nice shade for our tent.  The park was full but really quiet.  There were mostly older people there when we went.  It was a nice place to relax.  Not far from the beach and entertainment.

Quiet and close to town

Again, last-minute choice for an overnight that was a pleasant surprise. The campground itself isn’t that big, and the main loop is wide open with pads not far apart. If you want to hang out with other campers, this would be the place. We picked a site on the far, little loop which was much more private. Not much to do in the campground itself, but the park looks great. I’d come back and kayak the bayous. Not to mention hike. Very pretty place, looks well maintained.

Pretty, social 

Very clean bathrooms and showers. Campground is within a few miles of main road but seemed very quiet. Surrounding environment was very cool and visitor center had tons of displays. But many of the boardwalks were damaged and closed at the time of our visit.

Quiet Swamp

Nice State Park. Clean and nice camp host. 

Close to the very nice town of Ocean Springs Ms and its cool, walkable downtown. 

We were originally in site 23 but asked to move to site 44 because 23 was right across from the Rv dump and all its smells as rv dumped. 

The inner sites are longer and more level than the sites  on the outside of the loop.  

Nice State Park

We hit this place up as we were travelling the gulf coast. Nice spot for a couple day layover. If you like casinos then maybe you'd enjoy a longer stay. Well maintained, though some of the hiking trails hadn't been repaired from storm damage yet. Close to Biloxi, and convenient stores, laundry and fuel nearby. 

Nice little campground for a few nights. 

We paid $22 for a site with power and water here. There is a dump station but it's right in the middle of the campground near the bathhouse, kind of an awkward location.

This was a quick overnight for us, and we didn't spend much time outside because it was pretty muggy and buggy when we stayed here at the end of February.  Also, sites are paved, but ours anyway had a pretty steep dropoff to the picnic table and fire pit so the site was just an awkward feeling spot. 

Sites are kind of run down but for the price we were happy. 

Free hot showers. No laundry machines. 

Overall a good place if you need to dump/fill/shower, but not a place I'd come to as a destination. 

Good for the Price

I was fortunate enough to get a last minute reservation. I wish this was available another night I enjoy this campground so much. It’s a beautiful and peaceful location. Biking is good. It seems from my walk today that many of the trails are closed due to storm damage but there’s still plenty of walking you can do on the park roads. I wasn’t able to visit the visitors center today since it was already closed but there’s a nice deck out back and I enjoyed it. 

Beautiful and peaceful campground 

Check in was easy. Ranger Patti was nice and helpful. She was standing at the gate when I arrived. Great location for sightseeing in nearby Ocean Springs. Great place to ride bikes or walk. Campground is peaceful and quiet. I didn’t use the bathhouse so I can’t comment on that other than to say there’s just one for the entire campground and there are dumpsters for your trash  I only saw one dump station near the bathhouse but thankfully I dumped my tanks this morning and am only staying one night. I hope to return here when I can stay longer than just one night. Highly recommend. 👍🏻👍🏻

Great place to stay 

I was in the area and was lucky enough to get a same day reservation because someone else had canceled. Ranger Patti was so kind and helpful. My site was nice and level and very quiet. We walked over to the visitor’s center and around the campground. Several of the trails were closed due to hurricane damage but there was still plenty of places to walk in the park. My only regret is I wish we could have stayed longer. 

Lucky to get a last minute reservation 

We really enjoyed our stay at Davis Bayou. The campground seems to be a bit dated, but we kinda enjoyed the nostalgic element this added to the vibe. 

The sites vary in size, we noticed most big rigs had to park their tow vehicles or toads in the auxiliary parking. If this is a problem you may want to look at other options, as the park staff is very diligent about keeping folks off the grass. 

The park staff did regular patrols though out the park. They were very friendly.

We enjoyed riding our bikes around the park and to the historic arts district in Ocean Springs.  There are several restaurants and bars with live music which was fun. There are also alot of art studios to check out.

We also took our canoe all though out Davis Bayou and to the beach, which was a ton of fun. The tides are in play here, so make sure you study up as conditions can and do change rapidly.

The visitors center is definitely worth checking out and while your there make sure to check out the fishing pier. 

Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, power and water. 

The cost is $22 a night per site. 

The bathhouses were cleaned regular and had great water pressure. The water has a bit of a smell to it.

Verizon cell service worked okay. 

Bring bug spray.

Gem on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

This was our first stop on a 3+ month winter escape   We were here 1/23/22 - 1/27/22. Great rate of $11/ night with the senior pass and included water and electric   Very clean restrooms and individual shower rooms with locking doors. Good heat and pressure. A bit noisy here with neighborhood barking dogs, and trains and basically inside a residential area 
Another reason for 4 stars and not 5 is the lack of recycling 
Check out Biloxi and Ocean Springs beaches and the Craft Advisory brewery   
Cute downtown. Can’t remember how our cell service was at this location 
Best site would be #38 IMO
We made reservations here in 10/21 for this time and campground was full with people constantly coming and going 

Inexpensive and good first stop

This is a great base camp for exploring the national park and nearby Ocean Springs. I loved walking the area and it’s fun to bike to nearby Ocean Springs. If you enjoy biking then you will have to stop by TriHard sports in Ocean Springs. I found them to be so nice and helpful. There are several locally owned restaurants to enjoy also. Sites are close together but not on top of each other and fairly level. 


Best place to stay for relaxation and exploration 

Stopped on our way back from LA to FL with our new camper for a shakedown weekend. Site #2 was nice. Plenty of room for 36’ fifth wheel. Ranger was super helpful. Town of Ocean Springs nearby is great to go walk through. 

First stay in new camper

The park itself is nice, organized in loops. The rangers were friendly. The bathroom‘s AC was way too cold. The showers were a bit odd. 

Ok but nothing special 

This was a really great campground! The location to Ocean Springs and Biloxi is perfect. You get real campsites instead of an RV parking lot. 

The campground has recently been repaved: the sites are nice and level. The bathhouse was clean. Showers are separate from the toilets. They had multiple Ranger led evens scheduled every day! The visitors center is nice as well. The rangers really seemed to enjoy talking with us and answering our questions about local wildlife. Sadly, we didn’t see any gators while we were visiting. 

Also, the boardwalk trail is still damaged and closed. I hope they get the funding to be able to get this back open again soon. 

Overall, we had a great experience and plan to return again in the fall. 

Excellent location 

Stopped here for 1 night between Lake Charles and Tallahassee. Great half way stop.  Federal National Seashore campground. Make reservations on recreation.gov.  Very nice campground hosts pulled up in their golf cart while they were making rounds around the campground and checked us in.  Clean, level parking. I was in spot 1 which was well shaded. Stores within 5-10 minute drive. Will definitely stay here again.

Great campground

This is a great site at a great location.  We arrived in the dark but luckily we had the gate code in the email to move in set up our spot. The next morning we were amazed by the beautiful location of it. Highly recommend will definitely come back here 

A real gem 

I enjoyed walking around by the water. This is by ocean springs a little town with awesome art! 

Peaceful Spot

Beautiful campground with large spaces. Wildlife is in abundance. Hosts kept us informed of the weather. Close to everything. 

Gulf beauty. 

We escaped an early winter cold spell in Michigan and made the thousand mile trip to the Mississippi coast. It was worth the drive. The campground includes 52 spaces most of which can accommodate an RV and a vehicle. The spaces are quite small and close to one another. Water and electric are included. There is a campground host on site. We saw a park Ranger just once during our visit. There is a railroad nearby and it is quite loud in the evening. There was no issue for us as we are accustomed to train noises. There is also a group campground nearby, which was very noisy late into the night. I got the sense that this was not customary.  The campground is located in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, which is next to Biloxi. Outside the campground, the golf beaches are beautiful, white sand. The bathrooms and showers are adequate. There is a dump station in the campground. We definitely recommend and will come back.

Photos of Davis Bayou Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

Real photos from real campers